Sports Medicine – Athletic Training and Team Physician Services

Octorara Jr/Sr High School contracts with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health to provide Athletic Training Services for our student athletes grades 7-12. Below you will find information about important procedures regarding the care of your child. In the "Athletic Trainer Information" tab, you will find information about our Sports Medicine Team.

Athletic Training Room Hours

The athletic trainers will arrive on campus between 1:00pm-2:00pm every day depending on practice and game schedules for the day. An athletic trainer will remain on campus until all Jr/Sr High sporting events are over. They will be present for Octorara home games and practices, and will also provide services at away football games. Athletic trainers are available in the afternoon for injury evaluation and management in the athletic training room, then on the sidelines once games begin.

Reporting Injuries

All injuries need to be reported to one of our athletic trainers. They are here for the healthcare of your athlete and will provide you with information for the proper steps to return your athlete to healthy and safe participation in their sport. Our sports medicine team has resources available to provide your athlete with quick, quality care. If the injury is not an emergency, an athletic trainer can recommend the proper course of treatment. Please see them before visiting a doctor in non-emergent cases, in order to receive the most efficient care.

Doctor visits

If your child visits a doctor for any injury, a clearance note will be required before they may return to their sport - NO exceptions. Parent notes are not a valid substitution. Our team physician, Dr. Heck of Lancaster General Health, provides services for our school and athletic teams.

Return to Play

When an athlete is returning to play from injuries, our athletic trainer will determine their ability to safely return to play through a functional return to play assessment. When returning from a concussion, there is a specific protocol to follow. The athlete must be seen by an MD or DO for diagnosis and clearance - notes from doctors with different credentials will not be accepted per the state of PA and the PIAA. Once the athlete brings a clearance note from a doctor, the athletic trainer will work the athlete through a 5 step gradual return to physical activity. This is a very important process and CANNOT be skipped per any circumstances. The team physician, Dr. Heck, manages all injuries – including concussions - for the athletes of Octorara and has final say over the treatment and return to play from an injury.

Please do not hesitate to contact our Sports Medicine Team with any questions. Contact information can be found in the “Athletic Trainer Information” tab.