Risk Management the Coach's Responsibility

Many coaches find it difficult to come up with a complete risk management plan for their team.  For some it may be that they don't understand the importance of one or not feel it is their responsibility, for others it is not knowing where to start or what all comprises of a complete plan.  As a coach you are the decision maker for your team, you need to make safety and risk management a priority as it can be the difference between success and failure or life and death. 

Risk management is an ongoing process that must begin prior to the season beginning and does not end until after the season is over. 

So what all does a coach need to do? We will discuss the basics of a risk management program for sport teams. 

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) - the EAP is designed to make sure all the proper steps are taken when an injury occurs and that specific people have a designated roles/jobs so that all are prepared.  Basic EAPs consist of 3 roles, the charge person who is attending to the injured athlete, the call person who contacts EMS and the control person who maintains order among the crowd, opposing team and liaises with the facility.  

Have First Aid and CPR - it is all great that you have an EAP but if you don't have basic injury management skills such as first aid and CPR, what are you going to do if something occurs?  You can not rely on always having a trainer, athletic therapist on your staff or that each year you will have parents who are doctors, nurses or paramedics.  These are added bonuses not sure things.  

Take an Injury Management Seminar - First aid and CPR only get you so far in the world of sports.  You need to understand the types of injuries that will occur in sports and how to apply the knowledge you gained in first aid and CPR to those situations.  A good seminar will not only discuss sports injuries but go in-depth on risk management, injury prevention and return to activity. 

Carry a First Aid Kit - each team should carry an individualized first aid kit for their sport and the knowledge of those who will be using it.  Sports require more than just few pieces of gauze and band-aids but unless you are trained to do so you don't need a stitch kit. 

Do Risk Assessments - at practices and games.  Know what the areas of risk are in your sport and at each facility you are at.  By doing so you can implement prevention strategies and be more prepared for situations that are specific to each activity. 

By no means is this a complete list of everything that comprises a risk management program.  After each practice, game or competition you will tweek your plan based on what occurred.  Rely on past experiences as well to help form your full plan.  Risk management is about creating a safe environment for your athletes, your staff as well as the other team and spectators.  Though when you first start working on your plan it is a lot of work, the benefits pay off throughout the seasons.  When injuries do occur, because you were prepared they will take less energy and focus at that time than if you did not have an effective risk management plan. 

For more information on risk management, EAPs and the coaches role please visit our website at www.eliteinjury.com  and follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt 

What Came First the Athlete or the Injury?

The question of whether there is more sport related injuries in youth sports begs is similar to the which came first the chicken or the egg, or is the rooster crowing more?

Though in recent years there has been some decrease in sport participation for adolescents, overall 75% of children aged 5-17 participate in some form (Sports Participation 2010).  All sports bring with them a risk of injury, younger athletes tend to suffer traumatic injuries while those over the age of 13 tend to suffer more chronic overuse type injuries, (Pediatric Sports Injuries An Age Comparison of Children Versus Adolescents)

So what really came first?  Are there more young athletes or are the young athletes getting injured more?  If there are more athletes participating then it would be logical to assume that there would be more injuries.  However statistics do show that there has been a decrease in participation in certain sports, yet sports that did not exist in 90's are very popular today.  

However, the way sports are played has changed.  Many things that would be considered activities are now organized sports, ie. Ultimate Frisbee.  Sports are seen as a means to an end, school scholarships and professional contracts are the ultimate goal for many parents and athletes.  Due to this athletes are pushing and being pushed at a younger age.  Sport specialization and the formalization of youth sports has these young athletes performing more often and at higher intensities.  

One of the major changes in sport is the culture.  The "old school" thought was that if it wasn't broke you played.  Former athletes were taught to tape an Aspirin to it and keep playing, that playing through injuries no matter how severe was what made you strong.  Athletes are now taught to let their coaches, parents, teachers and athletic therapists know if they are injured.  This point alone could attest for the rise in injuries.  It may not be there is more occurring, it is just that there are more being reported.  

No matter the reasoning for the increase in sports injuries, they are occurring at a greater rate.  As a parent, coach, teacher, athletic therapist/trainer, and athletes we need to focus on injury prevention and proper management.  There needs to be a greater focus on player safety and overall wellness.  For our young athletes to truly get the best experience in sport, they need to be able to participate without fear of injury. 

