It is time to return to more judicial use of tapings

Lately, a lot of kids have been dropping into the training room and demanding to get their ankles taped.  Many are doing it because they have recently "tweaked" their ankle or "rolled" it and they are afraid it will get worse.  Fair enough, but the statement is getting abused by those who want "game day tape jobs" or just like "the way it feels", the "tightness of it" or think that it somehow makes them run faster.  Unfortunately, this abuse has taken a toll on the limited supplies that I have each year.  (Yes boys and girls, I did say limited supplies and they have to last the whole year.)

While I am sure this will create some arguements, the first thing that needs to change is that nobody will be taped indefinitely after an injury.  I have some athletes who had a mild ankle sprain as a freshman and still claim to need it as a senior.  That will end with the start of winter season.

Also, the practice of coaches "sending kids in to get taped" and getting back out on the field will end.  I will not be taping kids just to satisfy a coach, who with no medical training, thinks they have the authority to dictate the treatment.  While this has not been a very big issue at our school, this can be an issue with visiting teams.  I will be requiring some form of documentation from visiting schools' ATC or physician that they need to be treated with tape before I do it.

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