Athletic Participation at Oswego High School

We have 25 Varsity sports at Oswego High School, with a total of 60 levels of participation, to serve the interests of our student population who wish to become involved in athletics.

The increase in the number of students participating, plus the rapid developmental changes in the bodies of young athletes is the reason we take steps to insure the health, safety and enjoyment of the athlete’s participation.

Even under ideal situations, anyone who engages in physical activity is subject to possible injury. Fortunately, the majority of these injuries are minor. With proper training, conditioning, instruction, diet, and rest habits many of these potential injuries can be eliminated or significantly reduced.

Athletic Health Insurance

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 offers an optional health insurance plan administered by an outside company. You may purchase their policy as secondary coverage to your own health care package. This coverage is offered in two different plans:

Accident Coverage – 24 hours a day protectionGrade 9-12 Tackle Football Coverage

The cost of each plan is negotiated on a regular basis with the chosen insurance company. Current rates and additional information can be obtained by checking your registration materials sent from Oswego High School or by contacting the Main Office at (630) 636-2000.

What is a Certified Athletic Trainer?

Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. As part of a complete health care team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents. Certified athletic trainers are required by their national certifying body and the State of Illinois to maintain their skills through Continuing Education Requirements or they will lose their ability to practice their profession.

Certified athletic trainers are certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification. This body requires that qualified individuals take extensive written and practical examinations testing their skills in the five domains or practice areas of athletic training after completing an undergraduate course of studies at an accredited college or university program.

The domains of athletic training are:Prevention of athletic injuriesRecognition, evaluation and immediate care of athletic injuresRehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuriesHealth care administrationProfessional development and responsibility

In addition, as of January 1, 2007, all individuals who practice athletic training in the State of Illinois are required to hold a specific license to practice.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)

On your last visit to the doctor, undoubtedly, you were given information about patient privacy. The certified athletic trainers at Oswego High School are licensed health care professionals. As such, your physician can provide us with treatment and reconditioning information related to your student’s medical condition with your permission. Please help us provide care for your student by getting written information from your physician and forwarding that information to us. If you have questions about HIPPA and its impact on our Athletic Training Program, please call and speak with a member of our staff.

Athletic Department Pre-Participation Physicals

All students who participate in any athletic activity must have a current physical on file in the office of the Athletic Director. IHSA POLICY requires that this physical be performed by a “Licensed Physician.” (Note: ALL incoming freshmen must have a physical prior to the beginning of the 9th grade).

The athletic physical must be obtained prior to the beginning of the school year or date of first participation on a team and must be updated annually to verify the health status of our athletes. The physical is valid for one calendar year plus one month only. You must choose where and when to obtain this physical but it must be done on a yearly basis and may run out in midseason depending on when you obtained the first physical. We do offer an All Sports Physical for returning athletes (returning students who will be sophomores, juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year). It is offered at the end of the school year. More information will be made available to you about the physicals through the Athletic Department’s website, the local newspaper, and flyers home before the end of the school year.

Parent Contact Information

At the beginning of each season parents are required to fill out an Emergency Information Card. This information is important as it provides us with a list of who should be contacted in case of emergency.

It is extremely important that any information on how to reach you at work or through other communication means is placed in the athletic training database. If you are needed in an emergency the certified athletic trainers, coach, or athletic administrator will be able to access this information in order to contact you. But, this information is only corrected if you have updated the school with any changes which have been made in your work or communications status.

It is also imperative that you communicate any existing medical conditions your student may have that will impact their health and well-being while participating in athletics. Coaches, our school nurse, and the Athletic Training Staff need to be aware of any specific medical information that may have an impact on your child’s health. Please help us be fully prepared to care for your student-athlete by providing us the necessary information on the Athletics2000 website.

Preseason Conditioning

Because of the high level of competition in our athletic conference, it is important that students who plan to go out for a sport are physically prepared for the challenges of that sport. We strongly encourage participation in preseason conditioning programs.

Athletes need to be strong, flexible, and cardiovascularly fit in order to meet the demands of sport participation. Being in good overall shape will also help your child reduce the chance of injury in the first few weeks of the season.

Please encourage your student to begin conditioning for athletics well before the beginning of the season. The fitness center at Oswego High School is open on a regular basis for out of season athletes. It should be used by all athletes to address their preparation for sport participation.

Tips for the Beginning of the Season

During the first two weeks of any sport season, the athlete can alleviate the discomfort of the increased physical exertion of the sport by doing the following:

STRETCH OFTENThis will help the athlete achieve his/her full potential and help prevent injury. Lack of flexibility is one of the leading causes of athletic injuries. We recommend that an athlete take a few moments to stretch in the morning, before practice, after practice, and again later in the evening before going to sleep. You should feel some muscle tension but the stretching should not be painful. Stretches should be done slowly and statically (DO NOT BOUNCE WHEN STRETCHING!!!).

EAT WELLWith the increase in physical activity comes the increased need for calories to provide energy and nutrients. The athlete should increase consumption of complex carbohydrates such as breads, pasta, fruits and vegetables. Stay away from high fat and high salt foods. Protein is important but is usually sufficient in the normal diet. Carbohydrate sources are much more beneficial for energy and growth than are high protein diets.

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDSAdequate fluid replacement is important to prevent fatigue, excessive weight loss, and possible heat related complications. Athletes should drink 8-10 8-ounce servings of fluids each day no matter what sport they participate in. WATER is important. Avoid carbonated beverages. Consume more water, milk, fruit drinks, or sport drinks as they are better for your system than carbonated soft drinks.

During the Season

DIETARY GUIDELINES AND FLUID REPLACEMENT

Athletic participation places physical, emotional and mental stresses on an athlete. It is important that young athletes eat properly in order to provide quality fuel for activity. The following guidelines are general considerations which may assist the athlete in his/her efforts to succeed.

1. Eat a varied diet – Avoid eating the same foods every day.

2. Eat breakfast!!!! – Athletes need good fuel which includes breakfast. Any combinations of foods such as toast, juice, cereal, milk, and fruit help prevent low blood sugar and help the body function optimally throughout the day.

3. Avoid excessive amounts of fast food – Fast foods generally have a higher fat content which is digested slowly and may produce unwanted weight gains.

4. Drink plenty of fluids – Fluids are important to hydrate the system, assist in the chemical process of energy metabolism, and provide for the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. Choose fluids wisely, water is the best. Fruit juices, sports drinks, and low-fat milk are good fluids sources. Avoid carbonated beverages, caffeinated beverages, and soft drinks as they contain products which can detract from healthy athletic performance.

5. Avoid large amounts of red meat – While you need good sources of protein in an athletic diet, red meat is high in fat and calories. Choose more poultry and fish as your sources of protein in the diet.

6. Consume complex carbohydrates – The athletic diet should consist of foods such as breads, potatoes, vegetables, pasta, whole grain products, fruits, cereals, toast, waffles, and pancakes. These products contain the energy sources an athlete needs and also the other nutrients necessary for good metabolic function and tissue growth.

7. There is no magic diet!!! – No athlete will be successful due to diet alone. A good diet will provide the nutrients needed for successful athletic participation. But, exercise, practice, heredity, and skill development are also needed for athletic achievement.

FLEXIBILITY GUIDELINES

We cannot feel ourselves getting tighter, but this does happen each day we do not stretch. Adequate flexibility helps muscles perform to their fullest capacity, allowing the athletes to achieve speed, range or motion, reduce soreness, and achieve their greatest level of athletic success.

The following guidelines will allow your student to achieve the type of flexibility needed for athletics:

1. Flexibility can be lost quickly and can only be improved slowly.

2. Athletes should begin to stretch 2-3 weeks prior to the beginning of a sport season if they are not already stretching daily.

3. Stretching should not hurt. You will feel tightness and perhaps some discomfort while stretching but you should not be in pain.

4. Warm muscles stretch more easily than cold muscles. If possible, walk briskly, jog, or ride a stationary bike for a few minutes prior to stretching. Once you begin to sweat, you are properly warmed up.

5. Stretch to a point of tightness, hold that position for 10-15 seconds, relax, and repeat the process two or three more times.

6. Do Not jerk or bounce while stretching to avoid injuring yourself.

In the Event of an Injury

AT SCHOOL

Injuries which occur at Oswego High School should be reported to the coach who will direct the student to the certified athletic trainer for evaluation and possible referral. In most cases, injuries are minor and the athlete will be given home care instructions and directions about follow-up care in the athletic training room. If time permits or the injury is more extensive, parents/guardians will be notified with instructions for follow-up care or other concerns may be addressed.

ON THE ROAD

If an athlete is injured away from Oswego High School, the coach should be notified immediately. Athletes may be taken to the certified athletic trainer of the hosting school for evaluation or referred to the certified athletic trainer at Oswego High School for further evaluation upon return to OHS. Because of travel times and distances of some contests from Oswego High School, the student may need to report the injury to the certified athletic trainer on the following school day. In cases of significant injury, parents will be contacted about the injury directly by either the host school’s certified athletic trainer or the student’s coach and consulted about the injury.

If told to “see the certified athletic trainer at Oswego High School,” the athlete should report as soon as convenient the following day. This may be before school, during Mr. Cronin’s free-period (TBA), or immediately after school. While the athletic training room is not open at all times throughout the day, the students can check on the availability of the certified athletic trainer to discuss their injury and treatment/rehabilitation options.

QUESTIONS FROM HOMEIf you are concerned about the injury that your student encountered during athletics, please call the Certified Athletic Trainers. If an injury that appears to be minor one day and becomes more bothersome the next, please call so we can help you in deciding the next steps in treatment for your son/daughter. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE SEVERITY OF AN INJURY, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEEK APPROPRIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. We are able to offer special treatments to the athlete on written order of a physician. Written communication with your doctor is very important for us to appropriately (and legally) treat your student and return them to safe athletic participation when release by the physician. If your student goes to a physician, a medical release note is required before they will be allowed to return to play, even if “no injury” has resulted.

Mr. Cronin 630-636-2163 bcronin@sd308.orgMs. Nickels 630-636-2401 lnickels@sd308.orgMs. Hughes 630-636-2402 shughes@sd308.org

Medical Clearances and Notes for Playing

1. No athlete will be allowed to practice or compete without a medical clearance. Medical clearances are necessary for any and all doctor’s visit (MD, DO, DC, NP, PA, PT, etc.). This is to help protect the player, coach, certified athletic trainer, and school from liability issues. Medical clearances must be received directly from the physician by the certified athletic trainer via doctor’s note (prescription note or official letter on letterhead from doctor’s practice), fax (scanned prescription note or official letter on letterhead from doctor’s practice), or email (scanned prescription note or official letter on letterhead from doctor’s practice).

2. Once the certified athletic trainers have determined that physician evaluation is necessary, the coach will be notified. The athlete will not be allowed to return to participation in practice or competitions until a clearance note has been received from the physician by the certified athletic trainers.

3. If the athlete has already seen a physician prior to seeing the certified athletic trainers, the athlete will not be allowed to return to participation in practice or competitions until a clearance note has been received from the physician by the certified athletic trainers. The certified athletic trainers need specific instructions from the physician about treatments that should be performed for the injury, or need a note saying that the certified athletic trainers can “treat the injury at their discretion.”

4. If the certified athletic trainer has a question about a clearance note the athlete will not be allowed to return to participation in practices or competitions until the certified athletic trainer has clarified the clearance note with the physician.

5. The certified athletic trainer will notify the coach when an athlete has received medical clearance.

6. Medical notes regarding playing with casts or other special pieces of equipment shall be a shared responsibility between the athlete, certified athletic trainers, and coaching staff. The athlete will be required to bring a note to the certified athletic trainers no later than the day before a competition. The certified athletic trainers will make a copy of the note for the athlete, head coach, and the officials. The original will be placed in the athlete’s medical file. Coaches please notify the certified athletic trainers of any rule changes involving casts, braces, or other special equipment at the beginning of the season, so we can better serve the athletes who may require this equipment during the season.

7. Concussion protocol is documented separately in order to return athletes safely to participation without risk of further injury. Athletes with concussions are only cleared to return to play when they have completed the schools “Return-to-Play” protocol, even if cleared by a physician to ensure a safe return to participation. For further information about the concussion “Return-to-Play” protocol, please speak to one of the certified athletic trainers or see the Concussion/Head Injury Care and Return to Play Guidelines link on the Athletic Department webpage.

I understand and promise to adhere to the above policies with the understanding that failure to comply with these policies could result in removal from participation in my current sports season and possibly additional sports seasons.

___________________________________________________ ____________Student Signature Date

___________________________________________________ ____________Parent Signature Date

THE P.R.I.C.E. PRINCIPLE

If any injury occurs, initial treatment should include the PRICE principle in order to promote healing and reduce swelling.

P: PROTECTION for the injured area. After injury occurs protect from further injury using splint, brace or other materials to prevent further injury from occurring.

R: REST the injured area. Do not move it needlessly, walk on it to test the area, or continue to exercise if it hurts. We will immobilize the injured area/provide you with crutches if necessary.

I: ICE the injured area to reduce swelling. Ice application should be 20 minutes on then 60 minutes off. Repeat this process for at least the first 72 hours of injury or until swelling has subsided.

