Saint Peter High School was recently announced as the recipient of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Safe Sports School first-team award for its athletic programs, which is directed by Leah Willis, Licensed Athletic Trainer for Saint Peter Public Schools.
(PICTURED ABOVE) SPHS's Certified Athletic Trainer Leah Willis (front row to the right of banner) poses with several Saints' student athletes by the new Safe Sports School award banner that will hang in the school's gym.
The award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that have met the recommended standards to improve safety in sports. The award reinforces the importance of
providing the best level of care, injury prevention, and treatment.
In order to achieve Safe Sports School status, as SPHS did, athletic programs must do the following:
Create a positive athletic healthcare administrative system
Provide or coordinate pre-participation physical examinations
Promote safe and appropriate practice and competition facilities
Plan for selection, fit function, and proper maintenance of athletic equipment
Provide a permanent, appropriately equipped area to evaluate and treat injured athletes
Develop injury and illness prevention strategies, including protocols for environmental conditions
Provide or facilitate injury intervention
Create and rehearse a venue-specific Emergency Action Plan
Provide or facilitate psychosocial consultation and nutritional counseling/education
Be sure athletes and parents are educated about the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities
To apply, schools complete an in-depth questionnaire that assesses adherence to best practice standards and recommendations. For more information about the Safe Sports School Award, please visit www.athletictrainers.org.