‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

Seguin ISD Student / Parent

Athletic Handbook

MATADORS2016/2017

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

2015 - 2016 Handbook

MATADORATHLETICSSeguinAthletics • 906N.123Bypass • Seguin,TX78155•(830)401-8022•Fax(830) 372-9899

TheAthleticDepartmentofficesaretemporarilyhousedintheResourceCenterBuildinglocatednexttoGoldieHarrisGymandtheSeguinHighSchooltenniscourts.

AthleticOfficeAthleticDirector:TravisBushGirlsCoordinator:KristiStanleyAthleticSecretary:TinaAndersonAthleticTicketClerk:SuzetteLongAthleticTrainers:JohnMize,SarahAndersonWomen’sProgramHeadCrossCountryandTrack:MariselaGaleanaHeadVolleyball:KristiStanleyHeadBasketball:MollyLangwellHeadSoccer:DarinkaBrooksHeadSoftball:JohnGarciaHeadGolf:DustinWyattHeadTennis:ReeMawandeHeadPowerlifting:TravisReustHeadSwim:ErinBorchersMen’sProgramHeadFootball:TravisBushHeadBasketball:DwayneGerlichHeadSoccer:BryantShepardHeadBaseball:MarkWilliamsHeadGolf:DustinWyattHeadTennis:ReeMawandeHeadTrack:WillHeywardHeadPowerlifting:TravisReustA.J.BriesemeisterMiddleSchoolCampusCoordinator:GabeHernandezHeadGirl’sCoach:CharronMillerJimBarnesMiddleSchoolCampusCoordinator:BrandonKelleyHeadGirl’sCoach:ChristinaPhinney

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

LETTERTOATHLETEDearMatadorAthlete,TheAthleticDepartmentofapublicschoolsystemshouldbeavital,contributingpartofthetotaleducationsystem. Itshouldbeaworkinglaboratorywhereteamskillsareexperienced. Weshouldnotserveasa“minorleague”forcollegeorprofessionalathletics,butratheraneducationalarmforhelpingtodevelopourstudentsintothebestcitizenspossible.Thetotalathleticprogramshouldmaintainabroadscopethatwillofferallstudentswithathleticinteresttheopportunityforsafe,wholesome,beneficialparticipationinthesport(s)oftheirchoice.Themostimportantpurposeorgoaloftheathleticdepartmentshouldbetohelpyoungmenandwomen,throughcompetitiveathletics,todeveloptheirbodies,minds,andspiritualbeingsintostrong,contributingmembersofsociety.Wewould like for thecoaches,players,parents,andcommunity tobeperceivedasa“classact”compo-nentofoureducationalsystem. Thisphilosophywillpromotetheattitudeandexpectancyofa“champi-onship”program.The emphasiswill be placed on developing thework ethic and commitment necessary to enhance theperformanceof the athleteon the court/field. Traditionandwinning are attributesthat are associatedwiththoseathletesthatarewillingtodevotetheadditionaltimebeforeorafterschool,duringthesea-son,afterthe season,andduring the summer. Traditionandwinningbeginwith the commitment, firstwithyou,theathlete,thentotheteam,andfinallywiththeprogram.

Welookforwardtoyourpersonalcommitmenttoourprogram.

SeguinAthleticCoachingStaff

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

ATHLETICGOAL&OBJECTIVESWhenyoungmenandwomensignupforathleticsandbecomemembersofateam,theymakeacommitment.Theyareobligatedtofollowtherulesandregulationsoftheprogram. Theyarenotforcedtoparticipate.Itisvoluntary;therefore,theyareexpectedtofollowtherulesoforder.Parentsshouldstrivetohelptheirsonordaughtertoachievesuccessinathletics. Successisdefinedasparticipatingat100%oftheindividual’sability. Wecanneverexpectathletestodomorethantheyarecapable;however,wedowantthemtoreachtheirfullestpotential. Supportiveparentscaninstillthisdesireinstudentathleteslongaftertheirplayingdaysareoverbyseeingthatthestudentisontime,attendspracticesandgames,andfollowstherulesandregulations.

AthleticGoalandObjectivesOurgoal: Thestudent-athleteshallbecomeamoreeffectivecitizenandproductivememberofsociety.

Objectives: Thestudent-athleteshalllearn:

1. Toworkwithothers:Inademocraticsociety,apersonmustdevelopself-discipline,respectforauthority,andthespiritofhardworkandsacrifice. Theteamanditsobjectivesmustbeplacedhigherthanpersonaldesires.

2. To be successful: Our society is very competitive. We do not always win, but we succeed when we

continuouslystrivetodoso.Youcanlearntoacceptdefeatonlybystrivingtowinwithearnestdedication.Asuccessfulpersonhasadesiretoexcelanda“neverquit”attitude.

3. Todevelopsportsmanship:Toacceptanydefeatorvictorylikeatruesportsmanandtoknowonehas

donehis/herbestaresignsofagoodsportsman. Weneedtodevelopdesirablesocialtraits,includingemotionalcontrol,honesty,cooperation,anddependability. Weneedtorespectopposingplayers,coaches,officials,spectators,andsupportgroups. Treatthemasyouwouldwanttobetreated. Whobetterthantheycanunderstandallthehardworkandteameffortthatisrequired?

4. Toimprove: Continualimprovementisessential. Asanathlete,youmustestablishagoal,andyoumustbe

committed to attaining that goal. Personal sacrifice, work ethic, accountability, and, most important,dedicationareessentialcomponentsinanindividual’sdevelopmentasaleaderorteammate.

5. To enjoy athletics: It is necessary for athletes to enjoy participation,to acknowledge all of thepersonal

rewards tobederived fromathleticsand togive sufficientlyof themselves inorder topreserve thepro-gram.

6. Todevelopdesirablepersonalhealthhabits: Tobeanactivecontributingcitizen,itisimportanttoobtaina

highdegreeofphysicalfitnessthroughexercise,nutrition,andgoodhygiene,thatcanbeusedafteryourformalyearsofcompetitionhavebeencompleted.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

REQUIREMENTSTOPARTICIPATEThefollowingitemsmustbeturnedintotheAthleticDepartmentbeforeparticipatinginanypracticeorgameinanyextracurricularathleticactivity.A. PhysicalExaminationAphysicalexaminationisrequiredeverytwoyearsbeginninginthe7thgrade. Therefore,physicalswillberequiredinthe7th,9th,and11thgrades. ThephysicalformisavailablefromtheAthleticOffice,theathletictrainersorthecoaches.UseonlytheapprovedUILformtorecordphysicalexaminations. Clubororganizationformswillnotbeaccepted. Thephysicalcoversallsportsforthetwo-yearperiod. AgroupphysicalwillbescheduledbytheathletictrainersduringMayoftheprecedingschoolyearforhighschoolathletesandduringJulyfor7thand9thgraders.B.AthleticDepartmentFormsPacket(onlineatwww.seguinisd.net,underdepartmentsinpulldownmenu)This packet includes (1) UIL Acknowledgment of Rules; (2) consent to emergency medical treatment; (3)personalstudentandparentinformation;(4)amedicalhistory;and(5)steroidnotification. Themedicalhistorywillonlybefilledoutduringtheyearsthatanewphysicalexaminationisnotrequired. Thepacketshouldbefilledoutcompletely!Donotleaveanyrequestedinformationblank.C.AcknowledgmentofSISDAthleticHandbook(onlineatwww.seguinisd.net,underdepartmentsinpulldownmenu)SigningonlineshowsreceiptoftheAthleticHandbookandacknowledgesthatthestudent-athleteandparent/guardianwillcomplywiththerulesandpoliciescontainedintheAthleticHandbook.D. AcademicEligibilityAstudentingrades9-12mayparticipateinextracurricularactivitiesonoroffcampusatthebeginningoftheschoolyearonlyifthestudenthasearnedthecumulativenumberofcreditsinstate-approvedcourses.

