Regulations for Athletic Contests

Approved Activities

FALL (Sept.-Oct.)	WINTER (Dec.-Feb.)	SPRING (March-May)
	Boys' Basketball	Boys' Soccer
NO Fall Season	Girls' Basketball	Girls' Soccer
2023-2024	Sports for Life	Sports for Life

Postponements

Games must be played on the date scheduled unless inclement weather, transportation failure, or some other unusual circumstance forces postponement. Postponed games must be made up on the first available date, should be kept in the same week when possible, and must adhere to the three day per week guideline If an alternate site is required, the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics should be notified. The availability of officials, transportation, schedules, and facilities must be considered. All efforts will be made to reschedule postponed events, however seasonal limitations may require events to be cancelled. The Athletic Director will make final determinations on playing fields and game cancellations.

Inclement Weather

The closing of schools because of inclement weather will automatically cancel all athletic games and practice sessions that were scheduled for that day unless an exception is made by the Superintendent of Schools. Teams are not allowed to hold an informal practice when schools are closed because of inclement weather. In circumstances where transportation to an event is cancelled by the Transportation Department because of weather-related concerns, approval for alternate forms of transportation or participation can only be granted by the Superintendent of Schools.

Roster of Participants

1. 1. All coaches must have a roster of participants readily accessible with the following information at all tryouts, practices, and games:
   
   
   1. Student-athlete name and address
   2. Parents' or guardians' home and work phone numbers
   3. Allergies and/or medical conditions
   4. Alternate Transportation Form (for any in-season games requiring bus transportation)


2. Team Composition
   
   
   1. Middle school teams may consist of students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
      1. Teams should include representation from each grade level unless a grade level is not represented at tryouts.
   2. Rosters will be limited.
      1. Basketball – 15 players
      2. Soccer – 22 players


3. Managers
   
   
   1. Students must complete the Permission Form for Middle School Managers.
   2. A student who assists the coach by helping with drills (i.e. tossing balls to players, taking stats, keeping score, helping with water, typing up documents, filming practice/games, organizing equipment, etc.)
   3. Managers are not considered rostered participants; therefore, they shall not fully participate in practices or games.

Beginning of Practice Sessions

The sports seasons start on the following dates:

• Fall - No fall season for 2023-2024
• Winter - December 11
• Spring - March 11

Length of Practice Session

Practice for any sport shall not exceed 90 minutes.

Minimum Length of Tryout Period

Prior to the final selection of team personnel, coaches must ensure that all student athletes are provided a minimum tryout period of three practice days.

Practice Locations

All practice sessions must be conducted at an HCPS facility or a Parks and Recreation facility as directed by the Athletic Director. Any practice not held at an approved site must have prior approval of the Athletic Director and the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics.

Practice on In-service Days

Practice may be held before the scheduled meetings 8:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. on the days of teacher in-service meetings in the Harford County Public Schools. Games may not be scheduled before 3:30 p.m. on teacher in-service days.

Practices and Games When Schools are Closed

1. Teams shall neither practice nor participate in a contest on Sunday, extended holiday breaks, monthly early dismissal Professional Development days, and on days when schools are closed for students due to inclement weather. (Even when weather events have passed.)


2. Teams shall neither practice nor participate in regular season contests on days in which schools are scheduled to close early preceding an extended holiday break (Thanksgiving and Winter Break) or on the following official school holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Good Friday, and Memorial Day. In addition, regular season games will not be scheduled on the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.


3. Building Use, Supervision and Responsibilities
   The Principals of the middle schools shall be held accountable for administering and supervising the athletic program in their respective schools. The Principal is responsible for:
   1. Approving scheduled practices.
   2. Determining who shall be authorized to access and secure the building. This responsibility can only be assigned to building administrators, custodians, Athletic Directors, or head coaches.
   3. Determining when custodial coverage is required and the level of coverage needed
   4. Ensuring that all security, emergency and building maintenance protocols are communicated to responsible staff and followed


4. The Athletic Directors and head coaches are responsible for organizing and supervising the operation of the athletic program under the direction of the Principal. The Athletic Director, and/or head coach, when authorized by the Principal, is responsible for:
   1. Opening and securing the school facility before and after practice
   2. Being informed of safety and emergency protocol and procedure
   3. Overseeing the implementation of the return to play protocol.
   4. Having HCPS emergency contact information readily available for use in case of emergency
   5. Supervising/monitoring program activities while practices are in progress
   6. Ensuring that all areas are properly secured, maintained, cleaned and/or restored to its original condition at the end of each practice


