[BillyMac]

Basketball Points of Emphasis - 2018-19

SPORTS MEDICINE
CONCUSSION RECOGNITION AND RISK MINIMIZATION

Concussions continue to be a focus of attention in contact and collision sports at all levels of athletic competition. The NFHS has been at the forefront of national sports organizations in emphasizing the importance of concussion education, recognition, and proper management. Widespread education on best practices in concussion management has led to the adoption of rules changes and concussion-specific policies by multiple athletic organizations, state associations and school districts.

Recent research has shown that early recognition of concussion symptoms and immediate removal from play result in a quicker recovery time. Coaches and game officials must be familiar with the signs and symptoms of a possible concussion so that appropriate steps can be taken to safeguard the health and safety of injured students.

There is no evidence that any type of soft headgear will prevent concussions in basketball. However, many concussions result from player to player collisions, or falls onto the court. Therefore, if coaches and officials strive to eliminate rough play through proper instruction and rigorous enforcement of the rules, the opportunity exists to greatly minimize concussion risk in practices and contests.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SKIN INFECTIONS AND COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

While the incidence is low, the close physical contact during basketball practices and contests pose a risk for transmission of skin and other infections. The transmission of skin infections such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and herpes, blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B, and general illnesses like influenza can be greatly reduced through proper hygiene and following Universal Precautions. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) has outlined and listed below some general guidelines for the prevention of the spread of these diseases:
•Do not share towels or personal hygiene products (razors) with others.
•Students should clean hands with an alcohol-based gel or soap and water before and after every practice and contest to decrease bacterial load on the hands.
•An athlete who is bleeding, has an open wound, has any amount of blood on his/her uniform, or has blood on his/her person, shall be directed to leave the activity (game or practice) until the bleeding is stopped, the wound is covered, the uniform and/or body is appropriately cleaned, and/or the uniform is changed before returning to activity.
•Anyone cleaning a uniform or playing surface must wear gloves and use Universal Precautions to prevent blood or body fluid-splash from contaminating themselves or others.
•Any blood exposure or bites to the skin that break the surface must be reported and immediately evaluated by an appropriate health-care professional.
•Make certain that students, coaching staff, and medical staff are current on all required vaccinations (MMR, Hepatitis B, Chickenpox, etc.) and strongly encourage yearly influenza vaccinations.

ANKLE SPRAINS

Ankle sprains are the most common injury seen in boys and girls high school basketball, often forcing athletes to miss significant playing time. Upon returning to activity, if not properly treated, an ankle sprain may limit the athlete’s ability to play effectively for weeks, months, or even years following the initial injury. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be prevented.

The NFHS SMAC strongly advises that all basketball coaches take a proactive role in minimizing the risk of ankle sprains in their athletes. There is a great deal of research that shows a simple series of exercises and the regular use of ankle braces will eliminate 50-60% of all ankle sprains in high school basketball players.

An effective exercise program can be performed with minimal equipment in as few as 5-10 minutes a day, 3 days a week, prior to and throughout the season. The program should include a proper warm-up, lower leg stretches, ankle strengthening with elastic bands, and exercises focusing on jumping and balance. Lace up ankle braces should be worn over a single pair of socks and the braces must be used for all practices and games. Wearing ankle braces does not affect an athlete’s speed or agility, nor do they “weaken” the ankles or lead to other injuries.