Sports Medicine & Athletic Training
The health and safety of Shadow Hills student-athletes is a priority of the Shadow Hills Athletic Department. Our sports medicine program works with student-athletes, families, coaches, school personnel, and medical providers to support the prevention, recognition, and appropriate management of athletic injuries.
Student-athletes should report injuries, illnesses, concussion symptoms, or other health concerns to their coach and appropriate school personnel as soon as possible.
Athletic Training Contact
Alexia Esquibel — Athletic Specialist
Email: alexia.esquibel2@desertsands.us
Phone: (760) 393-5400
The Athletic Specialist supports the health and safety needs of Shadow Hills student-athletes and works with coaches, families, school personnel, and medical providers regarding athletic injuries and student-athlete care.
Students should report athletic injuries or health concerns promptly rather than attempting to continue participation without notifying a coach or appropriate school personnel.
Injuries & Medical Care
Student-athletes should immediately report injuries sustained during practices, competitions, strength and conditioning activities, or other school-sponsored athletic activities.
When an injury occurs, the student-athlete may be removed from participation for evaluation. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, the student may be referred to a parent/guardian, physician, emergency medical provider, or other appropriate healthcare professional.
Coaches and school personnel do not diagnose injuries or determine medical treatment beyond the scope of their training and responsibilities. When medical evaluation is required, families are responsible for obtaining appropriate care and providing any required medical documentation before the student-athlete returns to participation.
In an emergency, call 911. School personnel will activate the appropriate Emergency Action Plan when necessary.
Concussions & Return to Play
A student-athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury must be removed from the athletic activity immediately and should not return to participation until the requirements for medical evaluation and return to play have been satisfied.
Athletes should immediately report symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, balance problems, nausea, vision changes, sensitivity to light or noise, unusual fatigue, or simply “not feeling right” following a hit or impact.
A student-athlete diagnosed with a concussion must be evaluated and cleared by an appropriately licensed healthcare provider and complete the required graduated return-to-play protocol before returning to full athletic participation.
When in doubt, the athlete stays out. Student-athletes should never attempt to hide concussion symptoms in order to remain in a practice or competition.
Emergency Medications
Student-athletes with medical conditions that may require emergency medication during athletic participation should ensure that all required medications, physician orders, authorization forms, and health information are current and available as required by Shadow Hills High School and Desert Sands Unified School District.
Examples may include prescribed rescue medications for asthma, severe allergic reactions, seizures, diabetes, or other medical conditions.
Parents and guardians should communicate relevant emergency medical needs to the school and appropriate athletic personnel before participation begins. Coaches should be made aware when a student-athlete has an established emergency care plan or requires access to emergency medication during practices or competitions.
Student-athletes should not rely on another person’s medication or participate without required emergency medication being accessible when it has been prescribed for their condition.
For questions regarding medication authorization, storage, or administration, families should contact the school health office.
Return to Play After Injury
Student-athletes who have been removed from participation because of an injury or medical condition may be required to provide written medical clearance before returning to athletic activity.
When medical clearance is required, documentation should identify any restrictions or limitations that apply to the student-athlete’s participation. Athletes may not participate beyond those restrictions until updated clearance is provided.
A student-athlete’s return to participation may be gradual depending on the injury, medical recommendations, and applicable return-to-play requirements.
A student-athlete should not return to participation simply because symptoms have improved if medical clearance or a return-to-play process is still required.
Questions regarding medical clearance or return-to-play requirements should be directed to the Shadow Hills Athletic Department or appropriate school health personnel.
Emergency Action Plans
Shadow Hills High School maintains Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) to guide the response to serious injuries and medical emergencies that may occur during athletic activities.
Emergency procedures may vary by athletic venue and include procedures for activating Emergency Medical Services (EMS), directing emergency responders to the appropriate location, identifying available emergency equipment, and coordinating the response of coaches and school personnel.
Coaches and appropriate athletic personnel are expected to be familiar with the emergency procedures for the facilities in which their teams practice and compete.
In the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately and follow the applicable Emergency Action Plan.
Visiting teams should communicate any significant medical needs to Shadow Hills Athletics prior to competition whenever possible.
Important Resources
The following resources provide additional information for student-athletes and families regarding athletic health, safety, clearance, and CIF Southern Section requirements.
