The Athletic Safety Organization dba ProTect Athletics is a collaborative effort between three former Athletic Equipment Managers. We are a 501c3 non-profit working to help all involved in athletics. We recognized the level of safety in athletics required improvement. Together this trio, through ProTect Athletics, plans to raise the level of safety in athletics at all levels, by working together with educational institutions, manufacturers, coaches, athletes, administrators, and parents across all levels of competition. Athletes, like employees, need to be protected. Get to know our Organization, our Mission, our Vision and Values. Meet each of the founders of the Athletic Safety Organization dba ProTect Athletics below; our depth and breadth of expertise enable us to be invaluable assets as your partner in education, consulting, site evaluation, program evaluation, and current methodology review.
Before we meet the Founders of ProTect Athletics; here are the Mission, Vision and Values shaping our business.
Our Mission
To provide educational, research-based, collaboration, and training to promote the safety of athletes at all levels (youth, teenagers, young adults, adults, and seniors) while assisting, accrediting, and addressing various entities/organizations in the development and implementation of programming/testing/examinations related to athletes and sports safety.
Our Vision
We envision a future where athletes of all ages and levels can pursue their passion for sports in a safe and supportive environment. Through collaborative efforts with experts, manufacturers, leagues, stakeholders, and organizations, we aim to establish a global standard for safety in athletic participation. Our commitment is to empower athletes, coaches, and communities with knowledge and resources that foster a culture of health, resilience, and sustainable athletic excellence.
Our Values
- Athlete-Centric: We put athletes first. We are dedicated to promoting their safety, well-being, and empowerment at all levels of athletic participation. We recognize and respect the diverse needs and aspirations of athletes across different ages, abilities, and sports disciplines.
- Research and Evidence-Based Approach: We are committed to a research-based approach, utilizing scientific evidence and collaboration with experts to inform our practices, guidelines, and recommendations. We believe in the power of knowledge and innovation to enhance athletic safety continuously.
- Collaboration and Partnership: We value the power of collaboration and strive to work closely with various entities, including experts, manufacturers, leagues, stakeholders, and organizations. By fostering meaningful partnerships, we can collectively address the complex challenges related to athletic safety and create a cohesive and supportive ecosystem.
- Safety and Health: We prioritize the safety and health of athletes above all else. We believe that athletes deserve to pursue their passions in an environment that minimizes the risk of injury and promotes overall well-being. We are committed to advocating for and implementing the highest safety standards in athletic participation.
- Education and Empowerment: We believe in the transformative power of education. We aim to empower athletes, coaches, and communities with knowledge, resources, and training to make informed decisions regarding athletic safety. We strive to foster a culture of continuous learning, where safety practices become intrinsic to athletic excellence.
- Innovation and Continuous Improvement: We embrace innovation and strive for continuous improvement in athletic safety practices. We encourage creativity, adaptability, and the exploration of new ideas and technologies to enhance athlete protection. We believe that a proactive approach to safety fosters resilience and sustainable athletic performance.
- Integrity and Transparency: We uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all our endeavors. We are transparent in our processes, decision-making, and communication. We believe that trust is paramount, and we strive to maintain the confidence of athletes, partners, and the broader athletic community through honesty and accountability.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: We value diversity and are committed to inclusivity in athletic participation. We believe that sports should be accessible and welcoming to people from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We strive to address the unique safety needs of diverse athlete populations and promote equity in athletic opportunities.
- Global Perspective: We have a global vision and recognize the universal nature of athletic participation. We aim to establish internationally recognized standards for athletic safety, collaborating with partners worldwide to create a cohesive and supportive global athletic community.
- Community Engagement: We believe in the power of community and strive to engage and empower athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters to create a culture of safety and health. We encourage active participation, feedback, and collaboration at the local, national, and international levels to ensure our initiatives are relevant and responsive to the needs of the athletic community.
These values reflect the organization’s commitment to athlete safety, research, collaboration, education, innovation, and community engagement. They provide a solid foundation for guiding the organization’s decisions, strategies, and interactions as it works towards its mission and vision of promoting a safe and supportive environment for athletes worldwide.
Please meet our Founders:
Lewis VanHoose
Lewis VanHoose is the current President/CEO of Lakeshore Eagle Solutions, a fundraising and business expense reduction consulting firm. He brings over 25 years of procurement, fundraising, and equipment management experience from various sports levels, including interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional, to ProTect Athletics.
With extensive experience in budgeting, game management, risk analysis, program initiatives, fundraising, facility operations, and staff management, Lewis has a proven record of exceeding lofty goals through effective leadership.
A longtime equipment manager, he worked in athletics departments at Ohio State University, Eastern Michigan University, Louisiana Tech University, and the University of Akron. He also interned with equipment staff of the Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Redskins. He has been a staff member for twenty conference and six national championship athletic programs.
Lewis is also a former athletic director for Austintown Local Schools (2016-18), where he oversaw operations of more than twenty sports programs. He also served as an athletics site manager for Olentangy Liberty High School (2014-16).
A native of Cable, OH, Lewis received a bachelor’s degree in history and speech communication from the University of Dubuque in 1996 and his master’s degree in sports leadership from Concordia University Chicago in 2015.
