The inter-Association task force document on emergency health and safety: Best-practice recommendations for youth sports leagues

Abstract

This document is intended to serve as a call to action for all youth sport NGBs to provide support systems for member organizations through the education of league leaders and their members on the current policy and procedure best practices regarding EAPs, SCA, brain and neck injury, EHS, and other potentially threatening medical conditions (Appendix B). This document also discusses preexisting medical conditions, environmental conditions, and emergency medical care, such as athletic training services. The Task Force recognizes that each organization is unique and, therefore, will need to address policy and procedure recommendations differently to ensure the implementation of best practices. Furthermore, the Task Force recognizes that all best-practice policy and procedure recommendations may not be necessary for each sport (eg, lightning policy for indoor sports). Many of the deaths in youth sports are preventable, and it is the goal of the Task Force to support youth sport NGBs in this mission of prevention.