Health Information
Students are not required to submit a seasonal physical examination to participate in the HS athletics program. However, HKIS requires that every student undergoes a physical examination and uploads that information to the PowerSchool student profile when moving divisions into Grades 3, 6, and 9. Registration for tryouts and first contacts includes a statement confirming that it has been completed and uploaded. The nurse’s office alerts the Athletic Office to missing student information in the first few weeks of school.
Concussion Management
View the Concussion Management Plan here.
Parents should review concussion information and report any concerns following head injury. Coaches are encouraged to complete the CATT concussion management awareness course. Coaches should be vigilant of signs/symptoms of concussion following head injury. A precautionary rest period of 10–20 minutes following a significant or suspicious blow to the head/neck region is encouraged. Any sign, symptoms or suspicion of concussion will be referred and communicated to the Athletic Trainer (AT). Utilize the Concussion Recognition Tool (CRT6) to assist. For tournament hosting, we follow the APAC guidelines for returning to play and returning to learn. All players must report all suspicious head injuries to parents, athletic trainer, coach and/or school nurse. The Athletic Trainer is the primary provider for determining clearance, return to learning and play status. A multistep/day physical exertional protocol will be administered following a concussion onset.
Emergencies & Injuries
Coaches are required to have an updated CPR/AED Certification. In the event of a life-threatening condition or serious injury when an ambulance has to be called, the athlete will only be taken to the closest hospital (Pamela Youde in Chai Wan). In the event of a non-urgent injury that is not considered urgent, the parent will be contacted, and Adventist Hospital is the default provider - unless they communicate another preference. APAC rules require the host school to have a qualified professional on site at all times when competition is taking place. The AT is the primary provider for determining student-athlete clearance and play status following injury. Please directly communicate any significant injuries to the HKIS AT (Jared Maisel) and encourage student-athletes to arrange appointments for issues that cause participation issues. Many treatment and rehabilitative resources are available onsite.
Weather Policies
View the Weather Policies here.
Decisions regarding training and competitions will be made by 2 pm for the early training slot (3:45 pm start) or off site competitions. For the late training slot (5:00 pm), that decision will be made by 4:00 so that students can utilize the 4:20 bus (if enrolled in Kwoon Chung program)
- Typhoon - No action is required for T1-3 calls from Hong Kong Observatory. However, reasonable prudence is encouraged. For T8+ all activities are canceled.
- Rain - All activities are canceled for a Black or Red Rainstorm. Events may continue because of Amber Rainstorm at the coaches and administrators' discretion. Coaches are always encouraged to consider safety first when making environmental sports decisions.
- AQHI - Measured from Eastern Station
- 1-5 No restrictions
- 6-7 Students with asthma and other respiratory or cardiac conditions will be advised to limit their outdoor physical activities.
- 8-10 Outdoor activities considerations will be made, including modifying competition/practice format, intensity and duration. Endurance events like cross country and track & field are canceled.
- 10+ All outdoor activities are canceled. Indoor activities will be limited.
- For off-site competitions, the reading will be taken from the closest station to that facility. All efforts to make that call at 2 pm will be made.
- Lightning - Increased vigilance should be taken when a thunderstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory. Local conditions should be regularly monitored via a reliable weather application. Outdoor activity will be suspended for 30-minutes following any observation of any lightning or any weather monitoring service that reports lightning strikes within 10km. All outdoor facilities should be evacuated to a safe indoor space that has been ideally pre-designated. Competitive play may resume once a full 30-minutes has passed following the last strike within 10km.
Heat Guidelines
- HKIS personnel and the community should be aware of weather forecasts, exercising caution when approaching/exceeding a heat index of 38°C or 100° F.
- Consider activity modifications to lower intensity by eliminating physical conditioning.
- Implement frequent breaks every 15 minutes for approximately 4 minutes (4x4 rule) in shaded area.
- Players should consume > 150-200 mL or 6- 8 oz. of fluids at each break.
- All student-athletes should likely consume approximately 2-3+ liters over the course of the day plus activities.
- Personal preparation is encouraged in advance with large water bottles, hats, lightweight & breathable clothing, sunscreen, cooling devices (spray bottles, portable fans).
- Supervisors should be prepared for rapid cooling in the event of heat illness with quick access to an air-conditioned environment and cold application.