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STUDENT SAFETY TRAINING

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Hydration and Fuel

Head and Neck Injuries

Allergies, Asthma & Diabetes

CPR/AED & Chest Trauma

Emergency Action Plans

Environmental Safety

What You’ll Learn...

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HEAD & NECK INJURIES

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What is a CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a brain injury that impacts how your brain normally works.

    • It happens when your brain gets shaken or twisted inside your skull.
    • This can be caused by a hit to the head or body—even if it doesn’t seem like a big hit.
    • You don’t have to be knocked out to have a concussion.

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    • Your head is not a weapon. Don’t hit with your head!
    • Respect your helmet. The helmet is an important piece of protective equipment.
    • Make sure your equipment fits!

HEAD & NECK INJURIES

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SIGNS OF A CONCUSSION

If you or one of your friends experience ANY of these symptoms, SAY SOMETHING!

Headache, Nausea

Balance Problems/Dizziness

Double or Fuzzy Vision

Sensitivity to Light or Noise

Feeling Sluggish, Foggy, Confused

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District Concussion Oversight Team

By State Law, your school district must have rules and regulations in place to follow after a concussion.

Return to Play Protocol

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HEART: CPR/AED & CHEST TRAUMA

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SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

(SCA) BASICS

    • Happens when the heart's electrical system stops working right
    • The heart stops beating normally, and the person has no pulse
    • It can happen without warning, even in healthy young athletes
    • If not treated immediately, it can be deadly in just a few minutes

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    • Some people are born with heart problems or issues with the heart’s electrical system
    • Birth defects in the heart can also be a factor
    • Commotio Cordis – when a hit to the chest (like a ball) messes with the heart
    • Myocarditis – a heart infection that causes swelling
    • Using drugs or steroids to boost performance can raise the risk

SCA RISK FACTORS

& CAUSES

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    • Fainting/blackouts (especially during a workout)
    • Dizziness
    • Unusual fatigue/weakness
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea/vomiting
    • Palpitations (heart is beating unusually fast or skipping beats)
    • Family history of sudden cardiac arrest at age < 50

SCA Symptoms

ANY of these symptoms and warning signs that occur while working out may

require evaluation by your physician before returning to

participation in your sport.

If you or one of your friends experience ANY of these symptoms, SAY SOMETHING!

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SCA

Emergency Response

    • CALL 911 immediately
    • Begin CPR right away
    • Use an AED
    • Every second counts! Early defibrillation is critical!

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SCA Screening

The UIL Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation & Medical History form includes ALL 14 important cardiac screening elements recommended by the American Heart Association and is mandatory.

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LEARN WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE ELSE’S HEART STOPS

How you can help save a life

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IMPORTANCE OF AN AED

The only effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation is immediate use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

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An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can help restart a heart during sudden cardiac arrest—and it can save a life.

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In Texas high schools:

    • AEDs must be easy to get to during games and practices
    • Coaches, Athletic Trainers, and staff must be trained to use them
    • Every school must have a plan for what to do in a heart emergency

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Importance

of an AED

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Importance of an AED

Experts say AEDs should be in a central spot that’s easy to get to—no more than a 60–90 second walk from anywhere nearby.

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While someone grabs the AED, another person should call 911 right away.

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Do you know where an AED is located?

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ENVIRONMENT

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Heat Illness Prevention

    • Schools track the heat using a tool called Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
    • Practice time & gear should change depending on how hot it is outside
    • You should always have unlimited water and required breaks
    • Fans, water misters, & cold wet towels may also be utilized.
    • This is called a “rapid cooling zone”—and its purpose is to keep you safe

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HEAT ACCLIMATIZATION

GETTING USED TO THE HEAT!

If you or someone else shows signs of overheating, say something!

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Exertional Heatstroke (EHS)

    • The body overheats dangerously and can’t cool down fast enough
    • Symptoms:
      • Confusion
      • Dizziness
      • Collapse
      • Hot flushed skin
      • Rapid Heart Beat
      • Full Body Cramping
      • Nausea & Vomiting

​

I

#1 cause of preventable death in high school sports!

