Sports Medicine Handbook - NCAA

24
Preseason Preparation
directly dependent on the level of
fatigue driven by volume (quantity)
and intensity of training. Similarly,
the incidence in stress-related
injuries (e.g., stress fractures,
tendinitis) can be proportional to
the work-rest ratio of the athlete.
Preparatory Phase. The following
are general concepts to consider
during the preparatory phase of
training:
• Training should be periodized so
that variation in the volume and
intensity occurs in a scheduled
manner.
• Plan recovery to allow for growth
and development while avoiding
acute and overtraining injuries.
• A proper heat acclimatization
plan is essential to minimize the
risk of exertional heat illness
during the fall preseason practice
period. Minimizing exertional
heat illness risk requires
gradually increasing athletes’
exposure to the duration and
intensity of physical activity and
to the environment over a period
of 10 to 14 days.
• Prolonged, near-maximal
exertion should be avoided
before acquired physical fitness
and heat acclimatization are
sufficient to support high-
intensity, long duration exercise
training or competition.
Fall Preseason Period. Institutions
are encouraged to regularly review
their preseason policies for fall sports
and consider the following points of
emphasis for protecting the health of
and providing a safe environment for
all student-athletes participating in
preseason workout sessions.
• Before participation in any
preseason-practice activities, all
student-athletes should have
completed the medical
examination process administered
by medical personnel (see Bylaw
17.1.5).
• Institutions should implement an
appropriate rest and recovery plan
that includes a hydration strategy.
• Preseason practice should begin
with an acclimatization period for
first-time participants, as well as
continuing student-athletes.
• During the acclimatization
period, an institution should
conduct only one practice per
calendar day.
• Practice sessions should have
maximum time limits based on
sport and individual needs, as
well as environmental factors.
• An institution should ensure
student-athletes have continuous
recovery time (e.g., three hours)
between multiple practice sessions
on the same calendar day.
• Subsequent to the initial
acclimatization period, an
institution should consider a
practice model that promotes
recovery if practice sessions are to
occur on consecutive days (e.g.,
two-one-two-one format).
• Student-athletes should be
provided at least one recovery
day per week on which no
athletics-related activities are
scheduled, similar to the regular
playing season.
• Coaches are encouraged to
consult with healthcare staff (e.g.,
athletic trainer) in the
development of the conditioning
sessions. All personnel should be
aware of the impact of exercise
intensity and duration, heat
acclimatization, hydration,
medications and drugs, existing
medical conditions, nutritional
supplements, and equipment on
student-athletes’ health while
participating in strenuous
workouts.
• Appropriate on-field personnel
should review, practice and
follow their venue emergency
plan, as well as be trained in
administering first aid,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) and AED use.