The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) are continuing their focus on risk minimization of injuries to student-athletes.

In the past 10 years, the NFHS has taken significant steps to manage the risk of concussions as detailed in their recent press release.

In addition to adopting the NFHS’s policies, the WIAA has worked with State Legislators to increase the safety of Washington’s high school student-athletes.

In 2009, the WIAA was the first State Association to create a concussion management policy after State Legislators passed the Lystedt Law. The Law required immediate removal of an athlete when a concussion is suspected. In order to return to action, the student is evaluated by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and receives written clearance to return to play from that health care provider.

The Lystedt Law received national attention when it was endorsed by the NFL, and was one the driving factors in an effort to get all 51 State Associations to adopt a state concussion law by 2014. While the Law had a significant impact in football, it also raised awareness of head injuries in other sports like soccer, baseball and basketball.

The Association again worked with State Legislators to require all sport coaches to receive proper training for Sudden Cardiac Arrest prior to the start of the 2015 season.

As football remains the Association’s most participated sport with nearly 22,000 student-athletes annually (2014-15 data), the WIAA encouraged its membership to add stipulations on summer practices and coaches education.

In 2013, the WIAA Representative Assembly, a group of school administrators from around the state that vote on amendments, voted to limit the number of summer football practices to 20. The membership also restricted teams to 10 days of full contact practices, but also required the first three days of practice to be held without pads.

This year’s Representative Assembly will vote on another amendment that will limit the number of full-contact practices during the regular-season after the first contest. More information about the amendment will be posted at a later date.

Looking to explore other areas to prevent head injuries, the WIAA endorsed the Heads Up Football Program, which is operated by USA Football, to require all football coaches to attend tackling technique, heat preparedness and hydration and equipment fitting courses prior to the start of the 2015 season.

“While safety is tantamount to the WIAA’s responsibility in providing programs, unfortunately, injuries are a part of the game,” Executive Director Mike Colbrese said. “The Association is committed to educating our coaches on proper techniques and possible injury preventions to reduce the probability of serious injuries. Student safety remains our top priority.”

Currently, high school coaches must pass a series of clinics before they are allowed to coach a sport at a high school.

The following is a list of clinic requirements for each head coach prior to the start of each season.