The Okaloosa County School Board has approved a new sports medicine partnership that will provide athletic training services and physician oversight for student-athletes across the district beginning this school year.
Under the agreement approved at the board’s June 22 meeting, Orthopaedic Associates will serve as the district’s sports medicine director, providing medical oversight and physician consultation, while Axis Physiotherapy Institute will supply licensed athletic trainers for the district’s athletic programs.
- The agreement runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Licensed athletic trainers from Axis Physiotherapy will be assigned to each of the district’s five high schools: Baker, Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville. Coverage will also extend to Okaloosa County Middle School Athletic Conference football games.
Darren Harris, Executive Director of Orthopaedic Associates, told the board the partnership reflects the organization’s commitment to the local community. Harris, who moved to the area in September from Nashville, said he brings 25 years of orthopedic experience to the role.
- “We sat around the table, and we discussed that we just wanted the best scenario for both of us,” Harris said. “It had to be a win-win situation for all of us.”
Harris said both parties have committed to transparency and working together to ensure the best outcomes for student-athletes.
Orthopaedic Associates physicians will serve as team physicians for the district, with responsibilities that include sports medicine consultation, concussion management, return-to-play protocols, emergency planning and providing medical supplies for each high school athletic training program.
Athletic trainers will provide:
- On-site injury evaluation
- First aid
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation support
- Concussion assessment
- Communication with parents, coaches and school administrators regarding injuries and treatment plans
Superintendent Marcus Chambers said athletic trainers are vital to the district’s operations, citing injury prevention and heat-related concerns. He also noted the new agreement will maintain the same level of service at a reduced cost compared to previous arrangements.
“I just also appreciate, as all of this comes with a cost,” Chambers said. “when you look at the services that are going to be provided, they will be constant to what they were, but at a reduced cost as well.”
Board Member Tim Bryant asked whether every high school with sports programs would be covered, noting that Laurel Hill has basketball and volleyball but no football program. Assistant Superintendent John Szpulski said the district is still working to extend coverage to Laurel Hill and exploring options such as hourly services to serve the school.
Jordan Brewer, co-owner of Axis Physiotherapy Institute, said in a statement that the organization is proud to support local schools.
“Our athletic trainers are committed to supporting the health and well-being of student athletes across our community,” Brewer said.
Orthopaedic Associates has clinic locations in Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Crestview. Axis Physiotherapy Institute has locations in Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Freeport.
