Protecting our Student Athletes: Tips for Coaches to Mitigate Dangers

Given the absence of athletic trainers at many sport practices and the unrealistic perception among school administrators that coaches can fill the void, coaches at the middle and secondary school levels are put in a position to meet these expectations. Of the deaths of secondary school American football players each year, approximately 85% of them are from heart conditions, head injuries, and heat stroke; the last two of which are the focus of this article, detailing some strategies that middle and high school coaches can employ to protect the athlete's health and themselves from liability.