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UIL HEAT PROTOCOLS

    • When experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, UIL policy requires immediate full body immersion in an ice water tub or tarp.
    • If experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke, 911 should be called immediately after immersing in the ice water.

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COOL FIRST, TRANSPORT SECOND!

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COLD WEATHER SAFETY

    • Rewarm gradually with warm water or body heat; avoid rubbing

Frostbite

    • Remove wet clothes, warm slowly, give warm fluids if alert
    • If someone is passed out, call 911 right away and get help. Don’t try to warm them up on the spot.

Hypothermia

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Lightning Safety Protocol

Your school should use a weather service that gives lightning warnings specific to your team’s location.

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Know the rules on what to do if there’s lightning nearby. Follow your coaches’ directions and go to the location specified.

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Lightning Safety Protocol

    • Listen to those in charge and who are assigned to watch the weather and share updates.
    • Go to safe places nearby as indicated by your coach or trainer—like buildings with walls or cars.
    • Outside activities or contests can start again after a minimum of 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. Your coach or Athletic Trainer should monitor the time on their app.

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HYDRATION AND FUEL

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Everest Cantu

HYDRATION

Athletes should drink water throughout the day as well as before and after exercise.

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Sports drinks can be helpful:

    • You’re exercising for more than an hour
    • It’s really hot and humid outside

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Everest Cantu

What NOT to Drink

    • FRUIT JUICES
    • CARBONATED SODAS
    • ENERGY DRINKS with caffeine and/or ephedrine
      • Make you more likely to get heat sickness or heart problems when you exercise
      • Cause feelings like anxiety, jitters, nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea

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Everest Cantu

Hydration:

Best Practices Example

    • Drink about 16 ounces (a big glass) 2 hours before practice.
    • Drink 8-16 ounces 15 minutes before starting.
    • Drink 4-8 ounces every 15-20 minutes while you’re practicing.
    • After practice, drink 16-20 ounces for every pound you lost (like from sweating).

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Check your urine color—clear or light yellow means you’re hydrated!

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Everest Cantu

Hyponatremia

    • It’s rare but serious and can happen if you drink too much water in a short time.
    • This is the opposite of dehydration.
    • It happens when you drink way more water than you sweat out.
    • Symptoms: feeling confused, headache, very tired, or seizures.
    • If someone shows these signs, call 911 right away!

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Rhabdomyolysis

    • It usually happens when someone trains too hard too fast.
    • Very intense exercise can hurt your muscles and release harmful stuff into your body.
    • Doing short, super hard, repetitive workouts with the same muscles can cause serious health problems.

“Too Much, Too Soon, Too Fast”

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Rhabdomyolysis Prevention

    • Build up your workouts little by little—don’t jump into super hard stuff all at once.
    • You’re more at risk if it’s hot, you’re dehydrated, or not in good shape.
    • Watch out for symptoms like:
      • Excessively sore muscles
      • Swelling
      • Dark colored urine
      • Trouble moving
    • Stay safe by going back to hard workouts slowly, drinking plenty of water, and having someone check on you during practice.

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RHABDOMYOLYSIS TREATMENT

    • If you have symptoms, let your coach and athletic trainer know immediately. It is advised to seek treatment from a doctor right away.
    • Doctors decide how to treat based on your symptoms, health history, and blood tests.

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    • It’s illegal to use anabolic steroids unless a doctor prescribes them.
    • Using steroids to improve athletic performance isn’t a valid medical reason.
    • Breaking this law can get you in serious trouble, including jail time.

STEROID USE IS ILLEGAL WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION

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    • If you want to play UIL sports, you have to agree not to use anabolic steroids.
    • You might be randomly tested for steroids.
    • Your parents have to agree and give permission for testing too.
    • Tests are done by official labs to make sure they’re accurate.

