Athletes all over the United States are heading back to the playing fields to practice for fall school sports. Many of them could face being injured and the American Red Cross has ways coaches can help keep players safe in hot weather and training available to teach students and coaches what they should do if someone is hurt.

During the 2015-2016 school year, more than 1.39 million high school student athletes were injured. The latest National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study shows the most common injuries are strains or sprains, contusions, fractures and concussions. Sports studied included boys’ football, soccer, basketball, wrestling and baseball, as well as girls’ soccer, volleyball, basketball and softball.

ATHLETE SAFETY Summer heat and humidity can be especially hazardous as athletes begin to get ready for the upcoming season. Here are some steps coaches and officials can take to help keep them safe:

1. Avoid scheduling workouts and exercise during the hottest times of the day – schedule them for early in the day or later in the evening.
2. Get players acclimated to the heat by reducing the intensity of workouts or exercise until they are more accustomed to the heat.
3. Have players take frequent, longer breaks. Stop about every 20 minutes to drink fluids and try to have them stay in the shade.
4. Those in charge should reduce the amount of heavy equipment athletes wear in the extremely hot weather. Dress athletes in net-type jerseys or light-weight, light-colored cotton tee shirts and shorts.
5. Know the signs of heat-related emergencies and monitor athletes closely. Athletes should inform those in charge if they are not feeling well.

FIRST AID FOR COACHES The Red Cross offers First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches. This course is perfect for teens and adults who coach at all age levels. Developed with the National Federation of State High School Associations, this course teaches first aid skills to use in a variety of situations encountered by coaches. After successfully completing the course, coaches can print a certificate of completion that’s valid for two years. Coaches are encouraged to take a CPR/AED course as well.

TAKE A FIRST AID CLASS There are several different ways to learn what to do in a first-aid emergency. The Red Cross offers First Aid/CPR/AED training to teach people how to respond in a first aid, cardiac or breathing emergency. The in-classroom training can be supplemented with a free online refresher during the two years after learners become certified. Course information and registration is available at redcross.org/takeaclass.  

FIRST AID APP Coaches and student athletes can also download the free Red Cross First Aid App which features step-by step instructions for first aid scenarios and a 9-1-1 call button, as well as safety and preparedness tips for a range of conditions including severe weather and disasters. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

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About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.