5. The custodian, when scheduled, shall be responsible for:
   1. Opening and securing the school facility before and after practice
   2. Being informed of safety and emergency protocol and procedure
   3. Having HCPS emergency contact information readily available for use in case of emergency
   4. Assisting during practice with routine assigned duties (trash removal, maintaining restrooms, emergency clean-up, etc.)
   5. Ensuring that all areas are properly secured, maintained, cleaned and/or restored to its original condition at the end of each practice


6. Current Practice for Building Coverage
   There are various options for building coverage available to building administrators. The following methods represent current practices that have been found acceptable:
   1. Assign the responsibilities of building coverage to a custodian
   2. Assign the responsibilities of building coverage to the Athletic Director.
   3. Assign the responsibilities of building coverage to a head coach.

End of Sports Season

Practice will not be permitted after the last scheduled contest in any sport.

General Structure:

BASKETBALL

SOCCER

NFHS rules with the following modifications: Teams consist of max. 15 players 6-minute quarters (regular clock) 1 minute between each quarter 5-minute half time No shot clock: backcourt violation (10 sec) 3 Time Outs (1:00 minute each) per game and 1 additional for overtime (no carryovers) 1 Two-minute Overtime (OT). If game is still tied after OT, the game will end in a TIE Sportsmanship Rule: 20-point lead No press No man to man Regular clock

NFHS rules with the following modifications: Teams consist of max. 22 players 25-minute halves 5-minute half time No overtime Sportsmanship Rule: Coaches will manage the score appropriately.

Uniforms

Uniforms will be provided for each sport. When reversible jerseys are available, the home team will wear white. If a uniform is lost or returned in unusable condition (torn, discolored, etc.), the student will be held accountable for the cost of the uniform through the financial obligation process. Only HCPS provided uniforms and gear are permitted on the court/field.

Pre-Contest

1. Playing Field or Court
   The Athletic Director will make final determinations on playing fields and game cancellations.


2. Bleachers
   Bleachers should always be clean and clear of any foreign matter. Safety railings must be in place. Any damage that makes them unsafe should be reported to the Athletic Director and to the Principal immediately.


3. Equipment
   The Athletic Director, in cooperation with the coach, should make sure that all equipment that is needed for any game or meet is available to the visiting team's coach.


4. Warm-Up
   Each team will be entitled to a minimum 15 minutes to warm up prior to the contest.

Day of the Contest

1. Locker Rooms

   Visiting teams will arrive dressed in their uniform. Locker rooms will not be used by either team during the contest.



2. Visiting Team

   Someone should be available to greet the visiting team upon their arrival to direct them to the appropriate location.



3. First Aid Kit

   A first aid kit for use by the coaching staff shall be located at the team bench to provide care to an injured athlete during an interscholastic athletic contest. The first aid kit shall be under the control of the coach. The Athletic Director and coach are responsible for keeping the first aid kit stocked with the appropriate materials. Each team is required to have an individual trained in the operation and use of an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) present at all practices and games.



4. Personnel permitted on the bench or field:
   • Participants listed on the eligibility roster form
   • Paid and volunteer coaches under contract
   • Statisticians and game management personnel


5. Spectator Guidelines
   
   1. Minors in attendance must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
   2. Non-participating middle schoolers must go home on the bus at the end of the school day.
   3. Spectators at athletic events involving Harford County Public Schools must adhere to the Spectator Code of Conduct.
   4. The Board of Education of Harford County earnestly solicits the cooperation of parent/guardians and other adults in its effort to supervise and provide adequate control of all functions for the school community. Harford County Public Schools will not tolerate acts of rowdiness on school property and will use every legal means within its power to see that offenders are fully prosecuted (Maryland Code, Education Article, Sections 26-101 and 26-102). Harford County Public Schools is hopeful that the following code of conduct will guarantee the type of behavior necessary to continue these functions.
      • Respect and accept the decisions and authority of officials during competition.
      • Always be positive in your support for players.
      • Respect your team’s opponents, coaches, officials, and spectators.
      • Demonstrate appropriate social behavior by not engaging in acts intended to incite other participants.
      • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, or religion.
      • Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
      • Any physical or verbal altercation before, during or after a contest will not be tolerated with offending parties being immediately ejected from the match and banned from attending future athletic events.

      In the event any spectator fails to adhere to and uphold these expectations, the school administration and the school district reserves the right to impose sanctions including disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, temporary and/or permanent removal from the activity and expulsion from all future events.

      Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in one or more of these consequences being applied:

      • Verbal warning to discontinue a behavior.
      • Immediate ejection from the sporting event.
      • Suspension from future school sponsored events in the current season.
      • Suspension from future school sponsored events for a minimum of 1 year.
   5. At the end of athletic events, teams will exit the playing area together under the supervision of the coach or sponsor in a timely manner.
   6. The Administrator, Athletic Director and/or their designee may postpone/cancel a contest based on safety and well-being of the game participants and spectators.
   7. Fire regulations limit the capacity of gymnasiums, auditoriums, and cafeterias. When this capacity is reached, further admissions will be denied.

Clean Up

1. When athletic events take place in the outdoor area, the coach and managers are responsible for bringing all equipment to a secured school storage area. Coaches and players are responsible for ensuring that their bench area is clear of all equipment and garbage before leaving a contest.


2. After basketball games in the gymnasium, the clean-up duties are handled immediately by the school custodians.

Related Contest Activities

1. In the event of a fight during a game or athletic contest, the following procedures are to be implemented:
   • All coaches are to immediately turn their attention to the players in the bench areas. Players in the bench areas are to be restrained and not permitted on the playing field.
   • Spectators are not to enter the playing field or court. Coaches are to use verbal commands to direct spectators back to the bleachers.
   • The officials will handle the fight on the playing field and apply necessary rules for penalties and ejections.
   • Notify school administration on duty of any incident.


2. Report of Accidents
   • All 911 emergency calls must be reported to the Risk Management Office and the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics within 24 hours.
   • In the event that any person is injured at an athletic event, following appropriate treatment, it shall be reported immediately to the Principal/designee and/or coach in charge. Every attempt shall be made immediately to contact the injured person's parents or guardians.
   • The HCPS Incident Report Form must be completed by the coach and distributed according to the directions on the accident form.
   • All incidents involving a call for emergency services or referral for medical evaluation requires the completion of the HCPS Incident Report Form.


3. Report of Incidents
   Any disruptive incidents that take place at an athletic event must be reported immediately by the teacher security, SRO, or SSL to the administrator in charge of that event.

Each sport has unique rules regarding red cards and ejections. There are occasions when an athlete or coach is ejected or disqualified for a rule violation or a safety infraction. The intent of the ejection rule is to curtail profanity, fighting, dangerous play, and unsportsmanlike conduct

Coach

• If a coach is ejected from a contest he/she must leave the area of the contest and shall have no communication or contact with players, officials, spectators, or school personnel in the area until the contest is completed. If there is no member of the paid coaching staff or Athletic Director from the school present to assume responsibility, the contest will be forfeited. Volunteer coaches may not serve as head coaches at any level. Additionally, a coach ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct must successfully complete the free online NFHS Sportsmanship course and provide proof of completion to the Athletic Director and the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics prior to a return to coaching duties.


• Within 24 hours of the ejection, the coach must notify, in writing, the school Principal and Athletic Director. The Athletic Director will then notify the Office of Interscholastic Athletics in writing (e-mail) about the ejection. Records for ejection will be established at each school.


• Ejections associated with fair play and sportsmanship require a discussion between the coach and the Athletic Director and/or administrator.


• Additionally, a coach ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct will be automatically suspended from the next athletic contest in that sport and will carry over to the next year. He/she may not have any communication with the team before or during the contest.


• Any coach, who engages in a form of physical altercation with an official, player, or coach, will be suspended for forty-five (45) school days or the remainder of the season or year, whichever is longer.

Player

• If the ejection was issued for a flagrant foul, fighting, dangerous play, unsportsmanlike conduct, or profanity, the student will be automatically suspended from participation in the next athletic contest regardless of season and will carry over to the next sports season or year. Additionally, a player ejected from a contest for a flagrant foul, fighting, dangerous play, unsportsmanlike conduct, or profanity must successfully complete the free online NFHS Sportsmanship course and provide proof of completion to the Athletic Director and the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics prior to a return to athletic participation.


• The coach will notify the Athletic Director and fill out an ejection report  the next day.


• The Athletic Director will notify the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics in writing (e-mail) about the ejection. Records of ejections will be established at each school.


• The ejected student-athlete may not wear his/her uniform during the suspended game. He/she may not travel with the team, stand on the sidelines or sit on the bench without permission of the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics.


• 2nd ejection may result in a two game suspension as determined by the Athletic Director and/or Principal.


• 3rd ejection may result in removal from the team for the remainder of the season as determined by the Athletic Director and/or Principal.


