area in which contest are being held.
NOTE: If a single field is divided for the purposes of holding multiple contests/scrimmages
simultaneously, each of the divided sections must have a licensed athletic trainer or
first responder responsible for that section of contest area.
(7)
A licensed athletic trainer or first responder must be in attendance at all wrestling matches.
(8)
A licensed athletic trainer or a first responder must be physically present at all times in any
competition area in which wrestling matches are being held.
Ex. - Wrestling in the Auxiliary Gym and Main Gym at the same time would require two
licensed athletic trainers or first responders or a combination of one of each.
NOTE: Failure of a member school to meet an athletic event medical care requirement, as
listed on previous page, is a violation of NCHSAA rules and may result in a penalty. [See Rule
3.3.6(d)(7)].
2.3.3
Fundamentals of Heat Illness Prevention and Management for All Sports
(a)
The vast majority of serious heat illness occurs during the first week of practice/training. Acclima-
tization should consist of gradually increasing the amount of time of environmental exposure (heat
and humidity) while progressively increasing physical exertion and training activities. The key to
appropriate acclimatization is to:
(1)
Begin with shorter, less intense practices and training activities, with longer recovery inter-
vals between bouts of activity;
(2)
Minimize protective gear during first several practices, and introduce additional uniform
and protective gear progressively over successive days. (e.g. in football, helmets only,
no shoulder pads); and,
(3)
Emphasize instruction over conditioning during the first several practices.
(b)
Keep each athlete’s individual level of conditioning and medical status in mind and adjust activity
accordingly. These factors directly affect exertional heat illness risk. For example, there is an in-
creased risk of heat injury if the athlete is obese, unfit, has been recently ill (particularly gastro-
intestinal illness), has a previous history of exertional heat illness, has Sickle Cell Trait, or is using
certain medications. Players at risk should be identified from their pre-participation examination.
(c)
High temperatures and high humidity are potentially dangerous for athletes. In these conditions,
lower the intensity of practices and increase the frequency and duration of rest breaks*, and consid-
er reducing uniform and protective equipment. Also, be sure to monitor all players more closely
as conditions are increasingly warm/humid, especially if there is a change in weather from the pre
vious few days. [*Provide a shaded area for rest breaks]
(d)
Athletes should begin practices and training activities adequately hydrated.
(e)
Recognize early signs of distress and developing exertional heat illness (weakness, nausea/vomit-
ing, paleness, headache, light-headedness). Promptly remove from activity, and treat appropriately.
First aid should not be delayed.
(f)
Recognize more serious signs of exertional heat illness (clumsiness, confusion, stumbling, collapse,
obvious behavioral changes and/or other central nervous system problems), immediately stop
activity, begin rapid cooling, and activate the Emergency Medical System.
(g)
All schools should have a heat illness prevention and management policy for all sanctioned activi-
ties and this policy must be followed.
(h)
Pursuant to the State Board Health and Safety Policy, a venue-specific emergency action plan (EAP)
with clearly defined written and practiced procedures must be developed and in place ahead of
time.
(i)
Prior to the season, all coaches, athletic training personnel and first responders working with the
team should review the signs and symptoms of heat illness and the EAP for their school.
(j)
A Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) chart should be available at practices and contests.
(k)
Supplies to assess WBGT (or alternatively, heat and humidity on site), to assess core temperature,
and to provide for rapid cooling should be on-site for all practices and games as environmental con-
ditions require.
2.3.4
Acclimatization (Football)
(a)
Days 1–5 are the first formal practices. No more than 1 practice occurs per day.
(b)
Total practice time should not exceed 3 hours in any 1 day.
(c)
1-hour maximum walk-through is permitted on days 1–5, however there must be a minimum 3 hour
break in a cool environment between practice and walk-through (or vice versa).
(d)
During days 1–2 of first formal practices, a helmet should be the only protective equipment permit-
ted (if applicable). During days 3–5, only helmets and shoulder pads should be worn (if applicable).
Beginning on day 6, all protective equipment may be worn and full contact may begin.
(1)
On days 3–5, contact with blocking sleds and tackling dummies may be initiated.
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