Safety reminders and resources for concussion reporting, recognition, and management; anti-vaping crisis; heat illness prevention and hydration; lightning safety; emergency action plans (EAPs); and more.
KSHSAA ONLINE CONCUSSION REPORTING REQUIREMENT
REMINDER: All KSHSAA member schools are to report any concussion sustained by their students in school sponsored KSHSAA sports and activities to KSHSAA via the online concussion reporting portal. This requirement applies to both high schools and middle schools.
Online Concussion Reporting Portal 
How to report a concussion online Questions? Email Brent Unruh ( KSHSAA)
ANTI-VAPING INFORMATION
Vaping, or e-cigarette, use is growing rapidly in our schools. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 20% of high school students vape. The Kansas State Board of Education has created a task force to assist schools in addressing this issue by creating educational resources related to building a vape-free school, risk awareness and cessation. Links to several of the resources available can be found below and many more resources will become available in the future. Additionally, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has started addressing this issue through online educational content found at NFHSLearn.com, with the Understanding Vaping and E-Cigarettes course.
Thank you for your continued efforts in promoting the health and safety of our Kansas students!
Kansas Online Resources |
NFHS Anti-Vaping Information |
STUDENT SAFETY REMINDERS 2019-2020
Heat Illness Prevention & Hydration Information
Know the heat index at your location. Obtain air temperature and relative humidity readings and make the necessary modifications based on the heat index chart in the KSHSAA Heat Illness and Hydration information.
Have a cooling plan in place for all warm weather practices/games. Cold tubs should be available! Per Executive Board policy, ALL fall sport coaches (including Spirit, Dance and Marching Band sponsors) must annually complete a heat illness prevention and hydration education program.
Emergency Action Plans
An emergency action plan should be in place for every sport, team and venue. The emergency action plan should be rehearsed by EVERYONE involved, at least one time annually. An automated external defibrillator (AED) should be readily available at any practice or competition. Review the PPE. Be sure your coaches are aware of any pre-existing conditions in their student-athletes that were indicated on their PPE (e.g., allergies, asthma, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, sickle cell trait, concussion history, required medications, etc.).
- Assistance in developing an EAP or finding additional resources to improve your EAPs (with downloadable EAP template)
Concussion Recognition and Management
Per Executive Board policy, all coaches, student participants, and school administrators responsible for event coverage must complete a concussion education program. ANY concussion sustained while participating in a KSHSAA sponsored activity (practice or competition) is to be reported to the KSHSAA via the online Concussion Reporting Portal.
- Information regarding concussion recognition and proper management
- Know the state law and associated KSHSAA guidelines
Lightning Safety
Coach/Sponsor Reference Guide
This is an excellent tool for coaches to keep on hand and regularly review.