NEBRASKA SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE SPORTS MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

The NSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) met November 29, 2006, at the Nebraska School Activities Association Office, Lincoln, Nebraska, with members present as follows:

Dr. Kody Moffatt

Scott Martens, ATC

Joe Kutlas, Grand Island High School Athletic Director

Doug Long, ATC

Dr. Bernie Keown

Dr. Thomas Heiser

Bud Dahlstrom, NSAA

Dr. Jim Tenopir, Executive Director NSAA

Jennifer Schwartz, NSAA

 

Committee member Dr. Dennis Connolly, was not present.

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m.

 

The purpose and goals of this committee were outlined and discussed.  It was agreed that the goals would be as follows: 

1.     gather current information on health and safety related issues

2.     educate, interpret, monitor, and disseminate materials to students, coaches and administrators concerning sports medicine issues

3.     assist the NSAA in researching sports medicine issues

4.     assist in the development of guidelines to help NSAA member schools make informed decisions

5.      proactively address new health and safety concerns.

 

Dr. Moffatt agreed to serve as the chair of this committee.

 

The committee examined the current NSAA pre-participation physical examination form.  NSAA Bylaw requires that athletes receive an annual sports physical.  The sports physical and parental/guardian consent form must be on file at each school prior to the athlete participating in NSAA athletic events.  Due to HIPAA regulations, concerns were expressed that schools should not have access to the medical history and evaluation information.  Rather, it was suggested a new form be added and be the only form kept on file by the schools.  It was recommended that a clearance form be developed that indicated whether or not the athlete was cleared to participate and listed any medical alerts or conditions of the athlete.  This recommendation will be taken to the NSAA Board of Control for their consideration.  The Sports Medicine Advisory Committee will recommend a new physical examination form to be used by member schools beginning with the 2007-08 school year for pre-participation physicals.

 

The NSAA Wrestling Weight Management Program was discussed.  Athletes failing the hydration test, medical clearance for those athletes naturally below the 7 percent/12 percent body fat requirement, and equipment and/or methods used to perform both hydration and body fat testing were among the major discussion items.  It was decided that the committee revisit this program after the completion of the wrestling season to review it and make any recommendations.

 

Performance enhancing substances at the high school level were discussed.  It was decided that the committee put together educational information to be distributed the NSAA member schools.

 

The committee looked at the “Sports Medicine” link located on the NSAA webpage and made recommendations for additional links and additional information to be posted there for schools to use.

 

There being no further items, the SMAC adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.

 

The next meeting of the SMAC will be held in either late March or early April.

 

                                                            ___________________________________

                                                            Jennifer Schwartz

                                                            Assistant Director