Athlete Training and Health

Concussion Management Policy

Catholic High School is committed to the health and safety of every student-athlete. In partnership with Sentara Sports Medicine, we follow a comprehensive Concussion Management Plan that meets all the requirements of Virginia law and follows policies and procedures approved by our Sentara Sports Medicine physician and concussion specialist.

Because concussions can impact an athlete's health and academic performance, our goal is to promote education, early recognition, proper management, and safe return to play. The Concussion Management Plan is overseen by the athletic trainer and Sentara Sports Medicine personnel assigned to CHS.

Each year, every student-athlete and their parent or guardian must review educational materials on the short- and long-term effects of concussions and sign an acknowledgement form. As part of the athletic physical process, all student-athletes must complete a baseline concussion test prior to participation to assist with post-injury evaluation if needed.

Athletic Trainer Assessment

Concussions are serious medical injuries that require prompt evaluation and appropriate management. Catholic High School follows the Sentara Sports Medicine Concussion Policy, ensuring that all suspected head injuries are handled with care and consistency according to evidence-based best practices.

If a concussion or head injury is suspected during practice, competition, or any athletic activity, the student-athlete will be immediately removed from activity and evaluated by the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) or other licensed healthcare provider on staff. Any athlete who shows signs or symptoms of a concussion will not return to play the same day, regardless of symptom resolution.

If the athletic trainer is not present, coaches are required to:

• Notify the athlete's parent or guardian that a concussion is suspected.
• Contact the athletic trainer as soon as possible for follow-up evaluation.

When the athletic trainer is present, the ATC will:

• Conduct a standardized concussion assessment.
• Notify the athlete's parent or guardian and review symptoms that may require medical attention.
• Inform coaches that the athlete is not cleared to participate until evaluated and cleared by the athletic trainer.
• Communicate with the school's Concussion Management Team (Athletic Trainer, Athletic Director, School Nurse, and Guidance Department).

Return to Play

• The student-athlete must follow up with the athletic trainer the next school day.
• No athlete may resume practice or competition until completing the Graduated Return-To-Play protocol under the supervision of the athletic trainer.
• Written medical clearance from a licensed healthcare provider trained in concussion management may be required before full return to sport on a case-by-case basis.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child/teenager/athlete experiences any of the following signs/symptoms, they should be seen in an emergency department right away:

1. One pupil larger than the other 
2. Drowsiness or cannot be awakened 
3. A headache that continues to worsen and does not go away
4. Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination 
5. Repeated vomiting or nausea
6. Slurred speech
7. Convulsions or seizures
8. Difficulty recognizing people or places 
9. Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation 
10. Unusual behavior
11. Loss of consciousness (even brief LOC should be taken seriously). 

The athletic trainer is available after school hours, practices, and home competitions, and can be reached by phone during away events for consultation.
Catholic High School and Sentara Sports Medicine are dedicated to protecting student-athletes through education, early recognition, and evidence-based concussion care.

Sentara Sports Medicine is proud of Sentara's partnership with Catholic High School to provide Athletic Training services to the Crusader Athletic Department. We are very excited to bring world-class care and service to such an exemplary community and successful athletic culture.

Sentara is Hampton Roads’ premier provider of Physical Therapy, Athletic Training and Sports Performance services. Our staff is led by a world-class team of multi-board-certified sports medicine physicians, physical therapists with advanced certifications, multi-faceted sports performance specialists and certified athletic trainers who can provide complete, customized care to meet your every need. We are conveniently located across the Hampton Roads region with 18 total facilities, three of which are in the Virginia Beach area.

Certified athletic trainers (ATC) are highly qualified medical professionals specializing in injury and illness prevention and are licensed healthcare providers in the state of Virginia. Athletic trainers specialize in providing primary care, evaluation and clinical diagnosis of injury and illness, injury management, therapeutic intervention, rehabilitative care, and emergency care. Furthermore, athletic trainers are available to respond within just seconds of a resulting injury and occupy a unique role in their ability to provide care to patients before, during, and after an injury occurs. Due to their unique duties and responsibilities, athletic trainers are an essential component to healthcare, and continually prove to be a valuable asset in a variety of different settings. You can find Tristian on-site at Catholic High School in the afternoons/evenings during the weekdays, and occasionally on weekends for home game coverage!
FREE Sentara Virtual Injury Consultation!
Sentara is proud to offer free virtual injury consultations and evaluations with an athletic trainer. This is available to be utilized by athletes, parents, spectators, or whomever may need an appointment. 

• Diana Zaichenko, MSAT, LAT, ATC– Catholic High School Athletic Trainer
  Email: sportsmed@chsvb.org

The central Sentara Sports Medicine hub for CHS will be housed at 1080 First Colonial Road, Suite 305, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 OR 844 Kempsville Road, Suite 104, Norfolk, VA 23502. At either of these locations, CHS students will have access to the following:

• Dr. Devesh Patel, MD
       a. Dr. Patel is a board-certified physician specializing in Sports Medicine and is also Concussion certified.
       b. https://www.sentara.com/findadoctor/meet-our-providers/devesh-patel,-md.aspx

Physical Therapy

For athletes requiring formal physical therapy, the primary locations in closest proximity to CHS will be:

1. Sentara Therapy Center – Princess Anne - Physical Therapists specializing in orthopedic, post-operative and sports rehab, with specialties including dry needling, vestibular rehab, aquatic therapy, spine therapy, blood flow restriction therapy, TPMJ therapy, and more. 

• 1975 Glenn Mitchell Drive, Suite 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
• Phone: 757-507-0015
• Visit Site Here 

2. Sentara Therapy Center Clinic – Sport & Spine - Physical Therapists specializing in orthopedics, agility & speed clinics, personal training, chiro, massage, and more. 

• 2075 Glenn Mitchell Drive, Suite 312, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

• Phone: 757-507-8825

• Visit Site Here

3. Sentara Therapy Center – Healthy Way - Physical Therapists specializing in orthopedic, post-operative and sports rehab, with specialties including dry needling, concussion therapy, vestibular rehab, pelvic floor therapy, nutrition information geared towards pelvic floor, comprehensive neurological rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, chiropractic geared more towards women’s health/pelvic floor, massage, and more. 

• 828 Healthy Way, Suite 110 & 130, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

• Phone: 757-395-1960

• Visit Site Here

4. Sentara Therapy Center – Orthopedic & Sports Performance - Physical Therapists specializing in sports performance and return to sport, concussion program, manual therapy, blood flow restriction, comprehensive spine therapy, AlterG Treadmill, ACL Prevention Program, personal training for all ages, and more. 

• 6201 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Suite 110, Norfolk, VA 23502
• Phone: 757-624-0600 
• Visit Site Here

Sports Performance, Nutrition, Fitness & Wellness

Sentara proudly offers extended nutrition services in the Hampton Roads area for both high school and college aged athletes. Athletes can schedule their nutrition consultations with Nicole Franqui MS, RD, CSSD, Sentara’s Sports Dietitian located at the Sentara Leigh Orthopedic & Sports Performance Center. The on-site location for all appointment needs is located at: 

• 6201 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite 110, Norfolk, VA 23502
• Phone:  757–624–0600, opt 3