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ILLEGAL STEROID USE & ANABOLIC STEROID TESTING

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For Boys and Men:

    • Shrinking testicles, lower sperm count
    • Baldness, infertility, breast growth
    • Stunted growth

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Health Risks of Steroid Abuse

For Girls and Women:

    • Deeper voice, facial hair
    • Smaller breasts, hair loss
    • Stunted growth

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Everest Cantu

Males and Females of All Ages

    • Liver damage, heart attack, & stroke
    • Acne, infections (from needles)
    • Mental health issues like aggression, depression, and withdrawal symptoms

Health Risks of Steroid Abuse

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    • Supplements aren’t always checked by the FDA.
    • Some might have harmful stuff that can make you fail a steroid test.
    • UIL does not approve any supplements.
    • You are 100% responsible for anything you take.

SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE RISKY

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Experts say athletes should get their nutrition from healthy, balanced meals—not from supplements.

BEST PRACTICE: FOOD FIRST

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ALLERGIES, ASTHMA & DIABETES

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Allergy Awareness & Response

    • Make sure your coach knows if you have any allergies and what causes them (like peanuts or bee stings).
    • Always carry your emergency medicine (like an EpiPen) with you and check that it’s not expired.
    • Make sure your coach knows where your medicine is! Let your coach and teammates know how to help you in case you need your EpiPen.
    • Call 911 immediately after administering an epinephrine injection

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Asthma and

Respiratory Safety

Asthma is common in youth sports!

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    • Symptoms to Watch for:
      • wheezing
      • coughing
      • rapid breathing
      • use of neck/shoulder muscles to aid breathing

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Asthma and

Respiratory Safety

    • Make sure your inhaler is always easy to get to.
    • It is recommended to have a back up inhaler with your coach/Athletic Trainer
    • The team’s Emergency Action Plan should include what to do if you have an asthma attack.
    • If you’re having trouble breathing, try leaning forward with your hands on your knees (called the tripod position) to help you breathe better.

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Diabetes Management for Athletes

    • Coaches and teammates should know if someone has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
    • Learn the signs of low blood sugar: feeling shaky, sweaty, confused, or easily annoyed.
    • Make sure testing supplies like glucose meters and strips are ready and working.

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Diabetes management

    • Keep insulin and other medicines safe but easy to get when needed.
    • The team’s Emergency Action Plan should include what to do for diabetes emergencies.
    • If someone has a severe low blood sugar episode, call 911 right away.

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HYGIENE

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    • Wash your hands often.
    • Keep good personal hygiene habits.
    • Don’t share things like water bottles, towels, or personal gear (like pads or workout clothes).
    • Make sure shared equipment gets cleaned and disinfected regularly.

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HYGIENE &

INFECTION PREVENTION

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To prevent spreading of infections:

    • Monitor for contagious conditions
      • Ringworm, staph, etc.
    • Report and treat infections promptly
    • Ensure that locker room surfaces are cleaned regularly
    • Ensure your clothes are washed on a daily basis

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HYGIENE &

INFECTION PREVENTION

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EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS

& SAFETY TRAINING

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SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!

Everyone—staff and athletes—should learn what to do in an emergency.

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Practice the emergency plan often so everyone knows their role.

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Document

Link

NFHSLearn Free Courses on Sudden Cardiac Arrest

https://nfhslearn.com/courses/sudden-cardiac-arrest

NFHS Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement

https://www.nfhs.org/media/5919613/nfhs-heat-acclimatization-april-2022-final.pdf

NFHS Position Statement for Maintaining Hydration

https://www.nfhs.org/media/5919614/nfhs-hydration-position-statement-april-2022-final.pdf

NFHSLearn Free Course on Heat Illness Prevention

https://nfhslearn.com/courses/heat-illness-prevention-2

Hydration Urine Color Chart

http://at.uwa.edu/admin/UM/urinecolorchart.doc

NFHS Guidelines on Handling Practices and Contests During Lightning or Thunder

https://www.nfhs.org/media/7213621/nfhs-smac-guidelines-on-handling-practices-and-contests-during-lightning-or-thunder-disturbances-final-10-30-24.pdf

General Guidelines for Sports Hygiene, Skin Infections and Communicable Diseases

https://www.nfhs.org/media/5546438/2022-nfhs-general-guidelines-for-sports-hygiene-skin-infections-and-communicable-diseases-final-3-8-22.pdf

RESOURCES