My name is Linda Mullenschlader and I am on the Board of Fort Zumwalt South Ice Hockey Club.

We have recently experienced several injuries to our players as well as on other teams.  I can't tell you how important it was to have a trainer on the bench.  We contract with Mike Heffner's group to have a trainer on the bench for both our varsity and C Teams.  As a parent, it is a relief to know that my son will be taken care of immediately by a trained professional.  As a Board member, it's good to know we provide that service to our players and that the coaches are not held responsible for dealing with injuries.

We recently had a young man on our team, Dekon Eaves, get cut by a skate in the throat.  Fortunately, it did not go deep enough to cause excessive bleeding.  Our trainer, Lloyd, tended to him and  prepared him for transport to the hospital - he did received over 20 stitches!  Lloyd kept him calm which made for a quick transition to the hospital.  During the same game, another of our players separated his shoulder and a short time later an opposing player received an injury to his neck, he was transported by ambulance and fortunately he is ok.  Lloyd was very busy that night.  It was such a relief to have someone to assist these players and coaches in determining treatment and what to do next.  As a mom who experienced an injury to her son (broken ankle) and had no one to help evaluate the situtation, I wish we would have had a trainer at that time; my son was scared and so were we having never experienced anthing like that before.

At last night's playoff game against Zumwalt East, their goalie took a puck to the upper body that wasn't protected.  They suspect he has a broken collar bone - haven't heard an update as of this morning.  Our trainer was there to help the player - you could tell the goalie was really scared.

This service cost our parents a small amount to assure that we have someone on the bench who is qualified to treat our sons and evaluate them either to return to play or to seek additional medical help.

I know at the start of the season, this issue was addressed.  I know that someone from MidStates talked about the additional costs to parents if this was mandated by MidStates.  I know when we put it to a vote at a parent meeting, they looked at us like we were crazy!  It was a no-brainer to them - of course it was worth it!

I know that our high school provides trainer for their school sponsored sports why wouldn't we want to provide that same service to our club teams.

I strongly urge you to reconsider this matter.  I can't imagine parents would be opposed to an additional $40 - $60 a year cost to assure that their players are taken care of and that their coaches aren't put in a position to make a decision they are not qualified to make.

Sincerely,

Linda Mullenschlader

Mom of a Hockey Player

and Board member of FZS Ice Hockey