Understanding Virginia's Athletic Training Law

What Happens When The Athlete Is Injured?
All injured athletes should see their Athletic Trainer(AT) as soon as they can to get an accurate assessment of the injury. The AT will then give the athlete instructions on how to properly care for the injury. The AT will also let the athlete, coach and parents know at this time the extent of the injury and when the athlete will be able to return to play.

Most injuries can be treated with out seeing a physician, which will decrease the time missed by the athlete. A physician is always going to ere on the side of caution and may tell an athlete to sit out for two weeks for a simple sprain. This is done because the athlete may not follow up with the physician. If any type of fracture or major sprain/strain is suspected, we will suggested seeing a doctor. Working with the parent, coach and physician helps the athlete to return to play sooner.

• Taping will be done for injuries that require it only.
• Ankle braces are recommended for sprains, since the tape stretches out quickly and becomes loose.
• Rehabilitation for the injured area is also required prior to taping.
• There is NO GAME DAY ONLY or show boat taping, which in most cases is illegal and can cause further injury.

What Happens Before An Athlete Can Return To Play?
According to Prince William County Guidelines: All athletes are responsible for furnishing a doctors note in order to return to play after seeing a physician. 
The doctors note must contain the following information:

• diagnosis of the injury of illness
• any restrictions or limitations
• return to play date. 

In the event the attending physician determines that an injured athlete is in suitable condition to resume participation in athletics, the athlete shall be reevaluated by the certified athletic trainer(AT) prior to resumption of activity. If it is the judgment of the AT that the student athlete is not in suitable physical condition to resume full participation, a restricted participation schedule will be formulated by the AT to allow for additional recovery/healing, and progressive return to full participation.

In the event there is a disagreement with the judgment of the AT after the reevaluation, the student athlete will not participate beyond the AT's recommendations until appropriate communication can be established between the Team Physician, AT and attending physician, and an agreement between the treating physician and the Sports Medicine Team is made.

Doctors notes received the day of a contest, with the AT approval, will clear the athlete to participate in the next practice. The athlete must return to participation in a full practice setting before playing in a game. 

Doctors notes are also required for contagious illness and infections such as pneumonia, strep, MRSA or staph and oral surgery, etc.

These guidelines coincide with the VHSL Health Care Policy listed below. 
 

VHSL RULES REGARDING RETURN TO PLAY
Passed by the Virginia High School League’s (VHSL) Executive Committee on April 27, 2001.

• Parents have the ultimate authority to exclude their child from competition, but cannot overrule the exclusion requirement of a physician acting in an official capacity or a team or tournament certified athletic trainer.
• The coach has the authority to exclude a member of their team from competition, but cannot overrule the exclusion requirement of a physician acting in an official capacity or a team or tournament certified athletic trainer.
• A physician acting in an official capacity has the authority to exclude any competitor from competition. No one, including the team or tournament certified athletic trainer, can overrule the physician.
• The team or tournament certified athletic trainer should make it clear when evaluating an injured athlete for return to competition whether he or she is recommending the athlete not return or requiring that the athlete not return. Coaches may elect to reintroduce a competitor against a recommendation but not a requirement.
• If the team or tournament certified athletic trainer observes an injured athlete continuing to compete against his or her requirement that the athlete not compete, the certified athletic trainer shall notify an official that competition must be stopped until the injured athlete has left the competition.
• In disagreements between the tournament and team certified athletic trainers, the team certified athletic trainer has the final authority.

Medication Recommendations

The Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) recommends that if inhalers are used during competition, they must be prescribed and used as directed.
 

Dr. Richard Layfield, MD of NOVA Spine & Sport is our team physician,
when calling ask for him and tell the receptionist you are a FP athlete. You can also ask for Melissa Haug, PA-C.
Office: 703-490-1112 
14605 Potomac Branch Dr, Suite 300, Woodbridge, VA 22191

https://www.novaorthospine.com  

Kenneth P. May, DC, LAc
Doctor of Chiropractic, Outpatient Therapy

Sentara Century Therapy Center
2280 Opitz Blvd Suite 210, Woodbridge Va 22191
Main office: 703-523-1680
Fax: 571-589-2009
kpmay@sentara.com

Energy Drinks per PWCS

In an effort to support safe participation, PWCS does not support the use of energy drinks by athletes. Athletes are prohibited from the use of energy drinks for any reason, especially for the purpose of re-hydration before or after exercise. Fluid replacement drinks or drinks used to replenish body fluid after exercise are defined as drinks that replace energy and electrolytes to assist the body in recovering from exercise. Fluid replacement drinks are not classified as energy drinks. Some common examples of fluid replacement drinks are Gatorade and Powerade.

The penalty for violation of this rule will be established by the athletic departments at each of the individual high schools.

Other important information regarding Athletic Guidelines can be found on the VHSL website at http://www.vhsl.org/medicine.htm

• It is a rapidly progressing bacteria that attacks the soft tissue area of the skin and can become systemic by entering the blood stream which endangers joints and vital organs

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Helping Athletes Survive Two-a-Day Practices