Sports Medicine Advisory Committee
Minutes
August 31, 2004 • 7 p.m.
FHSAA Headquarters
Gainesville, Florida
1. Welcome, Introductions, Purpose
Dr. Stewart called the meeting to order and reviewed the purpose of the committee. Members present at the meeting were: Dr. Kris Stowers, Tallahassee; Dr. J. Douglas McDonald, Gainesville; Mr. David Wilson, Head Football Coach, Lincoln High, Tallahassee; Dr. Jeff Matilsky, Gainesville; and Dr. Michael Reilly, St. Petersburg. Staff members present were Dr. John Stewart, Associate Commissioner of Athletic Operations; Cecelia Jackson, Director of Athletics; and Denarvise Thornton; Associate Director of Athletics.
2. Review agenda and complete expense vouchers
The committee approved the agenda, noting the presentation by representatives from Center for Drug Free Sport had been cancelled. It will be rescheduled for the January meeting.
3. Approval of Jan. 14, 2004 SMAC Meeting Minutes
The committee approved the minutes with amendments noting Dr. Reilly’s attendance and second on two recommendations.
4. Review Minutes of NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Meeting May 3-5, 2003
The committee reviewed the minutes of the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. Of note, the committee expressed concern for some items discussed at the national level, mirroring some concerns of the state level items, i.e. frequency of pre-participation evaluations, reports on AED’s, and report of Joint Commission as it addressed supplement use.
Recommendation: The committee requests that the FHSAA requests a survey of state associations to determine how they approach pre-participation evaluations in regard to regularity and comprehensive.
5. Protocols by Shari Summers, RN. PhD.
The committee reviewed the document submitted by Mrs. Summers and applauds her efforts. Additionally, Mrs. Summers has been referred to the NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook (Editions 1 and 2) for additional information.
6. GSSI Sports Science News – Topic “Dietary Fluid and Sodium Requirements for Exercising Adults.”
The committee notes excessive fluid for hydration is dangerous. Additionally, the document reviewed potentially sends mixed, contradicting messages. Dr. Stewart informed the committee of three heat-related deaths in football, which have occurred this 2004-05 season.
7. GSSI Sports Science News – “How Safe Are Ephedra-Free Supplements?”
Dr. Stewart shared the progress of the FHSAA’s “Nothing Beats Hard Work Campaign” - an educational approach to deter student-athletes from relying on drugs, enhancers, supplements and steroids, to achieve athletic achievement. The committee endorsed the approach taken by the FHSAA. Mr. Wilson’s statement, “The posters are worth rearranging your bulletin board” was considered one that reflects the endorsement of the committee.
8. School Board OK’s Athletic Drug Tests
The committee reviewed news articles identifying two Florida school districts that have begun administering drug testing of student-athletes. Of concern is the “cost-factor” noting that funding is currently provided through grants. The committee expressed concern regarding the districts’ ability to maintain the drug testing programs should funding be cut.
The committee also discussed the affects of a bill requiring FHSAA member schools to administer drug tests as a condition of membership. The committee expressed concerns with such a bill in the areas of finances, administration and consequences of such tests.
9. Annual Survey of Football Injury Research 1931-2003
Recommendation: The committee requests that the FHSAA staff research the feasibility of making the pre-participation date earlier (April 15). Rationale: This allows enough time to address any abnormalities found as a result of the pre-participation physical examination and possibly allow the student-athlete time to participate in the fall without missing any playing time. Additionally, the current May 15 date limits access to student-athletes with schools dismissing for the summer earlier.
10. Access Cardiosystems
The committee reviewed literature marketing portable (hand-held) AED’s for athletic programs. The committee notes the cost of this product, which starts at $2,000 per machine. Additionally, the legal aspect of schools owning an AED creates logistical problems: for example, maintaining an AED, the education of someone to operate an AED, and the availability of having an AED at every practice facility.
11. Agenda NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Oct. 17-19, 2004.
The committee reviewed the agenda for the upcoming committee meeting and took no action.
12. (1) Presentation by Center for Drug Free Sport
Supplement/Enhancing Campaign Update
Please see previous agenda item.
(2) Update on Board Actions
Board amended to read and supports the recommendation of having medical doctors or athletic trainers present at all athletic events. However, the board acknowledges affects of supply and demands in this area.
13. Open Agenda (Discussion Only)
Dr. Stowers noted some erroneous, litigious statements found within some documents provided by the NFHS and posted on its web site. Of specific concern was such statements as:
“There are no excuses for heatstroke deaths, if the proper precautions are taken."
This statement is noted as misleading, because there is no 100 percent guarantee against heatstroke deaths, even if all precautions are taken. Additionally, the humidity reference places states in the southeast United States, particularly Florida, at “high risk” and perhaps suggests that participants in these areas may be negligent where an attorney is concerned. (Reference the “Sports Medicine: Heat Stress and Athletic Participation”)
"A physician should be present at all games and practices.”
Although this statement is clarified by stating “If it is not possible for a physician to be present at all games and practice sessions, emergency measures must be provided”, the initial statement regarding the physician’s presence at all games is not feasible for a myriad of reasons. (Reference the “Sports Medicine: Reducing Brain and Spinal Injuries in Football & other athletic activities”)
Recommendation: FHSAA staff communicate the FHSAA SMAC’s concern regarding the two above-mentioned references to the NFHS liaison to the NFHS SMAC.
14. Adjournment
Dr. Stewart adjourned the meeting at 8:15.