For more information follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and our website at www.eliteinjury.com 

Athletic Therapist Spotlight - Nicole Lemke

Name: Nicole Lemke

Job: Athletic Therapist for Football Alberta

Education background: Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta, Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy from Mount Royal College and a Master of Science from the University of Alberta.  

What is your typical day: My typical day on the road with Football Alberta's U18 provincial team involves per-practice preparations, sideline coverage in the event of an injury and treatment time in a host clinic.  

What is your favourite part of your job: The favorite part of my job is always game day.  Being part of the team and sharing in their pre-game anxieties and post-game reactions.  

Why did you become an AT: I became an AT because I enjoy sports.  I was an active high school athlete and this gave me a great opportunity to stay involved in sport.  

What is the highlight of your career: Football Alberta takes a team to Maui, Hawaii each summer.  I have gone 8 times! It's a beautiful location and there's a lot to be said for working on a sideline that overlooks the ocean. 

Follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website www.eliteinjury.com  

Athletic Therapist Spotlight - Andrea Hanssen

This weeks Athletic Therapist spotlight is on Andrea Hanssen. 

Name: Andrea Hanssen

Job: Owner of Activa Sports Therapy Athletic therapist & Red Cross First Aid Instructor. 

Education Background:  Bachelors of Physical education from the University of Alberta & Mount Royal University Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy 

What is a typical day for you: During the school year I provide Athletic therapy services at a local high school and everyday can be very different.  The days go by fast doing assessments  and treatments for the students and staff,mostly the athletes that pick up injuries in football, Rugby or other school sports or activities. Other tasks that keep me busy are supervising and providing guidance in the fitness centre and assisting teachers as guest instructor of subjects such as first aid, athletic injury management, taping, nutrition and other topics.  Outside of the school you will most likely find me on the soccer pitch taking care of a variety of different levels from youth to professionals. 

Favorite part of job: Travelling is one of my passions and often times that is  a part of the job.  I have been fortunate that Athletic Therapy has taken me all over Canada, USA, Sweden, England, France and Spain. 

Why did you become an AT: I love sports and couldn't imagine doing anything else. I am happiest around a field or court, either on it playing or helping those that are. 

Highlight of Career:  There are so many great events to choose from, but one memorable moment that will always stick out in my mind is quite comical.  Dwayne Laing and I received a Red Card from the Ref (as Therapists) during a professional soccer game while on the field assisting an injured player. Apparently the he had not waved us on, however the fourth official did signal us to enter the field.  We had to leave the game. 

Follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and our website at www.eliteinjury.com 

SCORE - Saving & Creating Better Athletes

Today is the official launch of our SCORE - Saving and Creating Better Athletes - program.   This program has been designed to give all school athletes tools to help them succeed in all areas of their lives.  The goal of the SCORE program is to create athletes who are not only better prepared to participate in sport and excel but also create athletes who are able to reduce the risk of injury and deal with injury and emergency situations if they do occur.

The SCORE program consists of the following. 

First Aid & CPR Certification 

In the case of any emergency having someone present who is able to perform CPR and       administer life saving first aid can be the difference between life and death.  Having these skills is not only applicable to those in sport but is a great life skill.  Student athletes will be certified in CPR, AED and First Aid.

Injury Recognition 

The importance of having first aid and CPR is great, however without the knowledge of how to recognize common sports injuries those skills are not useful.  We offer numerous injury recognition seminars including concussion recognition. musculoskeletal injuries, anaphylactic    reactions, spinal injuries, heat illness and medical episodes such as cardiac arrest, diabetes, and asthma.  

Sport Taping & Strapping

If you want to learn unique and practical taping techniques for most common sports injuries.  Participants learn proper taping procedures, when to tape and when not to, taping versus bracing, as well as have the opportunity to practice different taping techniques for all parts of the body.

Education Seminars 

Seminars will increase athletes awareness of health and safety topics. Participants will gain knowledge on how to perform at peak levels as well as knowledge to use in everyday life.  Topics include nutrition, injury prevention, drugs in sport and mental training skills such as goal setting.

