PARENTS & COACHES RESOURCES
Supporting the health and safety of Idaho's student-athletes through education, awareness, and access to trusted resources.
Parents, coaches, and school administrators play an important role in creating safe athletic environments. Explore the following resources to learn more about injury prevention, emergency preparedness, and student-athlete health and safety.
DOES YOUR SCHOOL HAVE AN ATHLETIC TRAINER?
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in injury prevention, emergency care, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. The ATLAS Project provides information about athletic training services available at secondary schools throughout Idaho.
Use the interactive map to explore reported athletic training coverage at your school. Contact the school to confirm current staffing and services.
CONCUSSION SAFETY & IDAHO REQUIREMENTS
Recognizing and responding to concussions is essential to protecting student-athletes. Idaho provides guidance on concussion recognition, removal from play, medical evaluation, and safe return to athletic participation. Parents, coaches, and student-athletes should understand the signs of a concussion and the importance of following medical clearance requirements.
IHSAA Concussion Information & Resources
HEAT ILLNESS & HYDRATION
Heat-related illnesses can occur during practices, competitions, and conditioning activities. Proper hydration, gradual acclimatization, appropriate rest breaks, and recognition of early warning signs are important for protecting student-athletes.
The Idaho High School Activities Association provides heat safety guidance, prevention resources, and information about environmental conditions that may affect athletic participation.
IHSAA Heat Illness & Sports Medicine Resources
EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS
Every athletic program should have a written, venue-specific Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that outlines procedures for responding to serious injuries and medical emergencies.
An effective plan identifies emergency personnel, communication procedures, access to emergency equipment, and the responsibilities of those involved in providing care.
NATA Emergency Health & Safety Recommendations
LIGHTNING SAFETY
Thunderstorms and lightning create serious risks during outdoor athletic activities. Coaches and event organizers should monitor weather conditions, recognize when activities must be suspended, and identify safe shelter locations.
The IHSAA provides lightning and thunder guidelines to support safe decisions during practices and competitions.
IHSAA Lightning & Thunder Guidelines
AED & SUDDEN CARDIAC EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning. Rapid recognition, immediate CPR, and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be lifesaving.
Athletic programs should establish cardiac emergency procedures, provide appropriate training, and ensure that AEDs are accessible during practices and competitions.
NATA Heart Health & Youth Sports Safety Recommendations
SPORTS PHYSICALS & RETURN TO PLAY
Pre-participation physical examinations help identify health concerns before student-athletes participate in organized sports. Athletes recovering from illness or injury may also require medical evaluation and clearance before safely returning to activity.
The IHSAA provides physical examination forms and other eligibility resources for Idaho student-athletes and their families.