ProTect Athletics: Best Practices for Athletic Safety 

ProTect Athletics believes athletic safety is a critical concern that spans all levels of competition, from youth sports to professional leagues. The well-being of athletes, coaches, and support staff is paramount, and it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Delve into the roles and responsibilities of athletes, parents, coaches, administrators, athletic trainers, and athletic equipment managers, and the importance of well-maintained and inspected facilities in promoting athletic safety. We encourage any members of the professions listed to contribute as this is a living document and is ever-changing as the world changes. We are leaving out fans or spectators at this time, but their role and safety are of the utmost importance too. We can also start the conversation about the necessity of an Athletic Safety Specialist. In this role, we will look at the applicable standards of OSHA and other workplace safety as it relates to athletics. (More to come on that 😊). 

The Athlete’s Role 

Athletes are at the forefront of athletic safety. They have a responsibility to prioritize their well-being by: 

• Reporting injuries or illnesses to coaches or trainers immediately (National Federation of State High School Associations, 2020). 

• Wearing appropriate protective gear and equipment during practices and competitions (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, 2020). 

• Staying hydrated and fueling their bodies with a balanced diet (American College of Sports Medicine, 2018). 

• Avoiding reckless behavior that may put themselves or others at risk (National Federation of State High School Associations, 2020). 

• Be a positive role model and teammate 

• Understand “time and place” and show respect to members of the athletic staff. 

• DO NOT alter properly fit equipment 

• REPORT any changes in fit or feel immediately 

The Parent’s Role

 Parents play a vital role in promoting athletic safety by: 

• Ensuring their child receives proper medical clearance before participating in sports (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019). 

• Encouraging open communication with coaches and trainers about their child’s health and well-being. 

• Educating themselves on concussion protocols and recognizing the signs and symptoms of head injuries (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). 

• Advocating for their child’s safety and well-being in the athletic environment. 

• Ensure the athlete has the proper equipment, fitted and sized correctly. Parents often purchase items they hope the athlete can “grow into” This can harm the athlete. 

• Ensure parents follow all manufacturer recommendations for fitting, caring, and maintaining all clothing, equipment, and protective gear. 

• Ensure to reinforce all messages and training from coaches, athletic trainers, athletic equipment, and other athletic staff members. 

The Coach’s Role 

Coaches have a significant impact on athletic safety by: 

• Creating a safe and respectful team culture that prioritizes athlete well-being (National Federation of State High School Associations, 2020). 

• Ensuring athletes receive proper training and instruction on safety protocols and emergency procedures. 

• Recognizing and responding to injuries and illnesses promptly, and seeking medical attention when necessary (National Athletic Trainers’ Association, 2020). 

• Modeling safe behavior and promoting a positive, safety-oriented team environment. 

• Continually seek out self-improvement to provide the best arena for athletic improvement and safety. 

The Administrator’s Role 

Administrators, such as athletic directors and school administrators, have a critical role in promoting athletic safety by: 

• Developing and implementing comprehensive safety policies and protocols (National Federation of State High School Associations, 2020). 

• Providing resources and support for coaches, trainers, and athletes to prioritize safety. 

• Ensuring facilities are well-maintained and inspected regularly to prevent hazards and risks. 

• Encouraging a culture of safety and accountability within the athletic department. 

• Being open to suggestions from all members of the athletic community. 

The Athletic Trainer’s Role 

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in promoting athletic safety by: 

• Providing medical coverage for athletes during practices and competitions (National Athletic Trainers’ Association, 2020). 

• Conducting pre-participation physical exams and providing medical clearance for athletes (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019). 

• Developing and implementing injury prevention and management plans (National Athletic Trainers’ Association, 2020). 

• Educating athletes, coaches, and parents on safety protocols and emergency procedures. 

• Open communication and collaboration with all involved in athletics. 

The Athletic Equipment Manager’s Role 

Athletic equipment managers are responsible for ensuring that athletic equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and fitted to prevent injuries. Their role includes: 

• Conducting regular equipment inspections to identify and address any hazards or defects (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, 2020). 

• Ensuring equipment is properly fitted and maintained to prevent injuries (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, 2020). 

• Working with coaches and trainers to develop and implement equipment safety protocols. 

• Staying up to date with the latest safety standards and guidelines for athletic equipment. 

• Understanding and following all manufacturer recommendations for fitting, care, and maintenance of all equipment and athletic apparel. 

The Importance of Emergency Response Plans 

Emergency response plans are critical in ensuring that athletic teams are prepared to respond to emergencies and injuries. These plans should be developed in collaboration with: 

• Athletic trainers, essential athletic staff, and medical personnel to ensure proper medical response. 

• Coaches and administrators to ensure effective communication and implementation. 

• Emergency responders and local authorities to ensure coordination and support. 

• Athletes and parents to ensure awareness and understanding of the plan. 

A comprehensive emergency response plan should include: 

• Procedures for responding to injuries and illnesses, including concussion protocols. 

• Communication protocols for emergency situations. 

• Designation of roles and responsibilities for emergency response. 

• Regular drills and training to ensure preparedness. 

The Importance of Well-Maintained and Inspected Facilities 

Well-maintained and inspected facilities are critical to promoting athletic safety. This includes: 

• Regularly inspecting facilities to identify and address any hazards or risks (National Federation of State High School Associations, 2020). 

• Ensuring facilities meet safety standards and guidelines for athletic competition (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, 2020). 

• Providing adequate lighting, ventilation, and emergency response plans (National Federation of State High School Associations, 2020). 

• Ensuring facilities are accessible and inclusive for athletes with disabilities (Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990). 

ProTect Athletics Stance 

ProtectAthletics.org is a leading organization dedicated to promoting athletic safety and well-being. Their stance on athletic safety emphasizes the importance of: 

• Collaboration and communication among athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators. 

• Education and awareness of safety protocols and emergency procedures. 

• Providing resources and support for athletic safety initiatives. 

• Advocating for policy changes and legislation that prioritize athletic safety. 

In conclusion, athletic safety is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of athletes, parents, coaches, administrators, athletic trainers, and athletic equipment managers. The utilization of well-maintained and inspected facilities. By understanding and fulfilling their respective roles, we can work together to create a safe and healthy environment for athletes, and all involved in athletics to thrive. 

References: 

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Preparticipation Physical Evaluation. Pediatrics, 143(3), e20182134. doi: 10.1542/peds.2018-2134 

American College of Sports Medicine. (2018). ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 

Americans with Disabilities Act. (1990). 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Concussion Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_signs_symptoms.html 

National Athletic Trainers’ Association. (2020). Athletic Training and the Role of the Athletic Trainer. Retrieved from https://www.nata.org/about/athletic-training/athletic-training-and-role-athletic-trainer 

National Federation of State High School Associations. (2020). 2020-21 NFHS Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.nfhs.org/Participation-Stats/Participation-Stats/ 

National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. (2020). NOCSAE Standards. Retrieved from https://nocsae.org/standards/ 

ProtectAthletics.org. (n.d.). Our Mission. Retrieved from https://protectathletics.org/our-mission/