High school sports are an integral part of the educational experience, providing students with opportunities for physical development, social interaction, and personal growth. While the benefits of sports are numerous, they come with the inherent risk of injury, particularly for young athletes who are still developing physically. To ensure the safety and well-being of student-athletes, the role of the team physician is critical.
A team physician oversees the health and medical care of athletes including injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and management of emergency situations. The high school team physician also collaborates with coaches and athletic trainers concerning the health and wellbeing of each individual athlete and the team as a whole.
Preventing injuries and promoting health
One of the most important responsibilities of a team physician is preventing injuries and promoting overall athlete health. Prevention begins before the athlete steps onto the field with preparticipation physical exams, which help identify any underlying health conditions that could predispose an athlete to injury, such as heart disease, asthma, or musculoskeletal diseases. The team physician conducts these exams, ensuring that athletes are physically prepared to participate in their chosen sport.
The team physician also plays a key role in educating both athletes and coaches about injury prevention strategies. This includes promoting proper warm-up routines, strength training, and flexibility exercise, which reduce the risk of strains and sprains. Furthermore, they may provide recommendations for safe training techniques, rest periods, and appropriate equipment to avoid overuse injuries. A physician’s guidance ensures that young athletes receive the necessary support to stay healthy and compete safely.
Injury diagnosis and treatment
Despite the best efforts to prevent injuries, accidents can still occur. When an athlete becomes injured, the team physician and athletic trainer are the first points of contact for evaluation and care. The physician can quickly assess the severity of injuries, which may range from minor sprains to serious fractures or head trauma. The physician’s ability to make rapid and accurate decisions regarding treatment is critical in ensuring the athlete’s immediate safety.
In cases of serious injuries, such as fractures, concussions, or joint dislocations, the team physician provides first aid, stabilizing the injury, and determining whether the athlete needs further medical intervention. For less severe injuries, the physician may provide on-site treatment, such as ice, compression, and elevation, or even refer the athlete for physical therapy or follow-up care. The physician manages the athlete’s return to play. This is particularly important when it comes to head injuries, like concussions, where the physician must ensure that the athlete does not return to play prematurely, as doing so can lead to serious long-term health consequences.
Concussion management
One of the most important areas of concern for team physicians in high school sports is concussion management. Concussions have garnered significant attention in recent years due to the potential long-term cognitive effects that result from repeated head injuries. The team physician plays a critical role in the identification and management of concussions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), any athlete who is suspected of having sustained a concussion must be removed from play immediately and undergo a medical evaluation before returning to the sport. The physician conducts a thorough assessment to determine if a concussion has occurred and whether the athlete can return to play.
The physician follows established concussion protocols, including the use of standardized assessment tools, to evaluate the athlete’s symptoms, cognitive function, and balance. They are responsible for managing the recovery process and ensuring that the athlete follows a gradual, step-by-step return-to-play protocol. This process ensures that the athlete does not return to play until they are fully recovered, reducing the risk of a second concussion or second-impact syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when an athlete sustains a second concussion before fully recovering from the first.
Emergency preparedness and response
In the case of a medical emergency, the team physician is a critical part of the emergency response plan. High school athletes, like all individuals, are at risk for severe injuries or sudden medical conditions, such as cardiac events, heat stroke, or severe allergic reactions. The physician works closely with athletic trainers, coaches, and emergency medical personnel to develop and implement emergency action plans (EAPs). These plans outline how to respond to various types of medical emergencies, ensuring that the athletic team is prepared for any situation that may arise. For instance, if an athlete collapses due to a cardiac event, the team physician’s ability to perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be lifesaving. In the case of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, the physician’s role includes immediate intervention and appropriate cooling methods to prevent life-threatening complications. The team physician manages emergencies swiftly and effectively, making their role vital in ensuring the safety of all athletes.
Collaboration with coaches and athletic trainers
The team physician does not work in isolation; they collaborate closely with coaches, athletic trainers, and other medical professionals to ensure the wellbeing of athletes. Coaches and athletic trainers often have daily contact with athletes and are usually the first to notice signs of injury or illness. The physician’s role is to provide medical expertise in diagnosing and treating injuries, while athletic trainers take the lead in rehabilitation and day-to-day injury management. A strong partnership between the physician and these staff members ensures that athletes receive comprehensive care, from injury prevention and rehabilitation to safe return-to-play decisions.
Playing a crucial role
The team physician plays a crucial role in ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of high school athletes. Their responsibilities extend from preventing injuries and promoting health to diagnosing and treating injuries, managing concussions, responding to medical emergencies, and collaborating with other professionals to create a safe and supportive environment for athletes. By working with coaches, athletic trainers, and other medical staff, the team physician helps ensure that students can enjoy the benefits of sports while minimizing the risks. In an era where youth sports injuries are a significant concern, the team physician’s expertise is indispensable in safeguarding the health of student-athletes and contributing to their overall success.
Author: Matthew DuBose, MD | Buford, Georgia
Last edited on October 17, 2025