Sports Medicine Advisory Committee
Minutes
January 13, 2004 • 7 p.m.
FHSAA Headquarters
Gainesville, Florida
1. Purpose and Introductions
Dr. John Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Dr. Stewart at this time noted the purpose of the meeting and went through brief introductions of the members in attendance. Members present were: Dr. Kris Stowers, Tallahassee; Dr. J. Douglas McDonald, Gainesville; Mr. David Wilson, Lincoln High School, Tallahassee; Dr. Michael Reilly, St. Petersburg; and Dr. Jeff Matilsky, Gainesville. FHSAA staff members present were: Dr. John Stewart, Associate Commissioner for Athletic Operations; Paul McLaughlin, Associate Director of Athletics; and M. Denarvise Thornton, Associate Director of Athletics. Leonard Ireland, FHSAA’s legal counsel, also attended the meeting. Ms. Janelle Vargo, a physician’s assistant, attended as a visitor.
2. Review agenda and complete expense vouchers and Approval of previous minutes
There was a motion to accept the Sept. 3, 2003 minutes and approve the agenda by Dr. Reilly and seconded by Dr. Matilsky. Carried unanimously.
3. Review Minutes of NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Meeting May 3-5, 2003
The committee reviewed the minutes from the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee held in May 3-5, 2003. There were no items warranting additional discussion, because some items were placed on the meeting’s agenda.
5. Recommendations
A) Administration of NFHS Weight Certification Program
Mr. McLaughlin, FHSAA’s wrestling administrator, presented a procedure using a web-based program for weight verification in the sport of wrestling. The program is produced and promoted by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and is used to assist in assessing weight gain/loss, calculating body fat and hydration factors relative to weigh-in procedures.
RECOMMENDATION: It was moved by Dr. Reilly and seconded by Dr. McDonald for the FHSAA to adopt the use of the Optimal Performance Calculator Program. The use is optional for 04-05 and would move to mandatory in the 05-06 season. Carried unanimously.
RECOMMENDATION: It was moved by Dr. McDonald and seconded by Dr. Reilly to decrease the number of days a physician may issue an approval from the date of examination reflected on the Wrestler Skin Condition Examination Report Form (Form WR2) from 10 to 7.
Note: Dr. Stewart also presented a situation to the committee identifying the protocol for referee’s handling skin conditions relative to physician’s notes and having a physician present.
B) Change the date that physicals can be performed to April 1st for the following year to allow time for more adequate testing and follow-up by a physician prior to the upcoming season.
C) Change the frequency of the entire physical exam, since this is a much more detailed exam, to every other year. In the opposite year a history form will be filled out by the student and parent requiring follow-up by a physician only in areas of concern
Dr. Stowers presented both items to the committee. Mr. Ireland reviewed the state statute as currently written, identifying that the statute states pre-participation physicals must be performed each year. Discussion regarding the date and the association’s ability to make the date earlier resulted addressing this with the legislative committee.
RECOMMENDATION: It was moved by Dr. Stowers, seconded by Dr. Reilly to refer to the legislative committee items B) moving pre-participation date earlier and C) frequency of the pre-participation exam for athletes for action. Carried unanimously.
Note: Mr. Ireland suggested that staff contact Dr. Mueller of North Carolina because he usually compiles information of this nature.
D) Athletic trainers present at playoff games
The committee reviewed Mrs. Walker’s communication regarding a proposal to require athletic trainers’ presence at all playoff games. Mr. Walker’s communication presented a cost analysis. The committee took no action on the recommendation citing “availability and the ‘trust’ factor”. After discussion, no action was taken by the committee.
6. Review Article, “CDC Warns Against Resistant Staph Strain”
The committee reviewed the article with no formal comments but will monitor the frequency of this being present in the next year.
7. Review Article, “Sports Officials Warn of Skin Infection”
The committee reviewed the contents of the article from the Lakeland Ledger submitted by Don Bridges, Athletic Director of Polk County Schools.
8. Review Article, “EPA Approves 100% Natural Disinfectant that Kills MRSA Infection afflicting Athletic Programs Across US”
The committee reviewed the article with no formal comments.
9. Review Article, “Steroids in Sports – New drug undectable”
Having discussed supplements at length, the committee reviewed this article with only one additional comment: “School boards and districts set policy relative to drug and drug testing”.
10. Review Newsletter, “Drug Free Sport Insight”
The committee reviewed the contents of the article with no formal comments.
11. Review Handout, “County Level Obesity Data”
The committee reviewed the data submitted with no formal recommendations. However, the committee noted the trends in the placement of vending machines and physical education requirements for graduation as they relate to the information presented in the handout.
12. Open Agenda
Mr. Thornton reminded the committee of the feasibility study of a poster campaign for supplements and their use. An information packet provided by Center for Drug Free Sports was shared with the committee.
Meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.