Visiting Teams

Athletic Training Coverage

The HF Athletic Training Staff is present for all home games of IHSA varsity sports and also field hockey. Due to the size of the campus and number of teams that may be competing concurrently, the athletic trainers prioritize coverage and presence based on the risk of injury inherent to the sport. The judgement of risk of injury is based on recommendations by the National Athletic Training Association. The athletic trainers are available to respond to any injury to an athlete on a visiting team that may occur during a contest. If an athletic trainer is not present at the contest and an injury occurs, it is asked that the coach communicate the need for an athletic trainer to manage the injury to a HF staff member. That staff member will then contact the athletic trainer and request they respond to that site. High school athletic training aides may be present or respond to a situation requiring basic first aid or a bag of ice. At no time will an athletic training aide evaluate and/or treat an injury beyond these parameters.

Visiting athletes who sustain injuries will receive an injury evaluation and a determination of recommended playing status. That status recommendation will then be communicated to the coach. An athlete who is allowed to return to play will receive the best efforts of the athletic training staff to return them to play in the safest manner possible. Treatments may include, but are not limited to, first aid, athletic taping, stretching and ice. Athletes who are not allowed to return to play will receive any necessary care to initially treat the injury. This care can include, but is not limited to, activation of Emergency Medical Services, splinting, and a loan of crutches and ice. The injured athlete's parents will be notified of the injury and recommended care. The athlete not referred to immediate physician care will be referred back to their athletic trainer for direction of care.

Football Games

Visiting teams for football games can expect the following at the games at the Varsity level:

• Presence of an ambulance and paramedics

• A continuous supply of water by a water tree or coolers on the sideline

• A cooler of ice with bags placed on the sideline

• The presence of a physician

• Athletic Training coverage will be provided in the event that the visiting team athletic trainers cannot be present. Please communicate this ahead of time.

Sophomore and Freshman level games can expect the following:

• Presence of an ambulance and paramedics

• A continuous supply of water by a water tree on the sideline

• A cooler of ice with bags placed on the sideline

Water

Water will be provided by request to any visiting team that does not elect to bring their own cooler with them. It is asked that teams bring their own cups or bottles to drink from, although, they can also be provided upon request.

Any special needs should be communicated to the HF Athletic Training Staff prior to the date of the contest. Please click here for contact information.