Health & Safety

The weather is not ideal for the fall season at this time, but as usual we are continuing to conduct our activities in a way that keeps our students as safe as possible. Once again we caution everyone to follow the WBGT mandate for practices and any outdoor activities. Keep cool …

2023-24 Catastrophic Insurance Claim Form

WetBulb Globe Temperature The Mississippi High School Activities Association now mandates the use of wetbulb globe temperature readings for determining the safety of outdoor practices.  The sports medicine community has long recognized that the thermometer alone does not tell the story of heat safety, with factors like direct sunlight, humidity, …

A Guide to Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Course Objectives: Recognize that Exertional Heatstroke (EHS) is the leading preventable cause of death among athletes. Know the importance of a formal pre-season heat acclimatization plan. Know the importance of having and implementing a specific hydration plan, keeping your athletes well-hydrated, …

The following was passed by the Executive Committee on Aug. 18. Schools who choose to go to a hybrid schedule, where at least 50% of the academic day is in-person learning, will be allowed to play their scheduled games. Schools or students who choose to go 100% virtual will be allowed …

Basic COVID Precautions Many of the previous recommendations for addressing COVID and other contagious diseases from the last year will be carried over into the 2021/2022 athletic year.  In brief, these include but are not limited to: Signage listing current COVID guidance such as symptom to monitor, local masking policies, …

Mississippi High School Activities Association Comprehensive Fall 2021 Return to Sport Guidelines Purpose Statement By implementing well understood concepts, we aim to reintroduce sports and  extra-curricular activities and competition to public school in the safest manner possible.  Our overall goal is allowing students to enjoy the benefits of MHSAA activities …

Athlete safety is a priority for the Mississippi High School Activities Association, and through our Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, we continue to strive to provide best practice information for coaches, administrators, athletes, and parents on how best to keep our youth safe. While there is inherent risk in athletic participation …

The implementation of the Lightning Detector requirement is not meant to supplant common sense or to ignore visual sightings of lightning strikes, but rather to be used as an adjunct to increase the safety and well-being of athletes, fans, and officials at outdoor events. Today’s advanced technology provides relatively reliable …

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious.  They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head.  They can range from mild to severe and can …

One of the most magnificent natural phenomena, lighting is often believed to be an infrequent occurrence. According to the National Weather Service, lightning hits the earth 8.6 million times a day. Lightning is a spark that can reach over 5 miles in length, attain a temperature of approximately 50,000º F, …

                        MHSAA Recommendation for Preparticipation Physical Exam evaluation for Post-Covid Students   The MHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee recognizes that, over the course of the COVID Pandemic, students experienced COVID infections with varying symptom severity and duration and varying …

MHSAA Pre-Game Medical Minute (For All Sports) Before each contest, host school game administrator shall discuss medical issues related to the competing teams, venue, and access to medical care. Pre-Game Management Meeting shall include: The head coaches for all competing teams The head official The game administrator(s) The medical staff …

HOST SCHOOL CHECKLIST: (Regular Season, Tournaments, Classics, etc.) Host school must receive tournament approval for sanctioning the event before the event occurs. All tournaments must be sanctioned (catastrophic insurance, out-of-state team’s approval, in-state approval of non-member schools, tournament receipts and expenditures).  Third-party involvement as a tournament host must be requested …

Student (All Sports and Activities) Pre-participation Physical Form Pre-participation Clearance Form Pre-participation Concussion Form 14 – Day Acclimatization Period Preseason Parent / Student / Coach Meeting   Coach (All Sports & Activities) First Aid Certification (5 yr. recertification period, NCSS, American Red Cross) C.P.R. Certification (2 yr. recertification period) Concussion …

https://nfhs.org/articles/nfhs-amssm-guidance-for-assessing-cardiac-issues-in-high-school-student-athletes-with-covid-19-infection/   An expert medical task force appointed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) has issued guidance for assessing potential cardiac issues in high school student-athletes with COVID-19 infection. The guidance is included in the “Cardiopulmonary Considerations …

https://nfhslearn.com/courses/covid-19-for-coaches-and-administrators The COVID 19 pandemic presents a myriad of challenges to high school athletic and activity programs. To help address some of those challenges, the National Federation of State High School Associations has developed “COVID-19 for Coaches and Administrators.” The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee developed “Guidance for Opening Up …

2020-21 Spirit Considerations Note: This is not an exhaustive list and there might be additional steps in each community to help prevent the spread of virus. Even when taking all precautions, there will still be risk of transmitting illnesses. Everyone should stay vigilant about the health of members of their …