1. Beginningthe9thgradeyear–musthavebeenpromotedfromtheeighthtotheninth.2. Beginningthe10thgradeyear–musthaveatleast5creditstowardsgraduation.3. Beginningthe11thgradeyear–musthaveatleast10creditstowardgraduationorduringthe

precedingtwelvemonths,he/shemusthaveearned5credits.4. Beginningthe12thgradeyear–musthave15creditstowardgraduationorduringthepreceding

twelvemonths,he/shemusthaveearned5credits.AstudentparticipatinginUILactivitieswillbesuspendedfromparticipationingamesafteragradingperiodinwhichthestudentreceivedagradelowerthana70onascaleof100inanyacademicclass(otherthananidentifiedhonorsoradvancedclass)foraperiodofthreeweeks. Thegradeswillbereviewedattheendofeachthree-weekperiod;thesuspensionwillberemovedifthestudentispassingallclasseswithagradeequaltoorgreaterthana70.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

CODEOFCONDUCTAfirmandfairpolicyofenforcementisnecessarytoupholdtheregulationsandstandardsoftheathleticdepartment.Theschooladministratorsandcoachingstafffeelstronglythathighstandardsofconductandcitizenshipareessentialtomaintainingasoundprogramofathletics. Thewelfareofthestudentisthemajorconsiderationandtranscendsanyotherconsideration.AthleticsisaprivilegeintheSeguinISD,andstudentschoosetobeapartoftheprogram. Sincestudent-athletesrepresenttheirschooland,inmanyinstances,theircommunity,student-athletesareheldtohigherstandardsofbehaviorthanthosespecificintheStudentCodeofConduct. Participantsareexpectedtofollowtherulesincluding,butnotlimitedto,theStudentCodeofConductandtomaintainafavorableattitudeandproperconductatalltimes. ViolationsoftheathleticpolicythatarealsoviolationsoftheStudentCodeofConductmayresultinindependentdisciplinaryactionsbytheAthleticDepartment.

AthleticCodeofConduct–AthleticDepartmentPolicies

1. Coaches’Rule:TheheadcoachesofeachsportmayestablishadditionalrulesandregulationswiththeapprovaloftheAthleticDirector. Therulespertainingtoaparticularsportmustbeexplained,inwriting,bythecoachatthestartoftheseason. Thecoachshalladministerpenaltiesforviolationofteamrules. CopiesofallteamrulesareonfileintheAthleticOffice.

2. Discipline:

Disciplineyourself,sootherswon’thaveto.Eachsituationmayrequireadifferenttypeofdiscipline. Whatevertypeofdisciplineisrequired,thepurposeistohelpathletesimprovethemselvesandtobecomebetterpeople.Failuretoacceptdisciplineonthepartoftheathleteorparent/guardianmayresultinthedismissalfromtheteamand/ortheathleticprogram. Thedifferentdisciplinetechniqueslistedbelowarerecommendedbytheathleticdepartmentforcoachestouseandarenotintendedtobealistofprogressivesanctions:

• Verbalcorrection• Cooling-offtimeortimeout• Counselingbycoaches• Techniquesorpenaltiesidentifiedbyindividualcoach• Homevisitorphonecontactbyheadcoach• Parent-coachconferencewithathleticdirector• Probationarycontract• Suspensionfromteam• Dismissalfromteamorprogram

3. Conduct:

SeguinathletesareheldtoastandardhigherthantheSeguinISDCodeofConduct. Thisstandardappliesatalltimesandnotjustatathleticevents.

Failuretocomplywithgameconductexpectations,oranunsportsmanlikereprimandthatresultsinagameejection,mayresultindisciplinaryactionfromthecoach,gamesuspensions,ordismissalfromtheteamand/orprogram.Eachsituationwillbereviewedandevaluatedonacase-by-casebasis.Student-athleteswhoviolatetheSeguinISDCodeofConduct,listedintheStudent/ParentHandbook,aresubjecttothedisciplinaryconsequencesandadditionalathleticpenaltiesasdeemedappropriatebytheathleticdepartmentandapprovedbytheprincipal.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

SOCIALMEDIASocialMedia,otherViolations–Studentathletesarehigh-profilerepresentativesofSeguinISD,andtheir

behaviorissubjecttoscrutinybytheirpeers,thecampus,communityandthemedia.StudentathletesareexpectedtorepresentthemselvesandSISDwithhonor,respectanddignityatalltimes,includingwheninteractingonsocialnetworkingwebsitesandotheronlineenvironments.Asaconditionofbeingastudent-athleteinSISD,student-athletesmustabidebythefollowingrulesrelatedtotheuseoftheinternetandsocialnetworkingsites:

1.Anypostingsorcommunicationsviasocialnetworkingwebsiteswhichdisrupteithertheeducationalorathleticenvironmentsorwhichadvocatestheviolationofanyschoolorteampolicyisunacceptable.

2.Student-athletesmaynotpostonlineanypictures,informationorothercontentthatmightcauseembarrassmenttothemselves,fellowstudent-athletes,teams,coaches,theAthleticsDepartmentorthecampus(examples:obsceneimagesorlanguage,nudity,picturesatpartieswithalcohol,referencestodrugs,sex,orillegalactivities).

3.Student-athletesmaynotpostanycontentonlinethatisunsportsmanlike,derogatory,demeaningorthreateningtowardanyotherindividual,teammate,coach,facultymember,orentity(examples:derogatorycommentsregardinganotherschool;tauntingcommentsaimedatastudent-athlete,coachorteamatanotherschool).Nopostsshoulddepictorencourageunacceptableorillegalactivities(examples:hazing,sexualharassment/assault,gambling,discrimination,fighting,vandalism,academicdishonesty,underagedrinking,illegaldruguse).

4.Student-athletesmaynotpostanycontentonlinethatwouldconstituteaviolationoftheSISDStudentCodeofConduct.

5.Student-athletesmaynotpostanyinformationthatissensitiveorpersonalinnatureorisproprietarytotheAthletic Department or the school which is not public information (examples: tentative or future teamschedules,student-athleteinjuriesandeligibilitystatus,travelplans/itineraries.

6.Student-athletesarerequiredtoabidebyalllawsrelatedtotheuseoftheinternet(includingstateandfederalprivacylawssuchasFERPAandHIPPA),andstudent-athletesarepersonallyliableforanyviolationsofthoselaws.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

ATHLETICSTANDARDSAcademics:GotoClass-ActwithClass!AllstudentsarerequiredtoremainacademicallyeligibleundertheguidelinesoftheUIL. Athleticsandacademicscanandshouldworkhand-in-hand. Thereisnoreasonthatathletescannotstrivetobechampionsintheclassroom,aswellasintheathleticarena. Rememberthatrepeatedoccurrencesofineligibilityunderthe“No-Pass-No-Play”rulemayresultindismissalfromtheteamoreventheathleticprogram.AttendanceAttendclasses,andbeontime. Absence/tardyfromanathleticperiodishandledjustlikeallotheracademicclassesasstatedintheSeguinHighSchoolStudentHandbook. TheAthleticDepartmentasksparents/guardianstocalltheathleticofficeofthesportinwhichtheirson/daughterparticipatesandlethis/hercoachknowofhis/herabsence.Medicalappointmentsarenecessaryforallfamilies;theAthleticDepartmentasksparentstoinformcoachesoftheirson’s/daughter’sappointmentsinadvance.Playingtimeandpositiononthedepthchartarefactorsthatareaffectedbyabsences.Athletesmustattendschoolandpracticetoparticipateinextracurricularactivities.SquadSelectionInaccordancewithourphilosophyofathleticsandourdesiretoseeasmanystudentsaspossibleparticipateintheathleticprogram,weencouragecoachestokeepasmanystudentsastheycanwhilemaintainingtheintegrityoftheirsport.IncomingfreshmenmusthavetherecommendationoftheirmiddleschoolcoachortheapprovaloftheAthleticDirectorbeforesigningupforanathleticperiod. ReturninghighschoolstudentswhohaveneverbeeninanathleticperiodmusthavetheapprovaloftheAthleticDirectorandtheheadcoachofthatsporttobeplacedintoanathleticperiod.CuttingChoosingthemembersofathleticsquadsisthesoleresponsibilityofthecoachesofthosesquads. Priortotryouts,thecoachshallprovidethefollowinginformationtoallcandidatesfortheteam:

•Extentoftryoutperiod•Criteriausedtoselecttheteam•Numbertobeselected•Practicecommitment,iftheymaketheteam(vacationduringseason,etc.)•Gamecommitment

InjuryorillnessTheSeguinAthleticDepartmenthastwoathletictrainersonstaff. Uponhavinganinjuryorillness,thestudentorfamilymembershouldcontactthemat372-5770ext.20715. Ourtrainersworkverycloselywiththephysiciansinourcommunityandcanassistyouwithanypossiblequestionsthatyoumighthave. Iftheathleteisinjured,weexpecttheathletetobeinattendancebeforeschool(7:10a.m.),duringathleticperiodandafterschoolfortreatmentasrecommendedbythetrainers.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

ATHLETICSTANDARDSCONT.AmbassadorsofSeguinAllathletesmustrealizetheresponsibilitiesofbeingambassadorsoftheircommunity. Unsportsmanlikeordisrespectfulbehaviorwillnotbetolerated. Conductofthisnaturewillresultindisciplinaryaction.Seriousorrepeatedoffensesmayresultinremovalfromtheteamorathleticprogram.QuittingAnyonequittingasportafteratrialperiod(usuallybeforethefirstscrimmage)willnotbeallowedtoparticipateinanothersportuntiltheseasonofthesportquitiscompleted. DisciplinaryRemovalIfitbecomesnecessarytoconsiderremovingastudentfromateamortheathleticprogram,thecoachofthatteamwillnotifytheAthleticDirector. ThestudentwillhavetheopportunitytoconferwiththecoachandtheAthleticDirector.Parentswillreceivenotificationandbeinvitedtoattendtheconference.ConflictinActivitiesSeveralofourathletesareinotherschool-relatedactivities,suchasband,cheerleading,danceteam,FFA,studentcouncil,ROTC,justtonameafew. This,ofcourse,causesaconflictofobligationsforthestudent.TheAthleticDepartmentrecognizesthateachextra-curricularactivityrequiresdifferentmandatesthatarenecessarytoachievethelevelofexcellenceaffordedtheirprograms. Itisimperativethat,ifthestudentandparentsknowofanypossibleconflicts,theyinitiatethecommunicationtotheappropriatecoachorsponsor.Ifpracticesaremissed,thenitisleftuptothecoachorsponsortodeterminetherolethatathleteplaysinhis/herprogram.MultipleSportsAthletesareencouragedtoparticipateinmorethanonesport;however,eligibilitytoparticipateinaparticularsportwillnotbebaseduponparticipationinasecondsport.Studentathleteswillbegiveneveryopportunitytocompeteinmultiplesports.Ifthereareanyconcerns,consultwiththeheadcoachofthesportortheAthleticDirector. Wewantwhat’sbestforyourchild.CareofEquipmentandFacilitiesAthleticequipmentisissuedineverysportandistobehungupintheathlete’sassignedlocker. (LocksaresuppliedbytheAthleticDepartment.) Eachstudent/athleteisresponsibleforhis/herequipment. Ifequipmentislostortorn,thestudent/athleteshouldreportittohis/hercoach. Thecoachwilldeterminethepriceoftheequipmentinquestionandassessafeebasedonthereplacementcostandageofequipment. AllathletesshouldmaintainthelockerroomandaddressanydamagestothefacilitytothecoachorAthleticDirector.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

ATHLETICSTANDARDSCONT.TravelAllathletesrepresentthecommunity,school,andteam. Therefore,itisexpectedthatallathletesdressin

anacceptablemannerasoutlinedbytheheadcoachonalltripsandconductthemselvesinapropermanner.Whenmissingclassesbecauseofearlyreleaseduringtheweek,itistheresponsibilityofthatathletetoseehis/herteachersthedaybeforeandgettheassignments. Studentathletesarenotgivenspecialprivilegesbecauseoftheeventsinwhichtheyparticipate. Utilizingtraveltimeoridletimebeforeorafteracontestaffordsthestudenttimetodevotetohis/herstudies. Allworkshallbemadeupattheconvenienceoftheteacherinaccordancewiththestudenthandbook.

b.AsperBoardpolicyFBG(LOCAL),allathletesmakingaschoolsponsoredtripshallberequiredtorideintransportationprovidedbytheschooltoandfromtheevent. TheAthleticDepartmentunderstandsthattherearefamilyemergenciesthatwarrantthereturnoftheathletewiththeparent. Ifthisemergencyisimminent,thentheparentmusthaveaStudentTravelReleaseFormsignedbytheprincipalorAthleticDirector.TheAthleticDepartmentstronglyencouragesparentstominimizetheuseofReleaseFormsforconveniencepurposes,thusaffordingtheteamtobondasaunitonextra-curriculartrips.

c. Meals–Mealswillbeprovidedforallteams(Varsity,JV,andFreshmen)travelingtoout-of-towngames(atthe coaches’ discretion depending on distance and time traveled). The District will not providemeals toteamswithhomegames.

Vacations

Vacationsbyathleticteammembersduringasportseasonarestronglydiscouraged,and,whilefamilyvalueswillalwaystakeprecedenceoverprogramrequirements,parentsandathletesinconflictbetweenvacationsandprogramrequirementsmaywishtoreassesstheircommitmenttobeinginvolvedinathletics. Weurgeparentsnottoplantheirvacationsduringtimeswhentherewillbeconflicts,butiftheconflictisunavoidable,thefollowingplanshouldbeimplemented:

• Findoutthescheduleofsportinadvancefromheadcoach.• Contacttheheadcoachofthatsportpriortothevacation.• Ontheathlete’sreturn,foreverydaymissed,anadditionaldayofpracticewillbemadeup,including

contestdays.• Ontheathlete’sreturn,thestatusofplayingtimeandrollofplayer issubjecttocoaches’decision.

ClubSports

a. Aclubsportisasport’sprogramoutsideoftheschoolthatisnotaffiliatedwithUILathletics. TheAthleticDepartmentfeelsthattheathlete’sobligationsaretotheschoolsportandshouldtakeprecedenceoveranyclubactivity. Athleteswillnotbeexcusedtomissaschoolcontestoreventforaclubevent.Ifanathletepursuesclubparticipation,he/shemust:

(1) contactallheadcoachesofsportsattheschoolinwhichhe/sheisparticipating;(2) bewillingtoassumethestatusofplayingtimeandroleplayedonteam.

b.Intoday’shighschoolprogram,athletesaregivenopportunitiestoenhancetheirskillsbyparticipatinginclubsports.Clubsportscanbeafinancialhardshiptomanyfamilies,buttobeabletocompeteandelevatetheskillsofourathletes,it’sdesirabletotrytoparticipateinclubsports. Tohelpdefraythecosttoourfamiliesinthecommunity,eachheadcoachworkscloselywiththeAthleticDirectorinpursuingpossiblefinancialassistanceprojects.