• A coach who has a player suspended for three games will be required to meet with the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics and Principal/designee.

As the leader of a group of young people, the coach assumes a significant responsibility for helping to insure their health and well-being. A great deal of emphasis must be placed on training and conditioning, first aid, injury prevention and management, proper use of equipment, and maintenance of safe playing areas.

Below is a summary of some major points to consider in the care and prevention of athlete injuries and is not intended to be all inclusive.

Heat Illness

There are three categories of heat illness, and the student-athlete may not sustain all three in order.

1. Heat Cramp
   
   
   1. Symptoms
      The body and muscles will actually cramp due to the loss of fluid and electrolytes. This is a warning sign of further illness. The muscles most often affected are the quadriceps, gastrocnemius (calf), and abdominals.
   
   
   2. What to do
      • Ice and stretch
      • Give water or fluid
      • Improve cardiovascular condition (if early in season)
      • If persistent, check into the diet


2. Heat Exhaustion
   There is an excessive loss of water and electrolytes.
   
   
   1. Symptoms
      • Sweating profusely
      • Cool skin, may be pale
      • Syncope (dizziness or confusion)
      • Possible rapid pulse
      • Internal temperature increase to 102 - 104.9 degrees (normal 98.6)
   
   
   2. What to do
      • Find a cool shaded place.
      • Cool the individual with cold water, ice towels, or tap water from a hose.
      • Have the student-athlete drink fluids. The thirst mechanism will shut down. He/she will only be able to take small sips. Have student-athlete suck on ice.
      • Get the extra equipment off - shoulder pads, helmet, any extra clothing, shoes and socks.


3. Heat Stroke
   This is a medical emergency. The body's thermoregulatory system has totally shut down and the core body temperature is continuing to rise.
   
   
   1. Symptoms
      • Body temperature in excess of 105 degrees
      • Skin is dry, warm or hot, red (total absence of sweat)
      • Behavior may be disoriented, acutely aggressive
      • Athlete may be conscious or unconscious
   
   
   2. What to do
      • Activate emergency and call 911 immediately..
      • Cool the student-athlete as efficiently as you can, using the heat exhaustion techniques.
      • Monitor vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing) until ambulance arrives.

Differentiating between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:	Heat Stroke Symptoms:
Cool and clammy Sweating Body Temperature 98.6 - 104.9 degrees        Pulse - Slow Confusion Conscious	Hot and dry No sweating Body Temperature l05 degrees or higher Pulse - Rapid or Fast Aggressiveness May be unconscious

Ways to Prevent Heat Illness

• Be aware of student-athlete's conditioning level. A better conditioning level will mean a greater toleration of the heat.


• Anticipate the need for student-athletes to be acclimated. It will take seven to ten days to be well acclimated to a heat environment. Use a gradual increase in work at practice.


• Know the temperature and the humidity level at practice time. Refer to the HCPS heat index chart .


• Make modifications during practice sessions with more water breaks, rest breaks, and change in dress for practice.


• Push fluids! Cool water before, during, and after practice (hydrating). Hydrate on a regular basis whether or not the student-athlete is thirsty. Sport drinks can supplement but should NOT replace water as the primary fluid.


• Encourage a proper diet, especially fruit, vegetables, and leafy greens. An student-athlete can avoid a bloating feeling by eating before drinking a large amount of fluid.


• Have the student-athlete wear proper clothing. The least amount that is appropriate for the sport is best.


• Nylon is ideal, cotton breathes very well.


• If you choose to practice a two-a-day schedule, make your morning more strenuous than your afternoon. You may want to monitor the student-athlete's weight. Student-athletes should lose no more than 3% body weight after a practice session.

Talk to your team about heat illness! It is a serious matter.

* * *

Sports Related Concussion

1. Definition of Concussion, Concussion Facts

   A concussion is an injury to the brain as a result of a force or jolt applied directly or indirectly to the head, which produces a range of possible symptoms and may or may not involve a loss of consciousness. 80-90% of concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury, prolonged recovery, or even death (secondary impact syndrome). Concussions are also called mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). Concussions can occur in any sport, including: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, and Wrestling. The potential for concussions is greatest in athletic environments where collisions or significant falls are common. Environmental factors also can cause injury. For example, a player may collide with an unpadded goalpost or trip on an uneven playing surface. Sometimes people do not recognize that a bump, blow, or jolt to the head can cause a concussion. As a result, student-athletes may receive no medical care at the time of the injury, but they may later report symptoms such as headache and dizziness. These symptoms can be a sign of a concussion and must be carefully evaluated.



