Sports Medicine Information and Resources
Background, Policies and Guidance
With the minimization of risks to participants and all involved as its hallmark, the KHSAA has a longstanding working relationship with the members of the Kentucky Medical Association and its Committee on the Medical Aspects of Sports. This group has long advised the association the Commissioner Commissioner and the Board of Control and ultimately, its schools and districts, to allow the association to remain at the front of the pack in terms of attempts to minimize risks of participation. While there will always be an inherent risk in participation, these proactive policies, guidance steps, and references are solely intended to ensure comprehensive awareness of concerns around participation, as well as policies and best practices for all involved. Requests and comments should be directed to the Commissioner’s Offices at the KHSAA.
KHSAA/KMA Sports Safety Course
Sports Physicals Policy and Resources
Concussion in Sports Policy and Resources
- Head And Spine Injury (CDC)
- ACSM Position and Consensus Statements
- KHSAA Adopted Sports Medicine Policies
- KRS 160.445, Requirement for Emergency Action Plans
- http://press.psprings.co.uk/bjsm/june/bjsm106898.pdf
- KHSAA Protocol for Concussions (Multimedia explanation)
- Center for Disease Control Concussion Information
- CDC Acute Consussion Evaluation Sheet
- Center for Disease Control Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Information
- Acts Chapter 72 (2012 HB281) Concussion Legislation
- Post Concussion Strategies for Classroom
- Information regarding Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky
Emergency Action Plan Policy and Resources
- KHSAA Adopted Sports Medicine Policies
- General Guidelines for Developing Emergency Action Plan
- Sample Emergency Action Plan
- Compiled Emergency Action Plan (2012)
- Sample of Implemented Posted Plan
- Anyone Can Save a Life – Emergency Action Planning Program
- NFHS -The Collapsed Student- Online Course from NFHSLearn.com
- Korey Stringer Institute- Emergency Action Plan Resources
- Korey Stringer Institute-Automated External Defibrillators Information and Guidance
- Korey Stringer Institute Heat Acclimatization Guidance
- Matthew Mangine Jr Foundation Emergency Action Plan Guidance
- Matthew Mangine Jr Foundation Information
- Korey Stringer Institute Medical Time Out (EAP Rehearsal) Guidance
- Korey Stringer Institute Medical Time Out (EAP Rehearsal) checklist
- Korey Stringer Institute Medical Time Out (EAP Rehearsal) Video Review
- Teen comes back to life during game
- 269 Seconds: Teacher Uses AED to Save Teen in Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac Emergency Response Policy and Resources
- Recognize, React, Rescue - Effectively Treating Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment of Commotio Cordis (KSI)
- KHSAA Adopted Sports Medicine Policies
- Anyone Can Save a Life – Emergency Action Planning Program
- Matthew Mangine Jr Foundation Emergency Action Plan Guidance
- Matthew Mangine Jr Foundation Information
Heat Illness Prevention and Heat Monitoring
- Preventing and Treating Exertional Heat Stroke (NFL)
- KHSAA Adopted Sports Medicine Policies
- Wet Bulb Globe Validation Study
- ACSM Expert Consensus Statement on Exertional Heat Illness: Recognition, Management, and Return to Activity
- Korey Stringer Institute Bulleting-Reducing Heat Illness in College and High School Sports
- Korey Stringer Institute-Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Monitoring
- Korey Stringer Institute-Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Monitoring (Video)
- ACSM Heat Illness During Training and Competition
- NOAA Weather Ready Nation Information
- KHSAA Heat Illness Program (Multimedia explanation)
- Korey Stringer Institute Prior Research on Heat Acclimatization Guidance
- NATA Position Statement- Exertional Heat Illnesses
- Korey Stringer Institute Heads Up Football Heat and Hydration Guidance
- NATA Position Statement- Fluid Replacement
- Korey Stringer Institute Hydration Guidance
- NFHS Heat Stress Emphasis Information
- Korey Stringer Institute Heat Acclimatization Guidance
- NCAA Program for Prevention of Heat Illness
- American Academy of Pedicatrics Policy Statement on Climatic Heat Stress / Exercising Adolescent
