Sports Medicine Advisory Committee

Minutes
January 10, 2006 • 7 p.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida


The following members were in attendance: Dr. Michael Reilly (St. Petersburg); Dr. Jamie Berk (Gainesville); Dr. Charles Sands (St. Petersburg); Dr. Kris Stowers (Tallahassee); Mr. David Wilson (Tallahassee). Sonny Hester, Associate Commissioner; Denarvise Thornton, Senior Director of Athletic Operations and Officials; and Dr. Monroe Elkin were also in attendance.

Welcome, Introductions, Purpose
Mr. Thornton called the meeting to order and reviewed travel expense procedures and allowed members to introduce themselves.

Review Minutes of FHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Meeting Aug. 23, 2005
FHSAA staff members reviewed the FHSAA policy with regard to lightning and the procedures used for suspending play or practice. Endorsing the current procedure, the committee decided to take no further action. It was noted that several counties have purchased and use various lightning detecting devices.

Dr. Elkin – Presentation on Mandatory Mouthpieces
Dr. Monroe Elkin made a presentation to the SMAC regarding the use of mouthpieces in contact sports. The committee raised some questions regarding its concerns with regard to the use of mouthguards, i.e.:
What is the number of people who break their teeth with respect to contact sports?
What is the cost of the mouthpieces produced by Dr. Elkin’s company as it compares to mouthpieces?

The committee also reviewed communication endorsing the use of mouthpieces as required by Hillsborough County School District. The committee took no action, but noted this as a topic of interest as indicated in the NFHS Sports Medicine Minutes. The committee will monitor the progress on the studies of safety and mouthguard use in contact sport.

Review Practice and Pre-Season Policy (Kris Stowers)
Dr. Stowers discussed and recommends adoption of the NCAA’s current policy regarding practice and pre-season conditioning. (Please see attached for this policy). The committee recommends this policy, or variation of it, be submitted to the FHSAA Board of Directors for action. It was noted that some school districts already impose some form of restriction(s) on its programs with regard to practice schedules prior to the season.

Review of NFHS SMAC Minutes

Open Agenda
1. Volleyball Recommendation
The SMAC reviewed the following recommendation submitted by the FHSAA Volleyball Advisory Committee: modify 105.05 (1) to read “. . .Tuesday Thursday through Saturday of week 7 6.” And modify 103.02 to read “. . .contest date is the Monday of week 8 7 (August 14).

2. Review Athletic Trainer Bill
The committee reviewed the SB 266 with regard to athletic trainers and requirements for first responders at athletic events. The committee supports in concept requiring certification of individuals who administer medical care at athletic events and getting paid for that service.