CIC Safety & Injury Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A wrestler reports numbness and tingling in the arm after a collision. What should the coach do first?
- Remove the athlete from practice and refer for medical evaluation (Correct answer)
- Apply ice and allow the athlete to rest on the sideline
- Have the athlete perform neck stretches to relieve pressure
- Continue practice and monitor the athlete closely
Correct answer: Remove the athlete from practice and refer for medical evaluation
Numbness and tingling after contact may indicate a cervical spine injury and requires immediate removal from activity and medical evaluation.
Question 2: Which environmental condition most significantly increases the risk of exertional heat stroke in athletes?
- Low barometric pressure
- High humidity combined with high temperature (Correct answer)
- Direct sunlight without cloud cover
- Elevated wind speed
Correct answer: High humidity combined with high temperature
High humidity impairs sweat evaporation, the body's primary cooling mechanism, dramatically increasing heat stroke risk when combined with high temperatures.
Question 3: An athlete collapses during a cross-country race and is unresponsive. After calling 911, the coach's next priority is:
- Checking for medical alert jewelry
- Beginning CPR if no pulse is detected (Correct answer)
- Moving the athlete to a shaded area
- Retrieving the AED from the school
Correct answer: Beginning CPR if no pulse is detected
After activating EMS, the next priority is beginning CPR if the athlete has no pulse, as early chest compressions are critical to survival.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a pre-participation physical examination (PPE) in interscholastic athletics?
- To document injury history for insurance purposes
- To identify conditions that may predispose athletes to injury or illness during sport (Correct answer)
- To assign athletes to appropriate weight classes
- To satisfy NFHS eligibility requirements only
Correct answer: To identify conditions that may predispose athletes to injury or illness during sport
The PPE's main goal is to screen for conditions that could increase an athlete's risk of injury, illness, or sudden death during athletic participation.
Question 5: A football player is suspected of having a concussion. Under most state return-to-play protocols, the athlete may return to full competition after:
- Remaining asymptomatic for 24 hours
- Completing a stepwise return-to-play protocol with medical clearance (Correct answer)
- Missing one full game and passing a sideline cognitive test
- Resting for 48 hours and reporting no headache
Correct answer: Completing a stepwise return-to-play protocol with medical clearance
Most state laws require athletes to complete a graduated return-to-play progression and receive written medical clearance before returning to full competition.
Question 6: Which type of stretching is generally recommended as part of a dynamic warm-up before athletic activity?
- Static stretching held for 30-60 seconds
- Ballistic stretching with bouncing movements
- Dynamic stretching involving controlled movement through range of motion (Correct answer)
- PNF stretching with a partner
Correct answer: Dynamic stretching involving controlled movement through range of motion
Dynamic stretching increases muscle temperature and blood flow while mimicking sport movements, making it more effective than static stretching for pre-activity warm-up.
Question 7: A coach notices an athlete has been losing significant weight rapidly before weigh-ins. This behavior is most concerning because it suggests:
- The athlete is following a sports dietitian's plan
- Potential disordered eating and unsafe weight-cutting practices (Correct answer)
- Normal pre-competition dietary adjustments
- The athlete may need a different weight class assignment
Correct answer: Potential disordered eating and unsafe weight-cutting practices
Rapid weight loss before weigh-ins is a warning sign of disordered eating and dangerous weight-cutting that can lead to serious medical complications.
CIC Safety & Injury Prevention 2
A wrestler reports numbness and tingling in the arm after a collision.
What should the coach do first?