C: COMPRESSION should be applied to the injured area to reduce swelling. Use an elastic wrap to control the swelling. The wrap should be removed at night or if the athlete feels numbness, tingling, or loss of circulation is apparent.

E: ELEVATE the limb to reduce swelling. Injured legs should be rested at the hip level and arms should be rested on a table whenever possible.

If there is any doubt as to the severity of an injury, seek appropriate medical evaluation. Please remember to report any physician visits to the certified athletic trainers and obtain written treatment/rehabilitation/release orders from the physician. This will allow us to do what is best for your young athlete and indicate when we may allow your student to return to competition. Remember no note = no play .

Ice or Heat – Which Should I Use???

Remember “ICE is Nice!” Pain which is intense, throbbing, stabbing, or sharp is usually the result of nerve irritation or tissue inflammation. In these cases, ice is more appropriate than heat.

Ice should be applied immediately for 20 minutes to an injury site and its use should be continued for the next 48-72 hours. Ice will reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes and removed for the next 60 minutes. DO NOT ALLOW ICE TO BE APPLIED FOR MORE THAN 20 MINUTES AND DO NOT FALL ASLEEP WHILE ICING. Skin irritation and tissue damage may result from improper or excessive use.PLEASE, Do Not Use Chemical Ice Packs. Frozen water should melt at skin temperature and will provide a layer of water between the ice and skin. Chemical ice packs may be colder than 32 degrees and can cause FROSTBITE.

Please use only frozen water as your source of cold in the treatment of an injury. Ice may be applied in the form of an ice bag (20 minutes), a frozen chunk of ice [ice cup massage] rubbed over the injured area (10-15 minutes), or immersion in an ice bucket/cold whirlpool (5-10 minutes).

Heat Comes Later

Dull, achy pain over a large muscle area or joint, where no swelling is present, may benefit from the use of moist heat. This type of soreness is usually due to muscular tightness or joint stiffness and may be associated with improper preparation for activity, or as a result of an injury.

Heat should be applied only after any swelling and inflammation has subsided in an injured area. This usually takes place 48 – 72 hours after an injury. Heat should be applied for no more than 20 minutes then removed for at least two hours to make sure no swelling occurs. Individuals differ in their ability to tolerate the use of heat over any body area. Application of moist heat should be a comfortable experience. If it is too hot, you can damage tissue.

NEVER USE A SPORTS CREAM UNDER A MOIST HEAT APPLICATION! THIS CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS TISSUE DAMAGE AND BURNS.

Methods of heating should be moist to insure penetration to deeper tissues and may include:

1) Moist heat pack – Towel soaked in hot water, wrapped in another towel. (20 minute application)

2) Hot soak – Body area soaked in warm water 96-98o F for no more than 20 minutes. If full body soak is being done, time and temperatures should be decreased to comfort of athlete and should not exceed 15 minutes.

3) Moist Heating Pad – Follow manufacturers’ directions for use of a moist heat pad.

A FINAL NOTE: These guidelines are not intended to take place of appropriate medical supervision; if there is any question, please contact your physician for appropriate treatment of any problems experienced by an Oswego High School athlete.

General Follow-Up Care

The certified athletic trainers at Oswego High School will continue to provide care for those who are injured and report to the Athletic Training Room for follow-up. Due to the expansive nature of the athletic programs at OHS, we may not always have an opportunity to find your son/daughter if they have been injured. It is strongly encouraged that parents keep checking with their student and call the athletic training room to follow-up on what is being done with an injury. Please help us help your student be a healthy contributor to the athletic programs.

Due to the law which governs the practice of Athletic Training in the State of Illinois (P.A. 89-216), use of treatment modalities beyond minimal first aid and wound care must be done under the direction of a licensed physician. The following treatment modalities are available in the Oswego High School Athletic Training Room and may require written order of a physician to be used:

Ice Hot/Cold Whirlpools Hydrocollator Hot Packs Ultrasound Electric Stimulation

o Interferential Stimulationo Pre-Modulated Interferential Stimulationo Bi-Phasic Stimulationo Russian Stimulationo Microcurrent Stimulation

Biocompression boot

Exercise and weight training can be facilitated through the use of the following devices located in the Athletic Training Room or the Fitness Center:

Stationary Bike Elliptical TreadmillFree Weights Machine Weights Theraband/tubingDumbbells Stretch Bands Jump RopesBosu Balls Swiss Balls Foam Rolls

Some physicians will allow the certified athletic trainer to select the specific modalities and exercises for treatment based on the physician’s diagnosis and their understanding of the standard rehabilitation protocols followed at Oswego High School. If your physician would like us to follow these protocols, please ask for written authorization and/or instructions on when to contact the physician to discuss the injury and treatment options.

If You See Your Physician

If you intend to see a physician, please try to contact the certified athletic trainers to obtain a referral form for his/her use (or visit the Oswego High School Athletic Department webpage for a downloadable version of this form). Your physician can use this form to indicate the severity of the injury/illness, type of treatment that would best work for your student, and indicate a time frame to follow for any activity restrictions. If you do not have a copy of this form please ask your physician to give you written treatment instructions. Under Illinois law, a licensed athletic trainer can provide specific modalities (like ultrasound or electric stimulation) only with written authorization of a licensed physician.

Please try to obtain written information from your physician at the time of an office visit. The note should include what the injury is, how long the physician wants your athlete restricted, and any specific notes to be followed. In addition, if the physician writes on the note that modalities and rehabilitation can be done “at the athletic trainer’s discretion” we will be able to use all of the modalities available to us. Obtaining parental permission to contact the physician, placing the call, and waiting (hoping) for a return call takes valuable time that could be used to treat your student. With current federal privacy laws (HIPPA) our ability to obtain treatment information for your child is extremely limited. Please let us help your injured student-athlete through good written communication with your physician.

Head Injury Guidelines

Any head, face, neck or jaw injury has the potential to be significant. The danger from a blow to the head area or through significant contact may not appear until later in the day or even the following day after activity. The following signs, symptoms, and suggestions are offered to parents as a reference by which to judge your student’s appearance and behavior following an episode of head injury or significant body contact.

Do not give any pain medication unless recommended by your physician.

You should notify your physician if the following occur after a head injury or significant body contact:

Your student is unusually sleepy.

Your student is nauseated or vomiting.

Your student cannot see clearly from both eyes, complains of blurred/double vision, dizziness, or loss of balance.

Headache gets worse or lasts more than 24 hours.

Your student seems to be confused, irritable, has loss of memory, or personality change.

The pupil of one eye (the black spot in the center of the eye) becomes a different size than the other.

These guidelines are not meant as, and should not be used as, substitutes for competent medical care.

PLEASE CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS REGARDING A HEAD INJURY.

ALL STUDENT ATHLETES ARE GIVEN THE IMPACT CONCUSSION TEST PRIOR TO PARTICIPATION. THIS IS DONE TO SET A NORM FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL STUDENT. AFTER INJURY STUDENT ATHLETES WILL BE REASSESSED WITH IMPACT and their results are viewed by a physician prior to return to play even being considered. Please refer to the Athletic Department’s website for the Protocol for Concussion Management if you have any further questions, or contact the certified athletic trainers.

Important Phone Numbers at Oswego High School

Main Number……………………………………………….(630) 636-2000Main Office FAX……………………………………………(630) 554-7160

Athletic Training RoomMr. Cronin…………………………………………..(630) 636-2163

Email: bcronin@sd308.org Mrs. Nickels.…………………………….…………..(630) 636-2401

Email: lnickels@sd308.org Ms. Hughes………………………………………….(630) 636-2402

Email: shughes@sd308.org

Athletic OfficeMr. Howard, Athletic Director………………..……(630) 636-2022 (office)

(630) 327-4932 (cell) Email: dhoward@sd308.org

Mr. Johnson, Asst. Athletic Director...............…...(630) 636-2132 (office) (815) 603-5273 (cell)

Email: mjohnson@sd308.org Mrs. Miller, Administrative Assistant……………..(630) 636-2023 (office)

Email: smiller@sd308.org Athletic Department FAX……………….…………(630) 636-2094

School Nurse OfficeMrs. Weber…………………………………………..(630) 636-2032Mrs. Lewis..…………………………………………..(630) 636-2002Mrs. Smith….………………………………………...(630) 636-2042

Attendance OfficeMrs. Boyle……………………………………………(630) 636-2060Mrs. Eucker………………………………………….(630) 636-2061

Team PhysicianDr. Pinello, Castle Orthopedics…………………..(630) 978-3800Dr. Paras, Castle Orthopedics……………………(630) 978-3800

Many of the individuals you may wish to talk with are not at the phone during the entire school day. Often these individuals have VOICE MAIL or an assistant will be available to take a message for you. Please leave messages whenever possible and your call will be returned promptly. E-mail communication is also an appropriate means of communication.