The MHSA has provided concussion insurance for all athletes participating in MHSA sports (practice and competition) including cheerleading. The insurance has paid out a significant amount in claims last year for those students who were diagnosed with a concussion while participating in MHSA sports or cheerleading. It is a great program, and both the insurance program (HeadStrong) and the MHSA want to make sure it is being fully utilized. HeadStrong sent us the attached information to hopefully make it easier for schools and parents to file claims. The attachments are:
One of the most important considerations for all sports is the health and safety of individuals participating in or watching an event. Emergency situations could arise at any time during athletic events and efficient, quick action must be taken in order to provide the best care to those involved. The development of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) will help ensure that everyone is prepared at all times. This preparation involves a plan, proper coverage of athletic events, maintenance of emergency equipment, continuing education of emergency situations, and utilization of emergency medical personnel.
With this in mind, the MHSA Executive Board voted to require every school to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for each site/venue used for its athletic contests and practices. For schools that may not currently have an EAP(s) for their school, an EAP template developed by the MHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), and approved by the Board is provided as a resource. This template is designed to aid schools in developing and/or updating their EAPs. The template also includes example EAPs for both larger and smaller schools.
School administrators, athletic directors, coaches, parents and students should also be made aware of the following resources:
Repeated alerts are appropriate over the next few months as temperatures may wax and wane. Just before a predicted “heat wave” coaches and school administrators are best reminded through emails and social media of the importance of activity and practice modifications. In addition, remember that this is not just a football issue. Any student participating in an outdoor sport in the heat is vulnerable to heat illness, including participants in activities such as marching band, cheer and also volleyball players practicing in a hot gym.
With increased use of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) devices, it is important that state associations continue to educate their member schools on new policies and procedures they have put in place on heat acclimatization and heat illness. School administrators, athletic directors, coaches, parents and students should also be made aware of the following resources from the NFHS and the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC):
NFHS “Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement”
https://www.nfhs.org/media/5919613/nfhs-heat-acclimatization-april-2022-final.pdf
https://www.nfhs.org/media/5919614/nfhs-hydration-position-statement-april-2022-final.pdf
NFHS “Heat Illness Prevention” Online Course from NFHSLearn.com
https://nfhslearn.com/courses/heat-illness-prevention-2
NFHS “The Collapsed Athlete” Online Course from NFHSLearn.com
https://nfhslearn.com/courses/the-collapsed-athlete
Other resources are available on the following link to the NFHS Sports Medicine web page including those from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association and the Korey Stringer Institute: https://www.nfhs.org/resources/sports-medicine/
It is crucial that the heat acclimatizing guidelines are strictly followed as published by the state association, with extra vigilance during the first 3-4 days of any transition or acclimatization period. This is the time when our students are most vulnerable to the heat.
Similar guidelines and recommendations have also been published by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), and the Korey Stringer Institute:
Also, remember that this is not just a football issue. Anyone participating in the heat is vulnerable to heat illness, including participants in activities such as marching band and even volleyball players practicing in a hot gym. It is crucial that the heat acclimatizing guidelines are strictly followed as published, and extra vigilance is placed on the first 3-4 days of the two week acclimatization period. This is the time when our young athletes are most vulnerable to the heat. Please help protect these students from a potentially deadly condition.
Interested in FREE OPI renewal units!?! Want to learn more about the most common chronic childhood disease in the US? The Montana Asthma Control Program offers an online training for coaches looking to become more informed about asthma and how it can affect their student athletes. 90% of people with asthma experience symptoms with vigorous exercise or activity. Learn ways to help athletes avoid asthma triggers and how you can handle asthma episodes if they occur. Become a more knowledgeable and more prepared coach today!!
Trainings can be found at:
