Athletic Cautions, Considerations & Responsibilities

Activities can be highly competitive and physical conditioning plays a major role in the preparation of the student athlete. Because of the intense demands of participation, students must observe the rules, procedures, and training progression for their activity.

Emergencies

Because of the nature of sports, injuries may occur. All injuries must be called to the attention of the coaching staff and athletic trainer. Some injuries may require more intense management. When such an incident occurs, the practice, scrimmage, drill, or contest should be stopped. Make sure the coach, athletic trainer, or other site manager is aware of the problem. If necessary, additional assistance should be called. If a fire or fire alarm occurs, the site should be evacuated, with all participants moving a safe distance away from the facility.

Fargo Davies Emergency Action Protocol

Fargo North Emergency Action Protocol

Fargo South Emergency Action Protocol

Ben Franklin Emergency Action Protocol

Carl Ben Eielson Emergency Action Protocol

Discovery Emergency Action Protocol

Preparation for Activity

Clothing, shoes, and protective equipment for your sport should fit properly and be worn during practices and contests. Remove all jewelry before participation.

Individuals requiring athletic training services should arrive early to receive treatment to avoid being late for practice. All physical problems that are chronic or may interfere with participation should be reported to the athletic trainer and coach.

All athletes must have their annual physical exam on file prior to the start of the season.

Locker Room and Practice

Be alert to the surroundings to prevent any injuries. Students should not engage in roughhouse or horseplay which could lead to injury. Keep all valuables secured and locked in your locker. All skin infections should be reported to the coach and athletic trainer. Athletic spikes should be removed before entering the building.

General Sport Cautions

• Be alert to dehydration symptoms. Students should remain well hydrated before, during and after participation.

• Monitor your body weight throughout the season to insure maximum performance.

• Fuel your body with a nutritious, balanced diet.

• Do appropriate stretching and warming up before the start of activity.

• Inappropriate use of required equipment for the sport is forbidden.

• Assist with the equipment check at practice and game sites to ensure safety.

• Do not overload equipment. Always be certain to observe noted limits

• When practice or competition is taking place outdoors, be mindful of pending weather conditions that could threaten safety. Heat illness, cold injury and lightning safety are all potential dangers in our climate.

• Proper safety procedure for individual sports will be covered by coaches in each specific activity.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest is the result of unexpected failure of proper heart function, usually during or immediately after exercise. In more than a third of sudden cardiac arrests, there were warning signs that were not reported or taken seriously. Warning signs are:

• Fainting, a seizure or convulsions during physical activity.

• Fainting or a seizure from emotional excitement, emotional distress or being startled.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially during exertion.

• Chest pains, at rest or during exertion.

• Palpitations – awareness of the heart beating unusually during athletics or during cool down periods after athletic participation.

• Fatigue or tiring more quickly than peers.

• Being unable to keep up with friends due to shortness of breath.