- American College of Sports Medicine Policy Statement on Exercise and Fluid Replacement
- American College of Sports Medicine Policy Statement on Heat / Cold Illness In Distance Running
- Human Kinetics Publishing Heat Quiz for Assessing Situations
- Human Kinetics Publishing Heat Related Disorders References
- Complete Human Kinetics K Playing Hot Reference
- Center for Disease Control (Atlanta) Recognized Dangers of Heat Stroke
- Center for Disease Control (Atlanta) Recognizing Heat Rash
- Center for Disease Control (Atlanta) Recognizing Heat Cramps
- Center for Disease Control (Atlanta) Recognizing Sun Burn
- Center for Disease Control (Atlanta) Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
- Center for Disease Control (Atlanta) Preventing and Managing Heat Illness
- Center for Disease Control (Atlanta) Outdoor Action Guide (Curtis)
- USA Track and Field IMMDA Advisory -Fluid Replacement-Marathon Running
- USA Track and Field Proper Hydration for Distance Running
- USA Track and Field Self-Testing Program for Optimal Hydration
- USA Track and Field Fluids on Race Day
Heat Illness Prevention and Heat Monitoring-Devices
- Link to Purchase Kestral 5400 via Amazon
- Amazon Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, Tan
- Kestrel 5400 WBGT Heat Stress Tracker (HST) & Weather Meter
- Medco-Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker - with Vane Mount
- Medco Wet Bulb Globe EXTECH HT-30 Heat Stress Meter Monitor
- Grainger REED INSTRUMENTS Heat Stress Monitor: 2.9 in Globe
Lightning and Severe Weather Policy and Resources
Expert Consensus Statements
- ACSM Position and Consensus Statements
- Exercise/Physical Activity in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
- Injury Prevention and Exercise Performance during Cold-Weather Exercise
- ACSM Expert Consensus Statement on Exertional Heat Illness: Recognition, Management, and Return to Activity
- Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in Sports, Health, and Society
- ACSM Expert Consensus Statement on Weight Loss in Weight-Category Sports
- Recommendations for Screening, Staffing and Emergency Policies to Prevent Cardiovascular Events at Health Fitness Facilities
- Contemporary Issues - Energy Drinks
- Adapting Preparticipation Cardiovascular Screening to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- COVID-19 Considerations for Sports and Physical Activity
No files found.
Athlete Mental Health and Awareness
Air Quality and Smoke Policy Statement and Resources
Wrestling Weight Management
MRSA Information and Resources
Non-COVID-19 KHSAA Resources and Additional Material
Sports Safety Work Group 2009
- Composite of Complete Report
- Cover Letter of Primary Findings
- SSWG Final Report
- Text of HB383 (2009)
- Minutes of Meetings
- Review of Existing National Research on Catastrophic Injuries (University of North Carolina)
- Review of Existing National Research on Sports Injuries (Ohio State University)
- KHSAA Heat Index Guidelines
- Air Quality Material
- IDOT Reference Material
- Existing North Carolina Model for Emergency Planning
- Documents Gleaned From Research Regarding Steroids and other Supplement Education
- UK Sports Medicine Presentation - 2009 Annual Meeting
- Kentucky Revised Statutes defining middle school, high school and secondary schools
KHSAA Sports Medicine Blogposts and Information
- 09/10/20- CPR of Indiana again offers KHSAA Members Discounted AED program
- 07/17/19- Heat and Humidity Reminders for Member Schools Representatives
- 08/27/18- KHSAA Partners with CPR of Indiana and KMA to Promote Rare Discounted AED program
- 03/30/17 – KHSAA Revising Office Hours Effective April 3, 2017
- 03/25/13 – Clarification on Cold Weather Participation
NFHS Sports Medicine High School RIO Reports
The resource documents linked here represent a nationwide school of thought, but are NOT binding on the KHSAA member schools. Where there is disagreement between the policies adopted for the KHSAA on recommendation from its KMA Sports Medicine Committee and those policy recommendations of the NFHS, the policies of the Association shall govern.
NFHS Sports Medicine Resources
NFHS Sports Medicine High School RIO Reports
2023-2024 High School RIO Final Reports
No files found.
2022-2023 High School RIO Final Reports
No files found.