DressandAppearance:SeeSchoolDressCodepolicy Eachcoachmayhaveadditionaldressrequirementsforathletesbasedonuniformsortravelmandates.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

BANQUETPOLICY&AWARDSBanquetPolicyTheSeguinSportsBoosterClubwillsponsoronerecognitionbanquettohonorallsports. ThisbanquetisnormallyscheduledinMay.Allathletesareinvitedtothebanquet,butonlythevarsityathleteswillbegivenacomplimentaryticketforthemselves. Nooneshouldplanparties,etc.foranyteambecausethismightviolateUILregulations.AwardsAthleticawardsareawardedbythecoaches,subjecttoapprovalbytheAthleticDirector,accordingtopolicy.Astudentmayqualifyforanawardinasportonlyifhe/shehasmetallofthefollowingcriteria:1. Thestudent-athletemustcompletetheentireseasoningoodstanding.2. Thestudentmustparticipateinallworkouts,excludingillness,emergencies,orparticipationinanother

school-sponsoredfunction. Allmissedworkoutsmaybemadeup. (SeeAthleticDepartmentPolicies#5.)3. Forvarsityletterawards,thestudent-athletemustmeetthespecificguidelinessetbytheheadcoachof

eachsport.ExceptionAthis/herdiscretion,thecoachofanysportmayrecommendforanawardanathletewhohasnotmettheguidelines. Thereareinstanceswhenanathletecontributesgreatlytotheteamthroughpersonaleffort,loyalty,attitude,etc.,orsuffersanyinjurythathaspreventedhim/herfromcompeting,buthe/shecontinuedtocontributetotheteam.Ifdeemedworthy,atthecoach’sdiscretionandwiththeapprovaloftheAthleticDirector,anathletemayreceiveanaward.ThespecificathleticawardsgivenbytheAthleticDepartmentarelistedbelow.1. Aletterjacketwillbeawardedtoastudent-athleteonceinhis/herhighschoolyearsofcompetition. This

jacketmaybeforacademics,band,choir,ROTC,cheerleading,drillteamorathletics. Theathleticjacketisgivenforcompetitiononthevarsitylevel.

2. Anystudent-athletewhofulfillstheguidelinesforvarsityathleticcompetitionandhasalreadybeenawardedajacket,eitheracademic,band,choir,ROTC,drillteam,cheerleading,orathletic,willreceivealetterindicatingthenumberofyearsofvarsityparticipation.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

ATHLETICINSURANCEPOLICIES&GUIDELINESThepurposeofthissectionistoexplaintheaccidentinsurancepolicy,whichcoversallathletesintheSeguinIndependentSchoolDistrict.SeguinISDcarriesanaccidentinsurancepolicyforallstudentspracticingforandcompetinginanyathleticactivityundertheregulationandjurisdictionofthedistrict. Thispolicydoesnotpayallexpenses;itisasecondarypolicytoanyotherinsurancewhichmaybecoveringthisstudentandmayhelppayforexpensesnottakencareofbythestudent’sfamilyinsurance. ItisrecommendedbytheathletictrainersandtheAthleticDirectorthateveryeffortbemadebythefamilyofeachstudenttoprovideaprimaryinsuranceofsomekindincaseofaccidentorinjury. Thiswillreducethechanceoffinancialstrainincasethedistrictinsuranceplanmustbeappliedincasesofinjuryrequiringsurgeryorlong-termtreatment. Thereisnoneedtoapplyforthisinsurance. Theathletictrainersareresponsibleforinitiatingtheclaimprocessforallstudentathletes.PleasefollowtheguidelinesbelowforusingtheSISDAthleticInsurancePolicy.DoctorReferralProcedureIncaseofaninjury,parentsshouldcontacttheathletictrainers(830-372-5770#20715)ortheAthleticOffice(830-401-8022)beforetakingtheirchildtothedoctor. FailuretodosomayforfeittheirrightstoinsuranceclaimscoveredundertheSISDplan. Pleasenotethatevenifthestudentiscoveredunderaprimaryinsuranceandtheparentsdonotplanonapplyingthedistrictinsurancepolicy,itisstillnecessarytocontacttheathletictrainersorAthleticOfficebeforeseeingadoctor. Ifyoursonordaughterrequiresmedicalattentionasaresultofanathleticinjury,adoctorreferralorhospitalvisit(example: EmergencyRoom,x-rays,etc.)willbeinitiatedbytheSISDAthleticTrainers. Exceptforemergencysituations,shouldyoursonordaughterwithanathleticinjuryvisitanydoctororhospitalwithoutinitialevaluationandreferralfromtheSISDathletictrainers,SISDwillnotassumefinancialresponsibilityformedicalbillsregardingthatathleticinjury.InjuriesCoveredbytheSISDAthleticDepartmentInjuriesthatarecoveredbytheSISDAthleticDepartmentinclude:• injuriesthatareinitiallyseenandreferredtoaphysicianbytheSISDAthleticTrainers;• thosethatoccurin-seasonoroff-season(inadherencewithUILConstitutionandRules);and• thosethatareclassifiedasa“medicalemergency”shouldtheAthleticTrainernotbeavailableatthetime

ofinjury.InjuriesNotCoveredbytheSISDAthleticDepartmentInjuriesthatarenotcoveredbytheSISDAthleticDepartmentinclude:• injuryresultinginthelockerroomorshowers(i.e.,fightsorhorseplay);• fightsthatoccuratpracticeoringames;• athletestakentothedoctorbyparents,coaches,nurses,orschooladministratorswithoutfirstconsulting

theAthleticTrainers;• injuriesthatoccurduringsummeractivities;• injuriesthatmayoccurtoanathleteonschoolpremisesbutarenotassociatedwithathletics;• thosethatoccurormedicalservicesthatmayresultafteranathletehasgraduatedfromSISD;• thosethatmayoccurormedicalservicesthatmayresultafteranathletehasquitorbeendroppedfroma

particularsport;• infectionsordiseasesofanytype(i.e.,boils,warts,colds,flu,hepatitis,vaccinationorcasecounseling,

athlete’sfoot,allergies,etc.);• injuriesthatresultfromapre-existingconditionpriortobeginningparticipationinathletics.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

PersonalandSchoolInsuranceUseforInjuriesPersonalinsuranceistobeappliedinitiallyconcerningallmedicalbills. SISDAthleticInsurancewillsupplementanyotherhospitalizationoraccidentinsurance. Medicalattentionmustbeobtainedwithin30daysfromthedateofinjury,andaproperlycompletedclaimformmustbefiledwiththeSISDAthleticTrainerswithin60daysofthedateofinjury. ItwillbetheresponsibilityoftheathletetoreportaninjuryandobtainanAccidentReport.Aclaimformwillbesenttotheparent/guardian. Itwillbetheresponsibilityoftheparent/guardiantosubmittheclaimformtotheAthleticTrainersandfollowuponpaymentofbills. TheschoolinsurancewillpayaccordingtoitsExplanationofBenefits. ContactJulieMooreatjmoore@seguin.k12.tx.usorattheSeguinISDCentralAdministrativeOfficeforacopy. SISDcannotlegallyassumeresponsibilityofmedicaland/orhospitalbillsresultingfrominjurytoanyathlete. ExpensesnotcoveredbythepolicyaretheresponsibilityoftheparentorlegalguardianandnottheSISD.

CODEOFCONDUCTFORPARENTSWebelievethatinterscholasticathleticcompetitionshoulddemonstratehighstandardsofethicsandsportsmanshipandpromotethedevelopmentofgoodcharacterandotherimportantlifeskills.Wealsobelievethatthehighestpotentialofsportsisachievedwhenparticipantsarecommittedtopursuingvictorywithhonor.Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness–Beworthyoftrustinallyoudo.

Integrity–Liveuptohighidealsofethicsandsportsmanship;dowhat’srightevenwhenit’sunpopularorpersonallycostly.

Honesty –Liveandacthonorably;don’tallowyourchildrentolie,cheat,stealorengageinanyotherdishonestorunsportsmanlikeconduct.

Reliability–Fulfillcommitments;dowhatyousayyouwilldo;beontime;whenyoutellyourchildrenyouwillattendanevent,besuretodoso.

Respect

Respect–Treatpeoplewithrespectallthetimeandrequirethesameofyourchildren.

Class–Liveandcheerwithclass;begraciousinvictoryandacceptdefeatwithdignity;complimentextraordinaryperformance;andshowrespectforallcompetitors.

DisrespectfulConduct–Don’tengageindisrespectfulconductofanysortincludingprofanity,obscenegestures,offensiveremarksofasexualnature,trash-talking,taunting,boastfulcelebrations,orotheractionsthatdemeanindividualsorthesport.

RespectOfficials–Treatcontestofficialswithrespect;don’tcomplainaboutorarguewithofficialcallsordecisionsduringorafteranathleticevent.

RespectCoaches–Treatcoacheswithrespectatalltimes;recognizethattheyhaveteamgoalsbeyondthoseofyourchild.Don’tshoutinstructionstoplayersfromthestands;letthecoachescoach.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

Responsibility

ImportanceofEducation–Stressthatstudent-athletesarestudentsfirst.Behonestwithyourchildrenaboutthe likelihood of getting an athletic scholarship or playing on a professional level. Place the academic,emotional,physicalandmoralwell-beingofyourchildrenabovedesiresandpressurestowin.

Role-modeling–Consistentlyexhibitgoodcharacterandconductyourselfasarolemodelforyourchildren.

Self-control–Exerciseself-control;don’tfightorshowexcessivedisplaysofangerorfrustration;havethestrengthtoovercomethetemptationtodemeanothers.IntegrityoftheGame–Protecttheintegrityofthegame;don’tgambleonyourchildren’sgames.PrivilegetoCompete–Assurethatyouandyourchildunderstandthatparticipationininterscholasticsportsisaprivilege,notaright,andthattheyareexpectedtorepresenttheirteam,schoolandfamilywithhonor,onandoffthefield.

Fairness

BeFair–Treatallcompetitorsfairly;beopen-minded;alwaysbewillingtolistenandlearn.

Caring

Encouragement–Encourageyourchildrenregardlessoftheirplay;offerpositivereinforcement.Demonstratesincereinterestinyourchild’splay.

ConcernforOthers–Demonstrateconcernforothers;neverencouragetheinjuryofanyplayer,officialsorfellowspectator.

Empathy–Considertheneedsanddesiresofyourchild’steammatesinadditiontoyourown;helppromotetheteamconceptbyencouragingall teammembers,understanding that thecoach is responsible fordeterminingplayingtime.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

HEADINJURIESSignsandSymptomsofMildHeadInjuryParentsneedtobeawareoftheobservablesignsandsymptomsofaconcussion:

Headache NauseaBalanceproblemsordizziness DoubleorfuzzyvisionSensitivitytolightornoise FeelingsloweddownFeeling“foggy”or“notsharp” ChangeinsleeppatternConcentrationormemoryproblems IrritabilitySadness Feelingmoreemotional

Post-concussionSyndromeFollowingamildheadinjury,athletesmaysufferanumberoflingeringsymptomsforvaryinglengthsoftime.Ifanyofthefollowinglistofpost-concussivesymptomsarenoted,theathleteshouldnotbeallowedtoreturntoparticipationandshouldbereferredforphysicianevaluationifsymptomspersist.

Depression Numbness/tinglingDizziness PoorbalanceDrowsiness PoorconcentrationExcesssleep RingingintheearsFatigue SadnessFeeling“infog” SensitivitytolightHeadache SensitivitytonoiseIrritability TroublefallingasleepMemoryproblems VomitingNausea Nervousness

Second-ImpactSyndromeSecond-impactsyndromeisarareevent,whichposesasignificantconcernforathleteswhoreturntoosoonaftersufferingapreviousconcussion.Second-impactsyndromeischaracterizedbyanauto-regulatorydysfunctionthatcausesrapidandfatalbrainswelling,andcanresultindeathinaslittleastwotofiveminutes.Itisparticularlyimportanttonotethatvirtuallyallofthesecond-impactsyndromecasesthathavebeenreportedhaveoccurredinadolescentathletes.Theprogressivesignsofsecond-impactsyndromeareasfollows:

• Previoushistoryofconcussion• Visual,motororsensorychanges• Difficultywithmemoryand/orthoughtprocess• Collapseintocoma• Signsofcranialnerveandbrainstempressure

CumulativeEffectsofRepeatedConcussionsAtthistime,thereislittleknownaboutthecumulativeeffectofconcussions.However,earlyresearchsuggeststhatathleteswhohavesustainedatleastonemildheadinjury(MHI)haveagreaterriskforrepeatedMHIandthattheseverityofsubsequentMHImaybeincreased. Untilresearchcanfurtherilluminatethepotentialcumulativeeffectsofconcussion,itisrecommendedthatathletessustainingmorethanoneconcussionshouldbereferredforfollowupevaluationandassessmenttodetermineanyresidualeffectsthatmightprecludeparticipationincontactorcollisionsports.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

CONCUSSIONMANAGEMENTPROTOCOL

HouseBill(HB)2038waspassedbyTexas’82ndLegislatureinMay2011andsignedbytheGovernortoproactivelypreventandtreatconcussionsandotherheadinjuriesforstudentsparticipatingininterscholasticactivities.Texasschooldistrictsmustcomplywiththelawthatmandatestrainingrequirementsforcoaches,athletictrainersandmembersofaConcussionOversightTeam(COT)relatedtoconcussions,includingevaluation,prevention,symptoms,risks,andlong-termeffects.TheCOTmusthaveatleastonephysician,anathletictrainer,andotherlicensedcareprofessionals.SeguinISDhasmettrainingrequirements,createdaConcussionManagementProtocol,andestablishedadistrict-wideCOTincompliancewithHB2038.Thedistrict’sCOTiscomprisedofDr.TrentTwitero,physician,AthleticTrainersJohnMizeandSarahAnderson,RegisteredNursesSandraTiemanofSeguinHighSchoolandJobethLarsonofBarnesMiddleSchool,andOraliaBarrientez,SeguinISDleadRN.InthespiritofHB2038,ourcoachesandsponsorsrespondquicklyandfollowestablishedguidelinesanytimeastudentparticipantreportsaheadinjury/pain,orexhibitssymptomsofapossibleconcussionorheadinjury.Ourstudentparticipantsmustberemovedfrompracticeorcompetitionimmediatelyifacoach,physician,licensedhealthcareprofessional,orthestudent’sparentorguardianoranotherpersonwhohasauthoritytomakelegaldecisionforthestudentbelievesthestudentmayhavesustainedaconcussion.Ourstudentscontinuetobeencouragedtoopenlysharewithcoaches/sponsorsiftheyarenotfeelingwellorinjuredinanycapacity.Wewillcontinueourpracticeofnotifyingaparent/guardiananytimeaSeguinISDstudentishurtorinjuredduringcompetition,practice,oranyschoolrelatedactivity.Ifaconcussionissuspected,thelawspecifiesthatthestudentparticipantmustbeevaluatedbyatreatingphysicianofthestudentandparents’/guardians’choosing.Thestudentmaynotreturntopracticeorcompetitionuntilhe/shehasbeenevaluatedandclearedinwritingbyhisorhertreatingphysicianandallothernoticeandconsentrequirementshavebeenmet.ThestudentmustsatisfactorilycompleteSeguinISD’sConcussionManagementProtocolandsubmitaReturntoPlayFormasdesignatedbyUIL.AtSeguinISD,thesafetyandwell-beingofourstudentsisourtoppriority.WefullysupportHB2038andtheUILinourcollectiveeffortstohelpensurethesafetyofourstudents.Ifyourchildexhibitsorsaysthathe/shehasconcussion-relatedsymptomssuchasheadache,dizziness,orconfusionasaresultofparticipatinginaSeguinISDsponsoredactivity,pleasecontacttheschoolnurse,theextracurricularsponsor/coach,oraSeguinISDAthleticTrainingstaffmember.Formoreinformation,visithttp://www.uiltexas.org/health/info/concussions.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

RETURNTOPLAYREQUIREMENTS

InaccordancewithChapter38oftheEducationCode,SubchapterD,theSeguinISDConcussionOversightTeamhasdevelopedaprotocolformanagingandrespondingtostudentconcussionswhichoccurduringschoolathleticgamesorpractices. Thisprotocolinvolvesamultidisciplineapproachrequiringathletictrainerclearance,physicianevaluationandclearance,andsuccessfulcompletionofaprogressiveprogramofphysicalactivitypriortoastudentreturningtopracticeorplay. Theinjuredathletemustsuccessfullycompleteallrequiredstepsinordertoreturntosportactivityfollowingtheforceorimpactbelievedtohavecausedaconcussion.1. Thestudentwillbemonitoreddailyatschoolbytheathletictrainerand/orschoolnurse. Thestudent’s

teacherswillbenotifiedoftheinjuryandwhattoexpectorwhatsymptomstolookfor. Accommodationsmaybeconsideredaccordingtophysicianrecommendationsandobservationsofthestudent’sbehaviorwhileatschool.

Phase1:MustbecompletedbeforeinitiatingPhase2progressiveprogramofphysicalactivity

EvaluationandCertificationbyTreatingPhysician.Astudentremovedfromathleticpracticeorcompetitiononsuspicionofhavingsufferedaconcussion,includingthoseinitiallyreferredtoanemergencydepartment,arerequiredtobeevaluatedbyaphysicianofthestudent’sorparent’schoice.Thetreatingphysicianmustprovideawrittenstatementindicatingthatthestudentissymp-tom-freeandmaysafelyreturntoplay. Priortoevaluationbythetreatingphysician,orassoonthereafteraspossible,acopyofthisdocument:SeguinISDReturntoPlayGuidelinesshallbepro-videdtothephysician.

TimingofInitiationofPhysicalActivity. Astudentmustbesymptomfreeforafull24hourperiodbeforeengaginginanyphysicalactivity.

AsymptomaticPriortoPhysicalActivity.Astudentmustbeasymptomaticatrestandexertion,asobservedbytheathletictrainerand/orschoolnurse,priortoengaginginanyphysicalactivity.

Phase2:OncePhase1hasbeencompleted,asdeterminedbytheDistrictAthleticTrainer,thestudentwillbeginaprogressive,step-by-stepprogramofphysicalactivity,monitoredbytheathletictrainerand/orschoolnurse.Theprogressionswilladvanceattherateofonestepperday,asfollows:

Step1:Lightaerobicexercise(5-10minutes)–exercisebike,oralightjog;noweightlifting,resistancetraining,oranyotherexercise.

Step2:Moderateaerobicexercise(15-20minutes)–runningatmoderateintensityinthegymoronthefieldwithoutahelmetorotherequipment.

Step3:Non-contacttrainingdrillsinfulluniform;maybeginweightlifting,resistancetraining,andotherexercises.

Step4:Fullcontactpracticeortraining.Step5:Fullgameplay.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

**Astudent’sprogressionthroughthe5stepsofphysicalactivitycontinuesaslongasthestudentisasymptomaticateachactivitylevel.Ifthestudentexperiences,orthemonitorobserves,signsofanypost-concussionsymptoms,thestudentmustbere-evaluatedbyalicensedhealthcareprofessional. Thestudentwillnotbepermittedtoresumephysicalactivityuntilhe/sheisagainreleasedtoreturntoplaybyalicensedhealth-careprofessional.

Phase3:ReturntoPlay

OncethestudenthascompletedPhase1andPhase2successfully,andwithoutexhibitingpost-concussionsignsorsymptoms,he/shemayreturntosportactivitywithnorestrictionsonlyaftertheDistrictAthleticTrainerhascertifiedcompletionofallrequirementsontheReturntoPlayForm,including:

• CompletionoftheReturntoPlayformsignedbythestudent’sparent/legalguardian;and• Completionoftheacknowledgmentofthestudent’scompletionofReturntoPlay

Guidelines.

ContactInformation:

JohnMize,Med,Lat SarahE.Anderson,Med,ATC,LatSeguinISD/SeguinHighSchool830-372-5770x20715jmize@seguin.k12.tx.us seanderson@seguin.k12.tx.us

Drug-Testing

Thedistrictadministersastudentrandomdrugtestingprogram.Tolearnmoreabouttheproceduresoftheprogramand/orfurtherinformation,seepolicyFNF(LOCAL)ortheStudent/ParentHandbook.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

DIETARYSUPPLEMENTSAschooldistrictemployeemaynot:

(1) knowinglysell,market,ordistributeadietarysupplementthatcontainsperformanceenhancingcom-poundstoaprimaryorsecondaryeducationstudentwithwhomtheemployeehascontactaspartoftheemployee’sschooldistrictduties;or

(2) knowinglyendorseorsuggesttheingestion,intranasalapplication,orinhalationofadietarysupplementthatcontainsperformanceenhancingcompoundsbyaprimaryorsecondaryeducationstudentwithwhomtheemployeehascontactaspartoftheemployee’sschooldistrictduties.

Thissectiondoesnotprohibitaschooldistrictemployeefrom:

(1) providingorendorsingadietarysupplementthatcontainsperformanceenhancingcompoundsto,orsuggestingtheingestion,intranasalapplication,orinhalationofadietarysupplementthatcontainsperformance-enhancingcompoundsbytheemployee’schild;or

(2) selling,marketing,ordistributingadietarysupplementthatcontainsperformanceenhancingcom-poundsto,orendorsingorsuggestingtheingestion,intranasalapplication,orinhalationofadietarysupplementthatcontainsperformanceenhancingcompoundsby,aprimaryorsecondaryeducationstudentaspartofactivitiesthat:(A)donotoccuronschoolpropertyorataschool-relatedfunction;(B) areentirelyseparatefromanyaspectoftheemployee’semploymentwiththeschooldistrict;

and(C) donotinanywayinvolveinformationaboutorcontactswithstudentsthattheemployeehashad

accessto,directlyorindirectly,throughanyaspectoftheemployee’semploymentwiththeschooldistrict.

Apersonwhoviolatesthissectioncommitsanoffense.AnoffenseunderthissectionisaClassCmisdemeanor.Inthissection:

(1) “Dietarysupplement”hasthemeaningassignedby21U.S.C.Section321anditssubsequentamendments.

(2) “Performanceenhancingcompound”meansamanufacturedproductfororalingestion,intranasalapplication,orinhalationthat:(A)containsastimulant,aminoacid,hormoneprecursor,herborotherbotanical,oranyothersub-

stanceotherthananessentialvitaminormineral;and(B)isintendedtoincreaseathleticorintellectualperformance,promotemusclegrowth,orincrease

anindividual’senduranceorcapacityforexercise.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

HEATRELATEDISSUESDehydration,ItsEffectsonPerformance,andItsRelationshiptoHeatIllness1. Dehydrationcanaffectanathlete’sperformanceinlessthananhourofexercise—sooneriftheathlete

beginsthesessiondehydrated.2. Dehydrationofjustonetotwopercentofbodyweight(only1.5-3lb.fora150-poundathlete)can

negativelyinfluenceperformance.3. Dehydrationofgreaterthanthreepercentofbodyweightincreasesanathlete’sriskofheatillness(heat

cramps,heatexhaustion,heatstroke).4. High-body-fatathletescanhaveahardertimewithexerciseandcanbecomedehydratedfasterthan

lower-body-fatathletesworkingoutunderthesameenvironmentalconditions.5. Pooracclimatization/fitnesslevelscangreatlycontributetoanathlete’sdehydrationproblems.6. Medications/feversgreatlyaffectanathlete’sdehydrationproblems.

