Sports Medicine

Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

The Taipei American School Sports Medicine Department strives to deliver traditional athletic training and sports medicine services to the student-athletes of Taipei American School. The services provided to the student-athlete can be divided into four areas: 1.) Prevention of athletic injuries, 2.) Recognition, evaluation, and treatment of athletic injuries and illnesses. 3.) Rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries incurred by student athletes. 4.) Health and wellness education.

Concussion 101 Handout

(View in the Student-Athlete/Parent Handbook)

Any student who experiences a head injury (bump, jolt, or blow) will be assessed and observed for a minimum of 30 minutes for a suspected concussion by the head athletic trainer. The SCAT3 sideline assessment will be used.

If a student with a head injury experiences one or more of the signs and symptoms of a concussion at any time during the initial observation period, he/she will be suspected of a concussion and immediately removed from play. The student will not return to play until they are evaluated by the head athletic trainer or medical doctor and have received medical clearance for return to play.

If a concussion is suspected, the athlete should not be left alone and should be monitored for worsening symptoms. If symptoms worsen and become emergent, the student will be transported to the nearest emergency department.

If no signs or symptoms of a concussion are present during the initial observation period, return to play is still not advisable. A parent/guardian will be notified of the risks of returning to play. Any activity should proceed with caution, understanding that symptoms can appear over time, and that the student should be observed closely during and after the activity.

Any athlete that is diagnosed with a concussion will not return to play on the day of injury. They will be required to complete the school’s return to play protocol and be released by the head athletic trainer (before returning to any physical activities). If the athlete was examined by a medical doctor, a doctor’s note must be provided and given to the school nurse and head athletic trainer before the student can return to physical activities.

Priority for appointments with the head athletic trainer or rehabilitation specialist is listed below from highest priority to lowest priority.

I. In-season student-athletes who sustain injuries in TAS-sponsored athletics activities
II. In-season student-athletes who have sustained injuries outside of TAS-sponsored athletics activities
III. Out-of-season student-athletes who sustain injuries in TAS-sponsored athletics activities
IV. Out-of-season student-athletes who have sustained injuries outside of TAS-sponsored athletics activities
V. Faculty and staff
VI. Students who do not participate in TAS athletics programs

Book an Appointment for a new injury

book a follow-up appointment with Ms. Hardy

Book a follow-up appointment with MR. Chen