Chris Kurman
From 1989 to 2024, Chris Kurman has cultivated an extensive career within the realms of sports marketing, athlete relations, and equipment management, spanning across notable organizations such as Dragon Seats, Under Armour, the Cleveland Browns, Kent State University, and Boston College.
Kurman’s journey began at Boston College as an Assistant Athletic Equipment Manager, where you gained foundational experience in managing equipment for a diverse range of varsity sports. This early exposure laid the groundwork for future endeavors in the sports industry.
Chris’ ascent continued as he transitioned to Kent State University, where he assumed the role of Head Athletic Equipment Director. Here, he oversaw all aspects of equipment management for 18 NCAA Division 1 men’s and women’s varsity sports. His innovative approach to budgeting, inventory control, and procurement saved the Athletic Department significant resources while ensuring top-notch equipment for athletes.
Kurman’s leadership and strategic vision did not go unnoticed. Under Armour called, and he joined the team as the Sr. Manager of Sports Marketing for Equipment and Professional Athletes. His responsibilities included spearheading the NFL sales program, managing high-profile athlete sponsorships, and developing exclusive product lines. His contributions extended beyond marketing as he became actively involved in NFL committees and events, solidifying Under Armour’s presence in professional football.
Chris’ tenure at Under Armour further flourished as he progressed to Head of Sports Marketing – Undeniable Football role, where he orchestrated groundbreaking initiatives within the Undeniable Football Program. Leveraging his expertise, he cultivated partnerships with elite high school football programs, resulting in substantial ROI and heightened brand recognition among target demographics.
Kurman’s impact at Under Armour culminated in his position as Head of Athlete Marketing for Team Sports Athletes, where he nurtured key corporate partnerships and marketing strategies for prominent entities like the NBA and the Baltimore Ravens. His adept management of marketing budgets and activations played a pivotal role in driving brand consideration and purchase intent among high school varsity athletes.
Throughout his career, Chris Kurman has demonstrated a relentless commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. He is currently Vice President Football Operations, NFL for Dragon Seats where his achievements speak volumes about his passion for sports and his ability to drive tangible results in dynamic environments. He continues to hone his professional acumen and further cultivate a profound understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics, while enriching his contributions to the sports industry.
Jerry Fife
The third is Jerry Fife, Like Chris and Lewis, Jerry brings a plethora of knowledge to the group. Starting as a student athletic trainer, moving to a graduate assistant, and then full-time athletic equipment manager. Working at NCAA division II and I institutions while completing a Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine and a master’s in education. Supervising students and full-time staff as well as teaching at the collegiate level. A certified instructor of first aid and CPR since 1994 as well as many other safety-related trainings, Jerry utilized his various positions to gain knowledge and access to pieces of training, as well as PhD level coursework.
While he was an athletic equipment manager, he was highly active in the AEMA (Athletic Equipment Managers’ Association), becoming certified the first year he was eligible and then serving on various committees until becoming a member of the certification steering committee as well as the chair of the education committee. Jerry was a presenter at the AEMA convention numerous times as well as a presenter at numerous local, state, and national athletic director conventions. Jerry was also a contributing author for the AEMA’s journal and certification exam. Jerry had the unique opportunity to be a part of building a NCAA Division I football program from the ground up. Jerry served on a variety of manufacturers’ advisory boards and offered ideas and concepts that helped increase the safety and protection standards of athletic equipment, facilities, and processes.
After athletics, Jerry moved on to sales with a Fortune 500 company where after his second year was ranked the number 1 salesperson in the nation. Over 6 years, Jerry gained knowledge of chemicals, cleaning, and sanitation and worked from sales into a position of safety and training achieving his OSHA 30 certification in general industry and moving into a safety and training manager role at a large urban hospital in Virginia. After a time, Jerry moved into a role with the Department of Corrections for convenience and opportunity. Starting as an Institutional Safety Specialist, Jerry was responsible for the safety of inmates and staff not only within the correctional facility but also on a large operational farm. While in the role of ISS Jerry completed his OSHA 501 and 511 and conducted OSHA certification courses for inmates and staff. He also served as an Instructor/Proctor of the NRA ServSafe certification. After some time in prison and moving to GED educator and finally as a cognitive counselor, Jerry moved on to a role as an occupational health and safety instructor/consultant which led him to the adventure now known as The Athletic Safety Organization dba ProTect Athletics.
Jerry brings with him a wealth of experience in adult education and an extensive knowledge of safety and athletics. Jerry has developed numerous adult training courses and has delivered training across various venues, in person and virtually. Jerry’s latest educational endeavor has him seeking international accreditation as a dialogue practitioner through the Academy of Professional Dialogue (aofpd.org) Jerry is also enrolled to begin his PhD in Occupational Safety and Health.
ProTect Athletics can offer consulting, site evaluations, program evaluations, and current methodology reviews. ProTect Athletics will soon offer courses to help generate the exchange of knowledge and practices in the athletic world. With our forum discussions, we plan to join diverse groups and share wisdom. This is only the beginning, who knows where this will end? Join us on this journey.
Would you like more information? We want to partner with you to further our common goals of Athletic Safety. Sports are changing quickly, KEEP UP or be left behind. Contact us for help!