7. Environmentaltemperatureandhumiditybothcontributetodehydrationandheatillnesses.8. Clothing,suchasdark,bulky,orrubberprotectiveequipmentcandrasticallyincreasethechanceofheat

illnessanddehydration.9. Wearlight-weightandlight-coloredclothing.

RecommendationsforHydrationtoPreventHeatIllnessTypesofSportsDrinksFluidReplacers• Examples: Water,Gatorade,10K,Quickick,Max• Thesedrinksareabsorbedasquicklyaswaterandtypicallyareusedforactivitieslastinglessthantwo

hours.

CarbohydrateLoaders• Examples: Gaterlode,ExceedHigh,Carboplex• Thesedrinksreplacemoremuscleglycogentoenhancegreaterendurance.• Theyshouldbeusedafterultra-enduranceeventstoincreasemuscleglycogenre-synthesisafterexercise.

NutritionSupplements• Examples: Gatorpro,ExceedSports,UltraEnergy• Thesesupplementsarefortifiedwithvitaminsandminerals,andtheyhelpathletesmaintainabalanced

diet.• Theycanbeusedasamealreplacementsupplementforathleteswhowishtoskipahighfatmeal,oras

extracaloriesforathleteswhowishtogainweight.

WhatNottoDrink• DrinkswithCarbohydrate(CHO)concentrationsofgreaterthaneightpercentshouldbeavoided.• Fruitjuices,CHOgels,sodas,andsportsdrinksthathaveaCHOgreaterthansixtoeightpercentarenot

recommendedduringexerciseassolebeverages.• Beveragescontainingcaffeine,alcohol,andcarbonationarenottobeusedbecauseofthehighriskof

dehydrationassociatedwithexcessurineproduction,ordecreasedvoluntaryfluidintake.

HydrationTipsandFluidGuidelines• Drinkaccordingtoaschedulebasedonindividualfluidneeds.• Drinkbefore,duringandafterpracticesandgames.• Drink17-20ouncesofwaterorsportsdrinkswithsixtoeightpercentCHO,twotothreehoursbefore

exercise.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

• Drinkanother7-10ouncesofwaterorsportdrink10to20minutesbeforeexercise.• Drinkearly—Bythetimeyou’rethirsty,you’realreadydehydrated.• Ingeneral,every10-20minutesdrinkatleast7-10ouncesofwaterorsportsdrinktomaintainhydration,

andremembertodrinkbeyondyourthirst.• Drinkfluidsbasedontheamountofsweatandurineloss.• Withintwohours,drinkenoughtoreplaceanyweightlossfromexercise.• Drinkapproximately20-24ouncesofsportsdrinkperpoundofweightloss.• Dehydrationusuallyoccurswithaweightlossoftwopercentofbodyweightormore.

WhattoDrinkduringExercise• Ifexerciselastsmorethan45-50minutesorisintense,asportsdrinkshouldbeprovidedduringthesession.•ThecarbohydrateconcentrationintheidealfluidreplacementsolutionshouldbeintherangeofsixtoeightpercentCHO.• Duringeventswhenahighrateoffluidintakeisnecessarytosustainhydration,sportsdrinkswith

lessthansevenpercentCHOshouldbeusedtooptimizefluiddelivery. Thesesportsdrinkshaveafastergastricemptyingrateandthusaidinhydration.

• SportsdrinkswithaCHOcontentof10percenthaveaslowgastricemptyingrateandcontributetodehydrationandshouldbeavoidedduringexercise.

• Fluidswithsalt(sodiumchloride)arebeneficialtoincreasingthirstandvoluntaryfluidintakeaswellasoffsettingtheamountoffluidlostwithsweat.

•Saltshouldneverbeaddedtodrinks,andsalttabletsshouldbeavoided.• Coolbeveragesattemperaturesbetween50to59degreesFahrenheitarerecommendedforbest

resultswithfluidreplacement.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

SUDDENCARDIACDEATH

1. WhatisSuddenCardiacDeath?a) Suddencardiacdeathisanabruptoccurrencewheretheheartceasestofunctionandresultsin

deathwithinminutes.b) Itisnotaheartattack.c) Itisusuallyduetoamalfunctionoftheheart’selectricalsystemthatcoordinatestheheartmuscle

contractiontopumpbloodthroughthebody. Thelowerchambers(ventricles)oftheheartgointofibrillation(ventricularfibrillation)–afastanddisorganizedcontraction. Theventriclesspasmorquiverandcannolongerpump bloodtothebody. Theheartcannotrecoverfromventricularfibrillationonitsown.

d) Suddencardiacdeathinathletesisusuallycausedbyapreviouslyunsuspectedheartdiseaseordisorder.e)Theoccurrenceofsuddencardiacdeathisthoughttobeintherangeof1outof100,000to1outof

300,000highschoolageathletes,soitisveryrare.

2. WhatarethepossiblecausesofSuddenCardiacDeath?a)HypertrophicCardiomyopathy–aconditionwherethemusclemassintheleftventricle

“hypertrophies.” Thethickenedheartmusclecanblockbloodflowoutoftheheartandcanincreasetheriskofventricular fibrillation. Inoverhalfofthecases,thisheartdisorderishereditaryandismostcommoninyoungadults.ThisisthemostcommoncauseforsuddencardiacdeathinathletesintheUnitedStates.

b)CoronaryArteryAbnormalities–anabnormalityofthebloodvesselsthatsupplybloodintotheheartmuscle. Thisispresentfrombirth,butcanbesilentforyearsuntilveryvigorousexerciseisper-formed. Duringexercise,bloodflowtotheheartmusclecanbeimpairedandresultinventricularfibrillation.

c) CommotioCordis–aconcussionoftheheartthatcanoccurwhensomeoneishitinthechestintheareaoftheheart. Objectssuchasabaseball,softball,hockeypuck, lacrosseball,orevenafistcancauseventricularfibrillationuponstrikingthechest. Theseinjuriesarerare.

d)MarfanSyndrome–aninheritedabnormalityoftheconnectivetissue(ligamentsandtendons)inthebody.Oftenthesepeoplearetallandthinwithlongarms,legs,fingersandtoes. Thewalloftheaorta,themainarteryfromtheheart,canbecomeweakandrupture,especiallyduringexercise.

e)Wolff-Parkinson-WhiteSyndrome–anextraconductionfiberintheheartthatcanallowforrapidheartbeatepisodesandinsomecasesventricularfibrillationcanoccur.

f) LongQTSyndrome–aninheritedabnormalityoftheheart’selectricalsystem. Episodesofrapidheartbeatcanoccurinthebottomchambersoftheheart(ventricles)andventricularfibrillationcanresult.

g)RecreationalDrugUse–evensomeonewithacompletelynormalheartcandevelopventricularfibrillationanddiesuddenlyduetodruguse.

3. WhataretheWarningSignstobeawareof?

a)Palpitations–feelingfastorskippedheartbeats.b)Dizziness–feelinglight-headed.c)Chestpainorchesttightnesswithexercise.d)Shortnessofbreath.e)Syncope–faintingorpassingout.

