Date: September 3, 2019 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dr. Andrew R. Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations aarmstrong@glnd.k12.va.us | (804) 332 0965 | @glndschools | www.goochlandschools.org
Goochland High School is the recipient of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Safe Sports School award. The award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that have met the recommended standards to improve safety in sports and reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention, and treatment. Ms. Melissa Black, Goochland High School Athletic Trainer, has led the efforts of the Goochland High School staff to achieve this recognition.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from NATA,” said Ms. Black. “I feel strongly that all high schools should have a full-time Athletic Trainer on staff, and I am proud of Goochland County Public Schools for seeing the importance of this 20 years ago when they hired me. The safety of our student-athletes is our top priority.”
“The health and safety of student-athletes is critical as it has both immediate and long-term effects,” said NATA President Tory Lindley, MA, ATC. “NATA created the ‘Safe Sports School Award’ to recognize and champion schools nationwide that are committed to enhancing safety in sports. We are proud to see the list of award recipients grow exponentially each year as schools see the immense value in holding themselves to best practices and policies that ensure a high standard of athlete care.”
In order to achieve Safe Sports School status, athletic programs must:
- Create a positive athletic health care 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.