Athletic Training Aides

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Athletic Training Aide Program at Homewood-Flossmoor High School is to allow students with an interest in allied health and medical fields to observe and gain hands-on experience under the supervision of Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainers in their profession related duties of athletic injury prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. The experience that students can gain in this program will transfer to several aspects of the healthcare field.

PREREQUISITES

Eligibility

Athletic Training Aides are subject to Athletics and Activities eligibility under the school code. Athletic Training Aides who are declared to be academically ineligible will not be allowed to participate in practice and game coverage for that week for a term of Sunday to Sunday. In addition, Athletic Training Aides are subject to the program’s grade standards. Students who appear on the athletic eligibility report with a reported D or F in a class will be summoned for a conference with the athletic trainers. Students who have a D in a class will receive a warning of the grade. Students who have an F in a class may be excused from practice and game coverage to allow them additional time to restore their grade to an acceptable level.

Selection of Students

All levels of students are accepted into the program with a minimum of two seasons of commitment required for the school year. Students with an interest in athletic training or other health care related field are preferred. Tryouts will be held each year during the first three days of athletic participation in the fall season allowed by the IHSA. A total of twelve students are selected with returning students who have completed their basic proficiency sheet automatically selected. The remaining available openings will be filled by prospective students trying out. Additional students may be selected in the winter and spring season if openings become available.

CONDUCT

Athletic Training Aides will conduct themselves as professionals in the athletic training room and at practice/game coverage. The athletic training room is a healthcare facility that must be staffed by people capable of maintaining their composure and showing maturity while assisting in the care of a population of their peers. Horseplay, inappropriate conversation and conduct deemed unacceptable by the certified athletic trainers will not be tolerated. Medical confidentiality must be maintained at all times. At no time may an athletic training aide discuss the injuries or conditions seen in the athletic training outside of the athletic training room. The student may have the opportunity to travel with the football team in the fall which falls under the guidelines of a field trip. The student will be expected to act as an ambassador of the school and program during these trips.

PROFICIENCIES

Athletic Training Aides are able to perform select treatments, such as taping and stretching, on athletes once they have shown proficiency in the skill. Proficiency check off sheets are posted in the athletic training room and the Certified Athletic Trainers will sign off on the sheet once proficiency has been proven. Completion of the first proficiency sheet is recognized by the athletic training aide being awarded a fanny pack and pair of scissors. Completion of the advanced proficiency sheet is recognized by the athletic training aide being able to purchase an item of clothing of their choice from the campus store. Skills training videos can be found here.

Attendance

A minimum of 2 days per week for one hour is the minimum expectation for attendance. Failure to meet the attendance requirement without prior discussion with the athletic trainers will result in a conference for the first violation, a conference with a parent phone call for the following, and expulsion from the club for a third violation in a season.

DRESS CODE

Adherence to the code of appearance widely accepted within the profession of athletic training is expected at varsity athletic events. This includes a red or white shirt (preferably an HF shirt), khaki colored pants/shorts or black pants and closed toed shoes. While there is no strict code of dress for lower level events or for athletic training room duties, the student is still expected to adhere to the code of dress set forth by the school.

DUTIES

Arrival in Athletic Training Room & Practice/Game Preparation

· Clean and fill whirlpools

· Clean and fill coolers

· Pre-make ice bags

· Assist with taping of athletes*

· Application of modalities (heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation)*

· Assist in the rehabilitation of injured athletes*

· Record treatments in injury documentation software.

· Retrieval of golf carts from stadium garage**

During Practices and Games

· Perform basic first aid for athletes (wound care, ice)*

· Communicate with Certified Athletic Trainers regarding any injuries or tapings*

· Monitor water levels in coolers on both benches or sidelines

· Retrieval of emergency response equipment indicated by Certified Athletic Trainer during an on-field injury

After Practice/Games

· Restock supplies used during the day

· Clean surfaces in the athletic training room with disinfectant

· Drain whirlpools

· Sweep up any debris on floor

· Check water level in hydrocollator

· Return golf cart to stadium garage and close door**

· Break down of equipment including coolers, medical kits and any other equipment utilized for coverage. Aides assisting in athletic training coverage will not be excused until this is complete.

*Indicates an item that requires a demonstrated proficiency before the item may be performed on an athlete.

**Operation of the golf cart requires a State of Illinois issued Driver’s License and training and explanation of acceptable use by the Certified Athletic Trainers. Inappropriate use will result in immediate disciplinary action.

Note to Parents: Participation in the Athletic Training Aide club is a significant time commitment. Days of event coverage can lead to varying times that these events may finish due to a variety of circumstances such as inclement weather delays and overtime in competition. Aides are expected to stay at any event/practice coverage they are participating in until all athletic training equipment used at the competition or practice has been put away. A certain amount of flexibility is necessary regarding transportation for these students after coverage. All Aides are given a copy of the event schedule for the season. You and your student are encouraged to communicate regarding that day’s event and practice coverage to appropriately plan for transportation. Any additional information requests regarding times can be directed to the Athletic Trainers.