2021-2022 High School RIO Final Reports
 | 2021-22 NFHS ISS Summary Report - August 2022_FINAL.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2021-22 RIO Convenience Sample Summary Report - FINAL.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2021-22 RIO Original Sample Summary Report_Original_FINAL.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| High School RIO Flyer 2022_2023.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2019-2020 High School RIO Final Reports
| 2019-20 RIO Summary Report_Convenience.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2019-20 RIO Summary Report_Original.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| Final 2019-20 NFHS ISS Summary Report - August 2020.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
 | RIO Flyer_20.21.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2018-2019 High School RIO Final Reports
| 2018-19 High School RIO ISS Convenience Sample Summary Report - FINAL - October 2019.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2018-19 High School RIO ISS Original Sample Report - FINAL - October 2019.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| Final 2018-19 NFHS ISS Summary Report - September 2019.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| Game Stats Report 12.18.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2017-2018 High School RIO Final Reports
| 2017-18 High School RIO - Original Sample Report -October 2018 - FINAL.PDF | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2017-18 High School RIO Convenience Sample Report -October 2018 - FINAL.PDF | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2016-2017 High School RIO Final Reports
| Convenience Sample 2016_17_Final.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| Original Report 2016_17_Final.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2015-2016 High School RIO Final Reports
| 2015-16 HS RIO Convenience Summary Final Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2015-16 HS RIO Original Summary Final Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2014-2015 High School RIO Final Reports
| 2014-15 RIO ISS Convenience Sample Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2014-15 RIO ISS Original Summary Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2013-2014 High School RIO Final Reports
| 2013-14 RIO ISS Convenience Report (Final).pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2013-14 RIO ISS Original Summary Report (Final).pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2012-2013 High School RIO Final Reports
| Convenience Report 8 19 13 Final.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| Original Report 8 19 13 Final.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2011-2012 High School RIO Final Reports
| Final 2011-12 High School RIO CONVENIENCE Summary Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| Final 2011-12 High School RIO Original Summary Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2010-2011 High School RIO Final Reports
| 2010-11 High School RIO CONVENIENCE Summary Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2010-11 Original Summary Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2009-2010 High School RIO Final Reports
| 2009-10 High School RIO CONVENIENCE Summary Report_Final.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2009-10 High School RIO Summary Report_Final.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
2008-2009 High School RIO Final Reports
| 2008-09 High School RIO CONVENIENCE Summary Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
| 2008-09 High School RIO Summary Report.pdf | 9/19/2023 3:18 pm |
Third Party Resources and Information
Relevant to Interscholastic Sports Participation are found in these subject or author sectioned reading rooms. These materials are not authored by the Association nor intended to infringe on any copyright or other intellectual property rights of the author.
Sports Science Resources-Gatorade
Gatorade Sports Science
- Hydration Critical to Athletic Performance
- Hydration Video
- Better Nutrition Equals Better Hoops
- Communicating with Athletes
- Fueling First Class Athletes
- Consequences of Steroid Abuse
- Fueling For the Football Season
- Fueling The Mind for Peak Performance
- Grand Slam Nutrition
- Heat Illness Prevention
- Keep Your Motor Running
- Muscle Cramps
- Nutrition for Muscle Mass
- Optimizing Hydration
- Soccer Energy for Tournaments
- Sports Nutrition Myths
- Swimming Breakfast and Recovery Strategies
- Taking it to the Next Level
- Volleyball The Ultimate Match
- Gatorade Sports Sciences Research-Hydration and Thermoregulation
- Gatorade Sports Sciences Research-Nutrition
COVID-19 Guidance and Resources for Sports During the Pandemic
These resources were enacted during the COVID-19 emergency following the Federal Emergency Order issued in January, 2020 and then the state emergency order of March 12, 2020. As of the expiration of the Federal Emergency Authorization on May 11, 2023, this information does not have the force of requirement, but represents best practices resources. This information will be retained for archival purposes.
