2023 – 2024 Graham ISD

Athletic Training Information Letter

Athletic Trainers:  Graham ISD employs two full time athletic trainers.  These individuals are licensed by the state of Texas and certified by the Board of Certification.  They are here to insure that the student athletes of this school district have the utmost care when it comes to their athletic injuries.  They will actively participate in the prevention, treatment, and care of any athletic injury that occurs to your child during the course of their participation in GISD.  Every attempt will be made by the staff athletic trainers to be in attendance for all high school athletic events.  There are times, however, that all events that occur at the high school are unable to be covered due to overlapping events in the schedule and the wide array of venues that Graham ISD utilizes.

Medical Referral:  If in the unfortunate event that your child will need a medical referral to a doctor someone from the GISD athletic training or coaching staff will contact you to let you know.  As your child’s parent, you are free to take your child to whichever doctor that you choose.  From time to time there will be local doctors on site during GISD athletic contests.  If your child becomes injured and is evaluated by a doctor at the event site, you are not obligated to continue your child’s treatment with this doctor if further medical treatment is warranted.  If and when your child is seen by a doctor for an injury or illness he/she are to bring a note from that doctor stating their activity level for both practices and games.  This note is to be given to one of the staff athletic trainers at the high school or the student athlete’s coach at the junior high.  Once the note is received stipulating an amount of time for restricted/no athletic activity, it will be followed by GISD staff.  If you as a parent would like a second opinion regarding your child’s medical condition, you are free to do so.  GISD staff asks that if you seek a second opinion that it be from a similar type or more specialized doctor.  

EXAMPLE:  The student athlete is held out of activity by an orthopedist.  To be released to full activity one of two things needs to happen.  Either the amount of time specified by the doctor’s note elapses, or the student athlete is released by another orthopedist.  

It is important to remember that we as athletic trainers have the student athlete’s best interest in mind.  We will not make a decision to allow a child to play if we feel like it will jeopardize his health simply to give their team a better chance to win.

Athletic Training Room Procedures:  The athletic training room will open every morning that school is held at 7:00 am except during final exam week.  Any student athlete who has a new or existing injury is expected to be here at that time to be evaluated by one of the staff athletic trainers.  After the initial evaluation, the student athlete may need to perform rehabilitative exercises to improve the condition of their injury.  If a student athlete is unable to come for morning treatment, he/she need to make arrangements with the staff athletic trainers for an alternative time.  All rules for the athletic training room are posted for all student athletes, their parents, and GISD staff to see.  They are to be adhered to if the student athlete is to receive treatment for their injuries.

Insurance:  Graham ISD does not provide a secondary insurance policy that covers students involved in interscholastic athletics.  As the parent or guardian you will be responsible for any medical bills that you may occur if your child becomes injured while participating in extracurricular activities for Graham ISD.  If the student does not have a primary insurance it is strongly recommended that an inexpensive accident only policy be purchased.  It is the responsibility of the parent to file their own insurance claims.  Every attempt should be made to notify the athletic trainer, or junior high coordinator regarding any and all medical services for injuries received by their child.  Failure to either advise an GISD representative or to seek medical treatment in a timely fashion may hinder the student athlete’s ability to file their personal insurance as medical treatment may be required to be initiated promptly after the injury.

Required Paperwork:  The University Interscholastic League (UIL) requires that all athletes entering their first, third, and fifth years of athletics have a pre-participation physical to practice and play.  Graham ISD with the help of local medical professionals hosts a free physical night for incoming freshman and juniors each year in May.  If a student athlete does not get his/her physical at that time they will be expected to get it on their own at their own expense.  However, ALL student athletes and their parents must fill out the online Sports Participation Packet EVERY year before they will be allowed to participate in any workout whether it be an in season or in the athletic period.  This packet can be found online on the GISD website.

There is information available on the Graham HS athletic training website that pertains to athletic injuries and their treatment.  Please go to shs.sville.us and click on the “Athletic Trainer” link under the “Athletics” tab for more information.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s physical condition please do not hesitate to contact either of us.

Mike Carroll M Ed, LAT, ATC 

Head Athletic Trainer

mike.carroll@grahamisd.com

Amy Arnzen MS, LAT, ATC

Assistant Athletic Trainer

amy.arnzen@grahamisd.com