Athletic Training-Athlete Health & Safety

Pre-Participation Physical Exams & Medical Clearance

All students must pass a physical examination prior to participation in athletics and a physical exam covers the student for 13 months from the exam date. A student’s eligibility will terminate once a physical has reached the 13-month limit. Physicals must be performed by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner (MIAA Rule 56.1). If not completed on the MIAA form, physicals must be readable and clearly contain the physician’s or practice’s name, date of exam, vital signs, and that the student is cleared to participate in sports.

Students who are being treated for a medical condition (e.g. cardiologist) outside their primary care physician may be required to submit additional athletic participation clearance documentation.

Students with a missing or diseased paired organ must provide additional documentation to the athletics department prior to being cleared for participation in athletics. Please reach out to the athletic trainer for more information regarding the required forms.

Injury/Illness Reporting & Return to Play

Injuries and illnesses should be reported to the athletic trainer in a timely fashion. Athletic injuries will be communicated to the school nurse. For injuries that require further evaluation or referral, parents will be provided with information regarding the school accident insurance policy via mail by the school nurse. Coaches will be made aware of any student who is not eligible to participate in team activities.

Students who see a physician for injury evaluation must submit written clearance documentation before returning to participation. If not using the MIAA Return to Athletic Participation Form, the note must clearly state that the student is cleared to participate in athletics, the physician’s name/practice, date, and diagnosis. Return to play clearance documentation will only be accepted from a licensed physician. Students who are referred to a specialist (e.g., orthopedic, cardiologist, concussion clinic) from their primary care physician, will need to obtain clearance documentation from the specialist seen.

Athletes returning from injury will be functionally tested by the athletic trainer prior to their return to participation.  The athletic trainer reserves the right to restrict or limit an athlete’s participation based on these tests, regardless of the documentation.  Occasionally, an athlete with a clearance note from a physician may be held out of participation for further recovery.  The athletic trainer, in conjunction with the primary care physician and team physician, has the final determination on the return of any athlete.  In most cases, an injured athlete will be required to participate in a full team practice prior to returning to full game participation.

Jackie C. Germain, MS, ATC, CSCS
Athletic Trainer
Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine
Silver Lake Regional High School

jgermain4@partners.org
jackiegermain@slrsd.org

Office #: 781-585-3844 Ext. 1423
Athletics Fax #: 781-585-2614