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.
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.
- Research and Evidence-Based: We are committed to a research-based approach, utilizing scientific evidence and collaboration with experts to inform our practices.
- Collaboration and Partnership: We value the power of collaboration and work closely with experts, manufacturers, leagues, stakeholders, and organizations.
- Safety and Health: We prioritize the safety and health of athletes above all else. We believe athletes deserve to pursue their passions in a minimized-risk environment.
- Education and Empowerment: We believe in the transformative power of education to empower communities with knowledge regarding safety.
- Innovation and Continuous Improvement: We embrace innovation and strive for continuous improvement in athletic safety practices and exploring new technologies.
- Integrity and Transparency: We uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. We are transparent in our processes and decision-making.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: We value diversity and are committed to inclusivity in athletic participation, promoting equity across all backgrounds.
- Global Perspective: We have a global vision and aim to establish internationally recognized standards for athletic safety worldwide.
- Community Engagement: We strive to engage and empower athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters to create a culture of safety.
These values reflect the organization's commitment to athlete safety, research, collaboration, education, innovation, and community engagement.
Meet Our Founders
Lewis VanHoose
Co-Founder
Chris Kurman
Co-Founder
Jerry Fife
Co-Founder
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.