ANYoftheabovesymptomsthatoccurwhileexercisingisawarningsignforsuddencardiacdeathandwarrantsfurtherevaluationbeforeparticipatinginanymoreexerciseorsports.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

INFORMATIONONSTAPHYLOCOCCALINFECTIONS

InstructionsfortheAthlete

Thisinformationisprovidedtoassistyouinthecontrolandpreventionofstaphylococcal(commonlycalledstaph)infections. Theseinfectionsusuallyareeasytotreatwithinexpensive,well-toleratedantibiotics. How-ever,somestaphbacteriahavedevelopedresistance;thatis,theantibioticscannolongerkillthebacteria.Althoughantibiotic-resistantinfectionsposeasignificanthealththreat,thefollowingmeasuresareeffectiveagainstmanyotherinfectiousdiseases.WhatisaStaphylococcalInfection?Staphylococcusaureuscommonlycausesboilsandsoft-tissueinfectionsaswellasmoreseriousconditionssuchaspneumoniaorbloodstreaminfections. AccordingtotheCenterforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC),twentytothirty-fivepercentofadultsandchildrenintheUnitedStatesare“colonized”withstaph–thebacteriaarepresentbutdonotcauseillness.Staphylococcusaureuscolonizationusuallyoccursinthearmpit,groin,genitalarea,and,mostfrequently,theinsideofthenose. Mostinfectionsoccurthroughdirectphysicalcontactofthestaphbacteriawithabreakintheskin(cutorscrape)orduringcontactwithinanimateobjects(suchasclothing,bedlinens,orfurniture)soiledwithwounddrainage. Yourhandsmustbecleanbeforeyoutouchyoureyes,nose,mouth,oranycutsorscrapesontheskin. Thebacteriumisnotcarriedthroughtheairandisnotfoundindirtormud.Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcusAureus(MRSA)–AnMRSA(oftenpronouncedmersa)infection,unlikecommonStaphylococcusaureusinfection,cannotbetreatedwithmethicillin-relatedantibiotics(suchaspenicillin).Thetreatmentmaybelonger,expensive,morecomplicated,andinfectionscanreappearfrequently.Originally,MRSAwaslimitedtohospitalsandlong-termcarefacilities. Inthepastfewyears,sporadicreportsofMRSAnotassociatedwiththemedicalenvironmenthavebeenconfirmed. Sincethesummerof2002,MRSAoutbreaksassociatedwithsportsteamshavebeenreported. Theseoutbreakshaveincludedwrestling,volleyball,andmostfrequently,footballteams.StrategiestoPreventStaphylococcalInfectionsHandwashingisthesinglemostimportantbehaviorinpreventinginfectiousdisease. Theproperwaytowashyourhandsisasfollows:1. Usewarmwater.2. Wetyourhandsandwrists.3. Useliquidsoap.4. Worksoapintoalatherandwashbetweenfingers,uptowristsandunderfingernailsforatleast30

seconds.5. Dry,usingacleanclothtowelorpapertowel.6. Usealcohol-basedhandsanitizerstowashhandsimmediatelyiftheycomeincontactwithanybodyfluid

attheplayingfieldorotherplaceswherehand-washingfacilitiesarenotavailable.Washyourhandsasdescribedabove1. aftersneezing,blowing,ortouchingyournose;2. beforeandafterclosecontactorusingthetoilet;3.beforeleavingtheathleticarea.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

Otherprecautionsinclude:1. Keepyourhandsawayfromyournoseandgroin.2. Donotsharetowels,soap,lotionorotherpersonalcareitems,evenonthesidelinesatgames.3. Showerwithsoapandwaterassoonaspossibleafterdirectcontactsports.4. Dryusingaclean,drytowel.5. Useamoisturizinglotiontopreventdry,crackedskin.6. Prewashorrinsewithplainwateritemsthathavebeengrosslycontaminatedwithbodyfluids.7. Washyourtowels,uniforms,scrimmageshirtsandanyotherlaundryinhotwaterandordinarydetergent

anddryonthehottestpossiblecycle.8. Informyourparentsoftheseprecautionsiflaundryissenthome.9. Morespecificdirectionsmaybeprovidedbyyourathletictrainerorcoach.

HowtoCareforDrainingWounds

MRSAmaybemoredifficulttotreat. However,treatmentisusuallysuccessfulafterprompt,appropriateevaluationbyadoctororclinicandwhenthecorrectantibiotic(s),ifindicated,isprescribed. Othertypesoftreatmentsmaybeindicated.

WithYourPhysicianAphysicianoradvancedpractitionershouldexaminethewound. Acultureandsusceptibilitytestshouldbeperformedtodeterminewhatbacteriayouhaveandwhatantibioticwouldbethemosteffectivewiththefewestsideeffects. Ifthepractitionerdeterminesyoudonothaveabacterialinfection,youwillnotreceiveanantibiotic. Antibioticsarenoteffectiveagainstnon-bacterialinfections.

1. Takeallmedicationevenaftertheinfectionseemstohavehealed.2. Ifatopicalointmentisprescribed,applyasdirected.3. Followallotherdirectionsthephysician/practitionergivesyou.4. Informthephysician/practitionerifyouarenotrespondingtotreatment.

HowtoTakeCareofWoundsatHome1. Avoiddirectcontactwithothersuntilthewoundisnolongerdrainingandyouhavebeeninstructedby

yourphysiciantoresumeyourusualactivities.2. Washyourhandsfrequently,especiallybeforeandafterchangingbandaids,bandagesorwounddressings.3. Keepthewoundcovered.Thedressingmustbechangedatleasttwiceaday,or,morefrequently,if

drainageisapparent.4. Alldisposablematerialsthatcomeintocontactwiththewound(includingdressingsorbandages)needto

beplacedinaseparateplasticbagandclosedbeforebeingdisposedofinthehouseholdtrash. Washyourhandsafterremovinganddisposingofthesoileddressing.

5. Useisopropylalcohol(availableatpharmaciesorgrocerystores)todisinfectreusablematerials,suchasscissorsortweezersaftereachuse.

6. Allitemsthatcomeincontactwiththewoundmustbedisinfectedwithafresh(prepareddaily)mixofonetablespoonofhouseholdbleachtoonequartofwateroraphenol-containingproductsuchasLysolorPine-sol. Useaphenol-containingspraytodisinfectanyclothorupholsteredsurface.Othercommerciallyavailableproductsmaybeappropriate.

7.Haveadesignatedchairorareaforsitting. Itshouldhaveahardsurfaceoraneasilycleanedplasticorsimilarcoverforeasydisinfection. Nooneelseshouldsitthereuntilthewoundhashealedcompletely.

‘ONETOWN…ONETEAM’

8.Utensilsanddishesshouldbewashedintheusualmannerwithsoapandhotwaterorusingastandardhomedishwasher.

9. Carrylaundryawayfromthebodyinaplasticorotherlinedbagthatwillnotallowwetarticlestodrainthrough.

10. Handleandlaunderallclothing,towels,andlinensthatcomeincontactwiththewoundseparatelyfromthoseofothermembersofthehousehold. Useaseparatehamper.

11. Articlesthatcomeincontactwiththewoundshouldbewashedinhotwaterwiththeusualdetergent.12. Dryclothesthoroughlyusingthehottestsetting.13. Towelsandlinensshouldbechangeddaily.14. Donotshareointmentsorantibiotics.AtSchool1. Followanyinstructionsthatyourathletictrainer,coach,orschoolnursegivesyouregardingdirect

contactwithotherpersonsatschool.2. Carryanduseanalcohol-basedhandsanitizerwhensoapandwaterarenotavailable.3. Washhandsimmediatelyaftercontactwiththewound.4. Donottakeantibioticstopreventaninfection.AdditionalSourcesofInformationWhenindoubtofthecorrectproceduretofollow,contactyourhealthcareprovider,localorregionalhealthdepartment,ortheTexasDepartmentofHealth.Additionalinformationonbacteria,antibioticsandantibioticresistantorganisms,disinfection,woundhealing,andothertreatmentforinfectionscanbefoundinyourlocallibraryontheinternet,asfollows:TexasDepartmentofHealthhttp://www.tdh.state.tx.us/ideas/factsht/factsht.htmCentersforDiseaseControlandPreventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/ARESIST/mrsa.htmhttp://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community/

Othersourceshttp://www.ahrq.govhttp://www.tufts.edu/med/apua/Practitioners/RSMarticle.html