Preseason preparation
Build health, fitness and communication before the first game.
For parents and athletes
1. Health first
- Complete required sports physicals and clinician-recommended screening.
- Share allergies, conditions, medications and emergency contacts.
- Tell the coach about current pain or restrictions.
2. Plan the workload
- List every team, lesson, camp and tournament.
- Choose who records practice and game workload and rest days.
- Agree that one athlete has one total workload.
3. Build gradually
- Increase running, throwing and practice volume over time.
- Teach a consistent dynamic warm-up.
- Prioritize movement quality and fun.
4. Prepare for emergencies
- Confirm the venue and emergency action plan.
- Locate water, shade, first aid and an AED.
- Review heat and symptom-reporting procedures.
Before opening day: parents, coaches and athletes should know how workload, symptoms and emergencies will be handled.
Primary guidance: MLB/USA Baseball Pitch Smart | NSCA youth training and development
Seeing SLMA Sports Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD
Primary Care Sports Medicine & Family Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD is a physician specializing in family medicine and sports medicine. Fellowship trained in sports medicine at the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, residency at LSU – Alexandria, and board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He cares for athletes of every age — injury evaluation, non-surgical treatment, concussion care, sports physicals, and return-to-play planning.
Call to be seen985-262-1639
SLMA Comprehensive Health Clinic, Houma605 Enterprise Drive, Suite B, Houma, LA 70360
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SLMA Sports Medicine | 985-262-1639 — General education only. Follow stricter league rules and your clinician's instructions. Coaches do not diagnose or treat injuries.
