Health & Safety

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Personnel

In the event of injury/illness, the Athletic Trainer (AT) acts as the primary medical provider for after-school athletics on Tai Tam campus. The AT Office is located in DCAA 209. Typical working hours are approximately 10-6:30pm with additional coverage of scheduled competitive events. The MS/HS school nurse hours are approximately 7:30-3:30pm. The school nurse health office should be utilized for any immediate support during morning practices. School nurses, external nurses and sports therapists may also be utilized for coverage and will be generally communicated in advance. There is currently no medical coverage at Repulse Bay after school.

Communication & Documentation

Coaches should be reasonably prepared with a first aid kit when off-campus from their divisional school nurse or AT. In the event of injury/illness, the host medical providers should primarily be used. If not available, coaches should act to the level of their training in first aid skills. Coaches should communicate directly with parents regarding injuries and provide guidance on subsequent management. Once care has been provided, coaches should communicate injury information to the AT and the relevant Athletics Coordinator. Coaches may be asked to submit an incident report via this form, email or meeting.

Health Information

Students are required to undergo a physical examination when moving divisions into Grades 3, 6, and 9. They are also required to have their PowerSchool profile and health-related information annually. School nurses monitor this requirement and work with families to ensure compliance. SchoolsBuddy application is utilized by coaches for attendance, communication and sports schedule purposes. The roster contains medical information from their profile on record. This medical information should be reviewed at the beginning of each season and discussed with the student on accuracy when there is any concern. The school nurse and AT should be contacted about any concerning medical conditions.

Concussion Management

View the Concussion Management Plan here.

Parents and students 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 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

View the DCAA Emergency Medical Protocol here.
View the DCAA Emergency Orientation video here.

Coaches are required to maintain a current 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 an injury that is not considered urgent, the parent will be contacted, and Adventist Hospital is in general the default provider — unless they communicate another preference. 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.

In the event of poor weather conditions, decisions regarding play status will be made as soon as possible before athletics events.

  • 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 will be 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 direct observation of lightning or by a 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.