CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MISSOURI SAFE SPORTS SCHOOLS!
Columbia - Hickman (Stefanie West, ATC), Columbia - Battle (David Ford, ATC), Columbia - Rock Bridge (Greg Nagel, ATC), Kearney High School (Owen Iseminger, ATC), MICDS (Stacey Morgan, ATC Will O’Bryan, ATC; Eric Lay, ATC), and Oak Park High School (Joe Whetstone, ATC) have all been recognized by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association for their dedication to providing a safe sports environment and promoting athlete safety. These MoATA members not only provide a safe sports environment, but they went the extra step to promote what they do within the school community. We commend them on their work and dedication and thank them for promoting Athletic Training in their schools and communities. The next time you see these hard working professionals, congratulate them on their award and ask them how they went about receiving the award at their schools.
In order to achieve Safe Sports School status, athletic programs must do the following:
- Create a comprehensive athletic health care administrative system
- Provide or coordinate pre-participation physical examinations
- Promote safe and appropriate practice and competition facilities
- Plan for selection, fit, function and proper maintenance of athletic equipment
- Provide a permanent, appropriately equipped area to evaluate and treat injured athletes
- Develop injury and illness prevention strategies, including protocols for environmental conditions
- Provide or facilitate injury intervention
- Create and rehearse venue-specific Emergency Action Plans
- Provide or facilitate psychosocial consultation and nutritional counseling/education
- Educate athletes and parents about the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities
For more information on the Safe Sports School Award please visit: http://www.nata.org/safe-sports-school-award