Injuries are an inherent risk with the sport of ski racing and its related training activities. An injury can occur during on-snow training and during dry-land training activities.  Injuries to athletes may also occur outside of regular training activities.  All types of injury are covered on this policy, with the exception of concussions.

 

Our primary concern is the health and well-being of all our athletes. We’ve designed this policy to implement reasonable measures to ensure athletes receive necessary medical attention for any possible injuries and also to protect them from further injury.  

 

If an athlete is suspected of suffering an injury during any training/competition or club organized activity:

• Parents will be notified as soon as practicable.

• Injury evaluations may be conducted by the coach and\or by a resort’s ski patrol team.  The evaluation may include a recommendation for parents to seek additional professional medical attention.  In emergencies, the attending ski patrol may arrange for ambulatory treatment, or hospitalisation.

• In the case of non-serious injuries, the athlete’s coach will determine whether the athlete can return to training/racing that day. 

• A range of injuries can affect an athlete’s performance, and their ability to train productively and safely.  These include sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, broken bones, and more serious injury to the head/spine. 

• Head injury may commonly be referred to as a concussion.   An athlete may not return to snow or training the same day if he/she suffers from or is suspected of suffering from a concussion (see additional concussion information below).

• Nakiska Alpine Ski Association and its member clubs prefer that an athlete who is suspected of having suffered an injury or concussion be evaluated by a licensed medical physician.

• If an athlete has suffered an injury or been removed from training due to injury that athlete may not return to regular training activity without the parents signing the Nakiska Alpine Injured Athlete Return to Training Waiver stating that the athlete is ready to return for training.

• The athlete’s coach has the final say at any point whether an athlete can train/compete again or not.  The coach has the authority/discretion to pull an athlete from training or a competition at any time should he/she feel that the athlete may be putting either themselves or others at risk. 

• If an athlete is injured while not attending training or club events, parents must notify the athlete’s coach of the injury and any potential risk or rehabilitation requirements related to the injury.

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Nakiska Alpine has adopted the Alberta Alpine Ski Association (AASA) Concussion Policy which includes the following Concussion Action Plan:

 

• Remove the athlete from activity – training or competition, when suspected of having sustained a Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). 

• Inform the athletes' parents/guardian.

• Allow the athlete to return to sport when cleared by a qualified medical provider trained in concussion management.