When in Doubt, Take Them Out

A concussion is a brain injury and should be taken seriously. Student athletes who demonstrate signs or symptoms consistent with a possible concussion should be removed from participation and evaluated according to applicable medical guidance, school policy and state law.

Possible signs and symptoms may include:

• Headache, dizziness, confusion, balance problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Nausea, memory difficulty, changes in behavior
• Appearing dazed or loss of consciousness

Loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion to occur. A student athlete should not be pressured to continue participating when a concussion is suspected. Return to participation should follow applicable medical requirements and established return-to-play procedures.

Health Comes Before the Schedule

Heat related illness can become a medical emergency. Athletic programs should consider temperature, humidity, activity intensity, equipment, access to shade, hydration and appropriate rest periods when conducting practices and competitions.

Student athletes should have reasonable access to water. Water should never be withheld as punishment. Coaches should recognize potential signs of heat related illness and respond immediately when a student shows concerning symptoms.

Environmental safety also includes planning for extreme heat, lightning, severe storms, poor air quality, extreme cold, and unsafe field or playing conditions.

Schedules can change. Games can be postponed. A student's health cannot be replaced.

Age-Appropriate Training, Every Time

Middle school students are developing at different rates. Athletic programs should recognize differences in physical development, conditioning, experience and skill level. Coaches should use age appropriate training methods and avoid practices that unnecessarily place students at risk.

Safe participation includes attention to proper warmups, appropriate conditioning, safe equipment, proper technique, reasonable practice demands, injury recognition, recovery, appropriate supervision, playing surface conditions, and sport specific safety requirements.

Students should be encouraged to report injuries and physical concerns without fear of losing their position or disappointing their team. Playing injured should never be treated as a measure of toughness.

Belonging, Not Humiliation

Student athlete safety includes mental health. Middle school students may experience academic pressure, social challenges, family difficulties, performance anxiety, bullying, identity concerns and other sources of stress.

Coaches and athletic personnel are not expected to diagnose mental health conditions. They should, however, help create an environment where students are treated with dignity and feel comfortable asking a trusted adult for help. Coaches should take significant changes in a student's behavior seriously and follow appropriate school procedures when concerns arise.

Athletics should be a source of connection, development and belonging. It should never become an environment where humiliation, intimidation or emotional abuse is accepted as coaching.

A Culture of Responsibility

Background screening is an important component of athlete protection. NFMSS establishes background screening requirements for applicable individuals serving in NFMSS roles involving access to minors.

Screening alone does not create a safe environment. It should operate alongside appropriate supervision, codes of conduct, reporting procedures, professional boundaries and organizational accountability. Student protection requires more than checking a box.

Conditions Fit for Participation

Schools and athletic programs should take reasonable steps to ensure that equipment and competition areas are appropriate for participation, including properly fitted protective equipment, equipment inspection, field and court conditions, goal and equipment stability, adequate lighting, safe spectator areas, emergency access, appropriate playing boundaries, locker room supervision, and facility security.

Unsafe conditions should be addressed before participation continues.

Ready Access When It Matters

Schools should maintain appropriate emergency information for participating student athletes consistent with applicable laws and school policies. Authorized personnel should know how to access necessary information during an emergency.

Parents and guardians should keep emergency contact and relevant medical information current. Sensitive student information should be handled responsibly and only shared with individuals who are authorized or have a legitimate need for the information.