2. Signs and Symptoms of Concussion

   Concussion results in a range of physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related symptoms. Duration of symptoms can vary from person to person and may last for as short as several minutes and last as long as several days, weeks, months or even longer in some cases. Knowledge of the full range of signs (what you can see) and symptoms (what the student-athlete reports) are important. One or more of these signs and symptoms following a blow or jolt to the head may indicate that a concussion has occurred. Concussions can also occur with no obvious signs or symptoms right away. Any of the symptoms listed in the table below should be taken seriously. Student-athletes, who experience any of these signs or symptoms after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head should be kept from practice or game play until cleared by a qualified health care professional.

   Signs Observed by Coaching Staff Symptoms Reported by Student-athlete
   • Appears dazed or stunned; Headache
   • Is confused about assignment; Nausea
   • Forgets plays; Balance problems or dizziness
   • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent; Double or fuzzy vision
   • Moves clumsily; Sensitivity to light or noise
   • Answers questions slowly; Feeling sluggish
   • Loses consciousness; Feeling foggy or groggy
   • Shows behavior or personality changes; Concentration or memory problems
   • Can't recall events prior to hit; Confusion
   • Can't recall events after hit


3. Return to Play after a Concussion

   The student-athlete should never return to play competitive sports activities (practice or games) while experiencing any lingering or persisting symptoms of a concussion, no matter how slight. The student-athlete must be completely symptom free at rest and with physical exertion (e.g. sprints, non-contact aerobic activity) and cognitive exertion (e.g. studying, schoolwork) prior to return to sports activities. Given the potential of the student-athlete with a concussion to minimize symptoms to expedite their return to play, objective data in the form of formal neuropsychological testing and balance testing may be used as a criterion for safe return to play. Student-athletes cannot return to play until written clearance is provided by a qualified health care professional (e.g., physician or certified athletic trainer). As with any injury, return to play following a concussion should occur gradually and systematically. It is Maryland law (13A.06.08.06) that athletes who have suffered a concussion must complete the 6 step Return to Play Protocol once they have been released by a doctor and prior to fully returning to practices and games. The return to play protocol requires gradually increasing exertion and close monitoring of their response to treatment. Student athletes should be monitored for symptoms and cognitive function carefully during each stage of increased exertion.

   Progression is allowed to the next level of exertion if the student-athlete is asymptomatic at the current level. A specific return-to-play (RTP) protocol outlining gradual increase in activity has been established by the Concussion in Sport Group.

   Premature return to play from a concussion can have serious consequences including a significantly higher risk for re-injury, prolonged recovery, and an increased risk for a catastrophic outcome, second impact syndrome, which results in death. Prevent these poor outcomes by delaying the athlete's return to the activity until the player receives appropriate medical evaluation and approval for return to play.

   Please refer to the resources on concussions from cdc.gov/HEADSUP. These resources are for coaches, athletes, and parents.



4. On-Field / Sideline Assessment & Action

   If student-athlete exhibits any sign of concussion or reports any symptom, they are to be removed from practice or play. When in doubt, keep the player out of play and seek an evaluation from a qualified health care professional trained in concussion assessment and management. The coach is not to try to judge the severity of the injury. Health care professionals have a number of different methods that they can use to assess the severity of concussion.



5. Managing Concussion with no Loss of Consciousness
   
   

   First aid:

   • Remove student-athlete from activity until a qualified health care professional can evaluate them (i.e. physician, certified athletic trainer, and neuropsychologist).
   • Monitor student-athlete for sign and symptoms every 5 minutes.
   • Contact the parent/guardian.
   • If signs/symptoms worsen, activate the emergency medical system, call 911.


6. Managing Concussion with Loss of Consciousness
   

   Signs: Student-athlete does not respond to external stimuli (i.e., voice or touch).

   First aid:
   • Activate emergency medical system and call 911 immediately.
   • Contact parent/guardian.
   • Monitor student-athlete's vital signs and keep head and spine immobilized and wait for emergency personnel.
   • If and when student-athlete regains consciousness, monitor for signs/symptoms every 5 minutes and maintain head and spine immobilization.


7. Coach Report of Concussion to Athletic Trainer

   Any coach who suspects a student-athlete has suffered a concussion, must notify the parent and provide the Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) form. This form will be completed by the student-athletes physician and returned to the school nurse.

   A concussion that is identified by a coach must be reported to the school nurse and Athletic Director for appropriate follow-up with the student and primary care professional.



