Survey of health care coverage of high school football in southern California.

We surveyed 240 high schools about various aspects of the health care coverage of their football athletes. Approximately 70% of these schools had team physicians, and more than one third of these had more than 1 team physician. Seventy-two percent of high schools had physician coverage for scheduled games. Practices and scrimmages were not covered. Sixty-nine percent of the schools reported having an athletic trainer for home games. Basic equipment was often lacking. Recording and tracking of athletic injuries were inconsistent. An overall team approach for medical coverage was noted. Concern was raised about adequate physician or medical coverage with emphasis on greater input from the school administration, community hospitals, and physicians.