Sports Medicine Advisory Committee

Minutes
August 28, 2007 • 7 p.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida


The following members were in attendance: Dr. Dennis Cardone (Fort Myers); Dr. James Berk (Gainesville); Dr. Michael T. Reilly (St. Petersburg); Dr. Jeff Matilsky (Gainesville); Jamie Pinyan, Mainland HS (Daytona Beach); Dr. Kris Stowers (Tallahassee); David Wilson, Lincoln HS (Tallahassee); Denarvise Thornton (FHSAA Staff); Sedeirdra Smith (FHSAA Staff); Shanell Young (FHSAA Staff); Shaterra Reed (FHSAA Intern).

1. Welcome, Introductions and Purpose
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Mr. Denarvise Thornton. Mr. Thornton reviewed travel expense procedures and allowed members to introduce themselves.

2. Review agenda and complete expense vouchers.

3. Approval of Jan. 9, 2007 SMAC Meeting Minutes
The committee accepted the minutes from the last meeting as presented.

4. Review Minutes of NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Meeting Apr. 14-16, 2007.
The committee reviewed the minutes of the most recent NFHS SMAC. The following items were mentioned:

Liaison Reports:
a. Soccer and NOCSAE shields being placed on shine guards. They will be sized according to height.
b. More states are involved in banning metal bats in high school, New York is the only mentioned state. Dr. mentioned that the medical exam booklet is being revised and new items will be added. Anyone who has suggestions should get those in.

Minutes Approved by all committee members with no changes

5. Review Hotel – Spring Hill Suites by Marriot
No longer staying with Best Western. FHSAA has partnered with Spring Hill Suites by Marriot. Committee members can still choose to stay at Best Western if they choose to do so.

6. Warm-up time for Volleyball
Mr. Thornton received an e-mail complaint from a volleyball official. The official voiced his concerns about the warm-up time for volleyball in between matches. He feels the FHSAA needs to shorten the time allocated time for warm-ups The committee discussed the issue of safety and voted to keep the initial amount of allotted time, but notify the official of when to officially start the pre-game clock.

7. Recommendations:
a. Steroid Testing Program Report (Sedeirdra Smith)
Ms. Smith reviewed with the committee the following components of the steroid testing program: (1.) the selection process (2.) testing procedures (3.) program surveys (4.) reporting outcomes
The committee voiced concerns regarding the use of supplements by athletes, energy drinks, and the prevalence of steroid use among high school athletes. The committee also felt the participant survey will provide valuable information regarding the program.

b. Physical Form – Article: Concussions “A Ticking Time Bomb”
Policy on Medical Presence: Not required but advised by FHSAA. Review of Physical Form. Are the right questions asked to address concussions and head injuries. Questions 20, 21, 22, and 23. Questions were not specific, put concussion symptoms on the form, ex: headaches and etc. Not in season the form isn’t going to pick that up. The management on the field is key. The coaches and trainers should be educated. SMAC reviewed physical form and felt that these questions were sufficient to screen for preseason concussions. Officials education also important. Must be aware of injuries and (post concussionary symptoms) side effects of injury. Second impact is where the problem comes in. Concussions online information. Jan. Meeting Paul to come to SMAC to present and discuss outline for coaches edu. Concussions not taken seriously. Form from PPE(McGraw Hill) booklet and make the questions more on the level of the student.
Review MRSA NATA Document
SMAC recommended short version be sent to schools. CDC website very helpful.

ATLAS/ATHENA Coach Participation Survey Results
17 schools in program. Partnered with Handley Center and SI, OHSU. Reviewed survey. Look at how effective the program currently is and then see if money needs to be spent on the program.

c. Catastrophic Sport Injury Research
No Florida injuries. Report is not FL specific, National report.
d. Letter: American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Something to be aware of at the high school level, but not a serious issues.
e. Wrestling Practice Policy
Rule: 8 practices prior to competition. Has clarified practice and not in conjuction with any other practice. Biggest concern is conditioning. Should let them transition quickly if playing more than one sport, especially if they overlap. Should there be a provision. Yes provision is needed. Provision might cause more injury for dual sport athlete (overuse).

Acclamation for wrestling approved.

Adding sports psychologist to SMAC was discussed. Committee voted to add Dr. Dowan to SMAC for next meeting.

Adjourned at 8:44 p.m.

Softball (Agenda Addition)
New Rule 07-08 school year: Metal cleats and toe plates are permissible in softball. Ran by advisory committee was in support 6-0. School by school basis. Board members and commissioner are concerned about safety. Advantages: Better shoe, better support, and more traction, and less catostophic injuries. Females tear ACL at greater rates would be a disadvantage and also injury to other players. Jamie Pinyan and Dr. Stower were asked to look up NATA information to share about Softball injuries. Brought to SMAC to get suggestions. The committee does not have and issure, based on the fact that NCAA allows metal cleats, and National Federation has ruled.