What to Cover When You’re Covering: Preparing the Sideline Physician for the Season

The evolving role of the sideline physician in sports medicine frequently involves comprehensive responsibilities beyond direct medical care. We outline important aspects of sideline preparedness and management, including the development and rehearsal of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), initial approaches to assessing injured athletes, equipment removal strategies, and return-to-play decision-making processes. Epidemiological insights into sports injuries, particularly catastrophic events, underscore the importance of venue-specific planning within EAPs. We also provide guidance and recommendations for nuanced medical procedures such as IV fluid administration, anesthetic joint injections, and Toradol use, addressing current controversies and evidence-based recommendations. Medicolegal and ethical considerations emphasize the necessity of navigating legal statutes and maintaining patient confidentiality while adhering to ethical principles. Overall, this concept review underscores the multifaceted nature of the sideline physician's role, emphasizing evidence-based practice, transparent communication, and collaboration with stakeholders for optimal athlete care across all levels of play. Key Concepts: (1) Evolution of sideline physician role: the manuscript explores the expanded responsibilities of sideline physicians beyond direct medical care, encompassing aspects such as emergency action plan development and return-to-play decisions. (2) Importance of emergency preparedness: emphasizes the crucial role of rehearsed emergency action plans in effectively managing on-field emergencies and optimizing patient outcomes. (3) Nuanced medical procedures: discusses controversies and evidence-based recommendations surrounding procedures like IV fluid administration, anesthetic joint injections, and Toradol use. (4) Medicolegal and ethical considerations: addresses the necessity for navigating legal statutes, maintaining patient confidentiality, and adhering to ethical principles in sports medicine practice. (5) Collaborative care approach: underscores the significance of evidence-based practice, transparent communication, and collaboration with stakeholders for providing optimal athlete care across all levels of play.