8. Communication with Parent/Guardians

   On the day of the injury, inform the student-athlete's parents/guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion. Make sure they know that the student-athlete should be seen by a qualified health care professional.

* * *

Universal Immediate Care of Athletic Injuries

1. R.I.C.E.
   
   • Rest
     • Do not use the injured body part until pain-free activity can be resumed.
   
   
   • Ice
     • Apply ice directly to the injured area:
       • 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for the first three hours
       • After 72 hours, 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off, one time
     • Do not use chemical packs directly on skin for facial injuries
     • Do not apply heat if swelling, inflammation or pain persists
   
   
   • Compression
     • Wrap from below the injured area and toward the body and:
     • Use a pad under the wrap to add compression forces to retard swelling and activate absorption
     • When sleeping, loosen wrap, do not remove it
   
   
   • Elevation
     • Elevate to a level above the heart:
     • To reduce bleeding
     • To reduce swelling


2. Every injury that requires R.I.C.E. should be evaluated by your athletic trainer, family physician or by an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible.


3. The student-athlete may not return to play until written clearance is provided by a qualified healthcare professional (e.g., physician or certified athletic trainer).

AED Inspection Procedures:

1. The nurse at each school is responsible for inspecting all AEDs on a weekly basis.


2. The nurse MUST be informed which AEDs are being used each season. Athletic Directors are responsible for storing AEDs not in use.


3. AEDs that are in use MUST be taken to the nurse for routine inspection according to the schedule established by the nurse, or be housed daily in a location that the school nurse can complete the regularly scheduled AED inspection.


4. Each school needs to develop guidelines for this procedure and provide copies of said guidelines to the School Nurse, Nurse Coordinator, Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics, the Athletic Director, and all coaches.

AED Guidelines:

1. AEDs should be located so that they are available within a short walk (3 minutes) of an incident.


2. An individual trained in the operation and use of an AED shall be present at all times/locations that an AED is required to be available.


3. The school system has purchased an inventory of AEDs to provide adequate coverage for outside activities.


4. The AED and first aid bag must be present at all practices and games.


5. AEDs and first aid bags should be secured in the team's designated area in the school after practices or games. In cases when this is not possible, the AED and first aid bag become the responsibility of the coach until it is returned to its' designated area. It should be noted that exposure to very hot or cold temperatures or rain could damage the AED.


6. For games, the home team is responsible for having an AED present in the bench area or outside the gym. The AED is not to get wet. It can be wrapped in plastic inside the first aid bag or an umbrella can be put over the first aid bag during rainy weather.


7. AEDs should not be stored in cars that can get excessively cold or hot.

AED Protocols:

1. Wet Ground
   • Move the victim to a dry area (running track if possible)
   • If the track or a dry area is not available, place dry clothing or any other dry material under the victim.
   • If the victim's chest is wet from water or perspiration, dry the area first.
   • If it is raining, an umbrella can be held over the victim and AED to keep the area dry.

Who is Responsible for the AED:

1. Coaches, Athletic Directors, and Administration are responsible for the safety and security of the AED.


2. The loss or damage of an AED through negligence by the liable party, e.g. coach, is comparable to losing any piece of equipment, with the responsibility of its replacement being that of the coach, school, and athletic department.


3. Loss of an AED, or any other equipment, would be a concern to be included in a coaching evaluation at the end of the season.

While the risk of one student-athlete infecting another with HIV/AIDS during competition is close to non-existent, there is a remote risk that other blood borne infectious diseases can be transmitted. For example, Hepatitis B can be present in blood as well as in other body fluids. Procedures for reducing the potential for transmission of these infectious agents should include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. The bleeding must be stopped, the open wound covered and if there is an excessive amount of blood on the uniform, it must be changed before the student-athlete may participate.


2. Routine use of gloves or other precautions to prevent skin and mucous-membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is anticipated.


3. Immediately wash hands and other skin surfaces if contaminated (in contact) with blood or other body fluids. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves.


4. Clean all blood contaminated surfaces and equipment with an appropriate disinfectant before competition resumes.


5. Practice proper disposal procedures to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments or devices.


6. Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmission, to minimize the need for emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices should be available for use.


7. Athletic trainers/coaches with bleeding or oozing skin conditions should refrain from all direct athletic care until condition resolves.


8. Contaminated towels should be properly disposed of or disinfected.


9. Follow acceptable guidelines in the immediate control of bleeding and when handling bloody dressings, mouth guards, and other articles containing body fluids.