Athletic Training

The athletic trainer tracks and approves the Sports Medical Eligibility Form. If you have questions regarding when your child's physical expires, please review your child's to-do list on the health portal.

A licensed healthcare provider should complete the form during your child's physical exam which is valid for one year from the date of exam. We strongly urge families to complete the sports physical during the summer so there is no chance it will expire in the middle of a sports season.

Sports Medical Eligibility and Physical Examination Forms

The Sports Medical Eligibility Form (page 1) is valid only if it has been signed and dated by a physician and uploaded to the health portal. Do not upload the Sports Physical Exam Form (page 2).

International student-athletes may receive the sports physical exam in their home countries with their own doctors; however, the Sports Medical Eligibility Form must be completed in English.

It is our goal to cover as many Upper School athletics activities as possible. When there are conflicts in time and location, this is how we prioritize which activities to cover:

1. Varsity and JV, high risk/high contact, on-campus activities
2. Varsity and JV, high risk/high contact, off-campus activities when hosting school does not have an athletic trainer on site
3. Varsity and JV, low/no risk or contact, on-campus activities
4. Varsity and JV, low/no risk or contact, off-campus activities

Note: Middle School athletics does not receive explicit medical coverage, however if an injury takes place and the trainer is on site, we will respond and give the appropriate care.

The athletic trainer is only one part of the greater healthcare team focused on maintaining the health and safety of your child throughout his or her Bear Creek athletics career. The rest of that team includes coaches, the school’s health services team, physicians, school administrators, and of course, parents! That is why efficient, effective communication is of the utmost importance among all facets of the healthcare team.

Injury Communication Expectations

When the athletic trainer is present

If your child sustains an injury during participation in Bear Creek athletics and the athletic trainer is present and provides care, she will determine severity of the injury and need for medical transportation. She will be in communication with parents as soon as possible and will help determine the next appropriate steps in your child’s recovery and return to athletics.

When the athletic trainer not present

If your child sustains an injury during an athletics activity and the athletic trainer is not present, it is expected that your child and/or his or her coach will notify the athletic trainer as soon as possible. This is especially important when it comes to head injuries and the presence of concussion-related symptoms. The athletic trainer can perform an initial injury evaluation, determine if physician referral is necessary, and facilitate communication with her network of sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons.

When you consult a physician

Should your child be seen by a physician for an initial evaluation of an injury, he or she must present a signed physician release form stating specific clearance for activity to the athletic trainer and/or the Director of Health Services Lela Powell (epowell@tbcs.org). Any athlete who does not present a physician release will not be allowed to resume practice or participate in games. Verbal clearance will not be accepted. This is both Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association (WIAA) policy and Bear Creek policy. No exceptions will be made.

Bear Creek's Athletics Department coordinates with Nick of Time Foundation to offer heart screening for student-athletes at Bear Creek or nearby schools. Nick of Time is an organization that partners with University of Washington Medicine and UW Center for Sports Cardiology to conduct on-site heart screenings for adolescents and young adults.