IHSA Presents New Campaign Against Injuries

Illinois High School Association (IHSA) released their new campaign to combat injuries occurring in high school athletics called “Play Smart, Play Hard” Tues., May 12. Bob Gardner, from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Marty Hickman, the executive director of IHSA and Dustin Fink, from the Advisory Council for Player Safety were invited to speak to the press Mon., May 11 regarding the new approach to treating and educating parents, students-athletes and coaches on injury recognition and prevention.

The campaign involves a player safety toolkit and an educational certification course for coaches and athletic directors – 1.9 million coaches have taken it so far, and 27,000 in Illinois alone – in addition to steps to identify injuries, specifically concussions, and guidelines for players wishing to “return to play”.

“This is one of the most exciting programs we’ve rolled out,” said Hickman. “High school sports have never been safer than they are today.” Hickman attributed the safety of athletics to more education about risks, better equipment to combat injuries and ongoing research.

“We’re leaving no stone unturned in trying to reduce risks,” said Gardner.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have a program resembling IHSA, with over 18,000 high schools involved and identical problems being faced by all. The risks of all sports are recognized, and the NFHS is working to combat issues such a repetitive-use injuries, heat stroke, dehydration, asthma and sudden cardiac arrest.

Hickman said, “It’s truly a nationwide effort.”

The 5th and most updated of the handbook sent to all high schools will be released at the end of the 2014-15 school year and a new injury and accident course will be presented July 1, 2015.