Emergency Action Plan

All NFMSS member schools, coaches, event operators, officials, volunteers, and administrators are expected to review, understand, and implement these emergency procedures at every sanctioned event.

Every venue must maintain a written, venue-specific Emergency Action Plan.

• Maintain a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• Identify emergency personnel and assign clear roles
• Provide accessible emergency contact information at all events
• Maintain accessible emergency equipment on site
• Identify and post AED locations throughout the venue
• Ensure clear emergency vehicle access routes at all times
• Conduct annual EAP reviews before each season
• Conduct emergency rehearsal drills with all event staff
• Maintain documented emergency communication procedures

Each venue must designate the following emergency personnel before any NFMSS-sanctioned event begins.

• 1Call 911 immediately
• 2Provide the exact venue address and emergency location
• 3Identify the type of emergency clearly to the dispatcher
• 4Dispatch personnel to meet and guide emergency responders to the scene
• 5Clear all emergency access routes immediately
• 6Notify the Emergency Coordinator
• 7Notify NFMSS event administration
• 8Maintain crowd control — keep bystanders away from the scene
• 9Document the incident with date, time, and full details

For any serious injury or medical emergency during a sanctioned event, follow this immediate response protocol:

• 1Stop all activity immediately
• 2Assess the situation — do not panic
• 3Activate EMS by calling 911 if necessary
• 4Stabilize the athlete in place
• 5Do not move injured athletes unless they are in immediate danger
• 6Follow concussion and cardiac protocols as applicable
• 7Contact parents or guardians as soon as possible
• 8Complete full incident documentation

• Maintain accessible AED devices at all venues
• Ensure all staff know AED locations before each event
• Train designated personnel in CPR and AED use
• Maintain documented emergency cardiac response procedures

• 1Activate EMS — Call 911 immediately
• 2Begin CPR — do not wait for the AED to arrive
• 3Send someone to retrieve the nearest AED immediately
• 4Follow AED instructions precisely — the device will guide you step by step
• 5Continue CPR and AED use until EMS arrives and takes over

• Monitor weather and heat index conditions before and during all outdoor events
• Provide mandatory hydration breaks every 20–30 minutes
• Ensure proper acclimatization periods for all athletes
• Modify or cancel practices and events during excessive heat conditions
• Monitor all athletes continuously for heat illness symptoms

• 1Stop all activity immediately
• 2Move the athlete to a shaded or air-conditioned area
• 3Begin active cooling — cool towels, ice packs to neck, armpits, and groin
• 4Hydrate the athlete if conscious and able to swallow safely
• 5Activate EMS (911) if symptoms worsen or athlete loses consciousness

• 1Suspend all outdoor activity immediately at first sign of lightning or thunder
• 2Evacuate all athletes and spectators to a substantial enclosed building
• 3Avoid metal structures, trees, open fields, and elevated areas
• 4Do not resume activity until 30 full minutes have passed since last lightning or thunder

• 1Contact law enforcement immediately — Call 911
• 2Secure all athletes and spectators — lock down or evacuate per venue protocol
• 3Follow the venue’s established lockdown procedures
• 4Evacuate only if directed by law enforcement or authorities
• 5Maintain communication with emergency personnel until all-clear is given

• Controlled entry points with credentialing or ticketing
• Clearly marked and unobstructed emergency exits
• Trained security personnel on site
• Emergency communication systems (PA system or equivalent)
• Documented crowd management procedures

• 1Contact emergency services immediately — Call 911
• 2Notify school administrators and parents/guardians
• 3Secure all athletes and staff — account for every person
• 4Follow district transportation safety protocols
• 5Document all incidents with full details

• 1Activate fire alarms if not already triggered
• 2Evacuate the entire facility immediately — no exceptions
• 3Follow designated evacuation routes posted throughout the venue
• 4Assemble at the designated emergency meeting point away from the building
• 5Account for all participants, athletes, and staff before notifying emergency services of headcount

• Clearly marked and unobstructed emergency exits at all times
• Documented crowd control procedures
• Spectator conduct standards — posted and enforced
• Security staffing proportional to anticipated attendance
• Emergency announcements system (PA or equivalent)

All emergencies and serious incidents must be formally documented. Incident reports must be submitted to NFMSS administration within 24 hours when possible.

All schools and event operators are required to conduct annual training and review to maintain NFMSS event sanctioning.

• Conduct annual EAP reviews with all relevant staff before the start of each season
• Practice emergency drills — at least one full rehearsal per season
• Train designated personnel in CPR and AED procedures — maintain current certifications
• Review all venue-specific emergency procedures and confirm AED locations
• Ensure all staff understand their individual emergency roles and responsibilities

All NFMSS-sanctioned events must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Compliance is a condition of NFMSS event sanctioning.

Disclaimer: This Emergency Action Plan is intended as a general safety framework for NFMSS-sanctioned events and activities. Schools, districts, venues, and organizations must also comply with all applicable local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations.