Sports Medicine

1. Medical Staff:
   1. Certified Athletic Trainers
   2. Athletic Training Interns
   3. Medical Doctor (during sparring only)
2. Sports Medicine Services
   1. Pre competition taping
      1. Taping by Sports Medicine Staff only for:
         1. New or recent injuries that cause:
            1. Pain
            2. Joint instability
            3. Weakness of a muscle or joint
            4. Swelling
         2. As requested in writing by treating Medical Doctor (MD/DO)
         3. No preventative taping for ankles, feet or wrists by medical staff
   2. Pads for feet
      1. Sports Medicine will not have foam materials available for pads on feet.
      2. Sports Medicine will not tape pads on feet. This is the responsibility of each competitor.
      3. White athletic tape will be available for purchase at the weigh-in area.
   3. Injuries during competition
      1. Your cooperation will be appreciated if the medical staff is requested to assess an injury during competition
      2. All moderate to serious injuries will be referred to the medical staff for assessment, to determine the safety for the competitor to continue competition or the need for medical care beyond what can be provided at the competition site.
      3. Concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries
         You do not have to be knocked out or have loss of consciousness to have a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury.
         1. Any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury will be removed from competition and assessed by the sports medicine staff for safe return to competition
         2. Any athlete diagnosed with a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury will be removed from competition for the remainder of the day or until the sports medicine staff determines it is safe for them to return to activity.
         3. Should be medically cleared by a medical doctor (MD/DO) specializing in assessment of athletic concussions, for safe return to activity (the International Concensus Statement on Managment of Concussions does not recommend this assessment be performed by the family physician)
         4. Should complete a progressive exercise program, once symptom free and cleared by a MD/DO for gradual return to activity. The Gradual Return to Activity Program typically takes a minimum of 5-7 days to complete, but may take longer. Any return of symptoms during or follwing exercise requires re-evaluation by treating MD/DO, before return to activity. Once cleared again, to resume activity, the athlete should start at the last phase of the program that was successfully completed with no return of symptoms. If the athlete has no return of symptoms during exercise or during 24 hours following exercise, following exercise, the athlete may progress to the next phase of exercise.
            
            Sample Gradual Return to Exercise Program
            1. Light non impact light aerobic exercise such as walking or riding an exercise bike for 15-20 minutes. If no return of symptoms during or within 24 hours after performing this phase of exercises progress to the next phase.
            2. Higher intensity aerobic exercise such as running or jumping rope or body weight exercises like sit-ups or push-ups.
            3. Sport specific non-contact activities and/or low resistance weight training exercises with a spotter.
            4. Sport specific non-contact activity and high resistance weight training or resistance exercises
            5. Full contact training drills
            6. Return to competition
         5. Will be reported to USAT for a 30 day hold from sparring.