Frequently Asked Questions for Parents About Student Athlete Safety
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As we continue to wait for more information from the medical examiner’s office on the tragic death of one of our student athletes, we are also continuing to review all our policies and procedures. Below are questions and answers for parents about procedures and protocols we follow. We encourage you to talk to your child’s coach or school leaders if you have other questions.
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What required safety training do coaches receive?
All paid coaches must be CPR and AED certified.
All paid and volunteer coaches must take three courses each year from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS): Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Concussion in Sports and Heat Illness Prevention.
In addition, all paid coaches for football must have Heads Up Football Training and all paid coaches for cheer must be AACCA certified.
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What required safety training do student athletes receive?
Student athletes must take three courses each year from the NFHS: Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Concussion in Sports and Heat Illness Prevention.
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What screenings and documents are required to participate?
- EL2 Physical Form
- Certificates of Completion for the Three Required NFHS Training Courses
- Mandatory Athletic Insurance
- Copy of Parent or Guardian’s Photo ID
- Proof of Residence
- Frequently Asked Questions for Parents About Student Athlete Safety
- Hillsborough County Public Schools
- Birth Certificate
- EL3 Consent Form, Which Includes:
- Policy 36 Recruitment Verification
- Media Release Form
- Medical Release Form
- Payment of Fines Form
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What safety procedures are in place at conditioning drills, practices and games?
Coaches are directed to ensure shade and plenty of water are available.
Coaches follow requirements from the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which regulates safety and competition for high school sports. Those requirementsmandate frequent water breaks with unlimited water, laid out under the FHSAA’s “Hydration and Rest” guidelines. (Those guidelines are at the end of this FAQ.)
For conditioning, coaches follow FHSAA guidelines of no more than three hours per day,with a maximum of two-and-a-half hours of outside time.
Tubs for cooling are available for coaches to use and have been supplied to each school in recent years.
An adult at every activity must carry a cell phone to get immediate emergency help.
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Are there restrictions on conditioning and practice times?
There is a state-mandated limit on the length of conditioning and practice per day, but no restrictions on the time of day. Our coaches are authorized to make any changes to schedules as they see fit to respond to weather conditions and other factors.
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What happens if a student athlete shows signs of illness?
Coaches are trained to monitor student athletes for signs of illness and take immediate action, including seeking appropriate medical attention. During their safety training, student athletes also learn warning signs to watch for in themselves and others.
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Do you have trained medical personnel on site for emergencies?
All paid coaches are CPR and AED certified. A trained, paid coach—a head coach or assistant—is required at all athletic activities on our campuses.
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What are the notification requirements for parents if there is an emergency?
Parents will be contacted by phone as quickly as possible by a member of the coaching staff or other school official. Please make sure your contact information is always up-to-date with your school and coaching staff.
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FHSAA Hydration and Rest guidelines
- Rest time should involve both unlimited hydration intake and rest without any activity involved.
- For sports utilizing helmets (i.e. football, lacrosse, baseball, softball and others) helmets should be removed during rest time.
- For every 30 minutes of practice, there must be at least a minimum 5 minute rest and hydration break.
- The area identified for rest should be considered a “cooling zone” and out of direct sunlight. This area can include ice sponges, cold immersion tubs and other cooling alternatives to facilitate the cooling process.
- Coaches should promote a heat injury prevention philosophy by promoting unrestricted access to water at all times without consequence.
- A student-athlete should never be denied access to water if he/she requests