Student Trainer Course

For those students who wish to expand their knowledge of sports medicine or who are wanting to pursue a career in sports medicine this is the place to start.  This course is comprised of three parts: First Aid and CPR certification, Sport Taping and Strapping and our Managing Injuries—A Trainer’s  Responsibility.

 By creating an athlete that not only has the skills to compete on the playing field or gym, but who now has the knowledge as to how injury prevention and management plays a role in athletic success.  The SCORE program truly makes athletes - student athletes as it gives direct education applicable to sport that they can carry over into every day life.

Please follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website www.eliteinjury.com 

Lightning Safety in Sport

With warm weather comes, thunderstorms and of course lightning.  We all enjoy spending time outside either participating or watching outdoor activities and sports.  Many times when a storm approaches we all fail to proceed safely.  Many assume that only sports that involve metal implements, ie. golf, softball and some track events, need to have lightning safety policies.  In Canada there are an average of 10 deaths per year from lightning strikes and around 164 injuries. Most occur between June and August with a whopping 94% of deaths and 74% of injuries occurring this time. Those aged between 16 and 45 and male are the most prone to suffer a lightning related death or injury.  The activities that are most common are camping/hiking and work, golf and baseball rank third and fourth.  

We can not prevent thunderstorms from occurring, so to prevent lightning related injuries we must have a thorough lightning emergency action plan.  

1) Have a designated person who is responsible for suspending play. 

2) Have a designated weather watcher, who's job is to watch for incoming weather systems.

3) Have pre set safe zones for each venue in case severe weather does occur. 

4) Have a set of criteria as to when it is safe to resume activity. 

When deciding when to suspend play paying attention to the incoming weather is key.  As soon as there is a approximately 9.25 km from the edge of the storm and the area of activity, if you can hear thunder then there is lightning near by.  You must allow for everyone involved to be able to reach the safe area prior to the storm hitting.  The safe area must be indoors, places like shelters and picnic canopies are not sufficient.  When it is time to resume your activity the standard rule is 30 minutes after the last lightning strike and sound of thunder is heard.  

Having a well thought out EAP for lightning is important for all outdoor activities.  Being prepared to suspend play and stick by your actions is beneficial to all.  As with all safety initiatives lightning safety needs full team buy in to be successful.  Be proactive and set out your plan, do not rely on the officials or other team to make the call.  Research within your league as to who's responsibility it is to suspend play and if there is already a lightning policy in place.  Though lightning strikes are not as common as other injuries the damages from them are much more devastating and tragic.  

For more information on lighting safety in sports check out the NATA Position Statement on Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation and for general lightning information in Canada go to Environment Canada - Lightning Safety.

Please follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website at www.eliteinjury.com 

Becoming an Athletic Therapist

So you want to become an Athletic Therapist.  Congratulations and welcome to one of the most rewarding careers you can find. If you want more information than provided here please go to www.athletictherapy.org

The first step towards becoming a Certified Athletic Therapist is to attend an accredited institution. We have seven institutions in Canada.  University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Camosun College, Sheridan College and Concordia University all have degree programs in Athletic Therapy.  Mount Royal University offers a post degree certificate as well as a collaborative program with University of Regina, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge and Trinity Western University.  York University currently has probationary status. 

Upon completion of your education you will continue on the path of certification.  Before attempting the national certification exam you will need to have met the following requirements.  A valid CPR-HCP certification, completed a First Responder course, have your Supervisory Athletic Therapist (SAT) to approve your application and have completed 600 hours of both field and clinical work.  

The national exam consists of two parts.  The written exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions.  The oral-practical portion consists of both field and clinical components.  During the field exam you will face an urgent or non-urgent on field scenario, a sideline return to play scenario and a taping/support scenario.  The clinical component has to scenarios, injury assessment and rehabilitation.  The oral-practical exam is marked live by Certified Athletic Therapists.  

There are 6 domains of competencies that you will gain during your education and will need to demonstrate during your national exam.  

1. Prevention
2. Recognition and Evaluation 
3. Managing, Treatment and Disposition
4. Rehabilitation
5. Organization and Administration
6. Education and Counselling

Once you have completed all these steps you will receive one of the greatest pieces of mail stating you our now a Certified Athletic Therapist and get to use the professional designation of CAT(C).

Please follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website at www.eliteinjury.com