COVID-19 Guidance for Sports, 2020 to 2022
Healthy at Sports Stage 5-Partnering for Progress, Competition Considerations, 2022-23
COVID-19 Guidance for Sports, Supplemental Material - Fall 2022
COVID-19 Kentucky Public Health Data and References
- Kentucky COVID Incidence Rates by County (per KDPH)
- KDPH Covid-19 Main Page
- KDPH, Public Health Dashboard including 7-Day Incidence Map
- KDPH, Daily Detailed Report
- KDPH, Archived Daily Reports since June 1, 2020
- KY Hospital Association Covid Links Including Occupancy
- 2020-2021 Covid Related Cancellations
- 2021-2022 Covid Related Cancellations
COVID-19 State and National References
- CDC COVID Data Tracker-Forecasting
- CDC-COVID Data Tracker Main Link
- Statista-Average Number Infected by Infectious (R0 factor of infection) by State
- Statista-Rate of coronavirus cases in the US by state
- Statistic- Number and total positive COVID-19 by state
- Johns Hopkins Interactive Visualization of Spread of COVID-19
- Statnews COVID-Tracker Cases and Deaths
Healthy at Sports Stage 4-Perseverance, Competition Considerations, 2021-22
- Current KDE COVID-19 Guidance Resources
- 10/07/21- Changes in COVID-19 RTA/RTP Implemented
- 2021-2022 Healthy At Sports, Stage 4, Perseverance, Competition Considerations
- 2021-2022 COVID Related Cancellations
- KDE Face Covering Guidance Per 702 KAR 1:195E, 8/20/21
- 702 KAR 1:195E, Emergency Regulation, Face Coverings, Kentucky Board of Education
- KHSAA and KMA Covid-19 Return to Play Algorithm/Matrix and Optional Form
- K-12 School COVID Testing Program
- KDPH Fall 2021 School Health Guidance for COVID-19
- COVID-19 Interim Guidance: Return to Sports and Physical Activity (AAP)
- CDC COVID-19 Prevention Guidance – K12 – 2021-22
- NCAA Fall COVID Guidance, 2021
- KY Order-Sunsetting 2020-21 Guidance
- KDE Guidance on Senate Bill 1, 2021 Extraordinary Session
Healthy at Sports, Competition Considerations, 2020-21
Guidance Relative to KHSAA Member High Schools and Middle School programs subject to 702 KAR 7:065
- Current KDE COVID-19 Guidance Resources
- 10/07/21- Changes in COVID-19 RTA/RTP Implemented
- 2021-2022 Healthy At Sports, Stage 4, Perseverance, Competition Considerations
- 2021-2022 COVID Related Cancellations
- KDE Face Covering Guidance Per 702 KAR 1:195E, 8/20/21
- 702 KAR 1:195E, Emergency Regulation, Face Coverings, Kentucky Board of Education
- KHSAA and KMA Covid-19 Return to Play Algorithm/Matrix and Optional Form
- K-12 School COVID Testing Program
- KDPH Fall 2021 School Health Guidance for COVID-19
- COVID-19 Interim Guidance: Return to Sports and Physical Activity (AAP)
- CDC COVID-19 Prevention Guidance – K12 – 2021-22
- NCAA Fall COVID Guidance, 2021
- KY Order-Sunsetting 2020-21 Guidance
- KDE Guidance on Senate Bill 1, 2021 Extraordinary Session
Healthy at Sports, Competition Considerations, 2020-21, COVID-Stage 1 to 3
- Click for Healthy at Sports-Stage 4-Perseverance, Guidance for Continued Practice and Competition During the Pandemic
- COVID-19 KHSAA Blog Posts and Information
- COVID-19 State, KDPH and National Data and References
- Click for NFHS COVID-19 Rules Considerations
- Click for KMA Covid-19 Return to Play Algorithm/Matrix and Form
- Click for Related Links and Reference Sources for Healthy at Sports
- Click for Summer 2020 Healthy at Sports-Stage 1 Return to Personal Interaction, 6/1/20 to 6/14/20
- Click for Summer 2020 Healthy at Sports-Stage 2 Return to Preparation, 6/15/20 to 8/23/20
- Click for 2020-2021 School Year Healthy at Sports-Stage 3-Performance, Return to Practice and Competition: Interscholastic Sports
- Governor's Original Youth Sports Order (issued 6/15/20, grades K-6)
- Click for Optional Youth Sports Guidance (issued 9/20)
- Click for NFHS COVID-19 Playing Rules Considerations
- Click for KMA Covid-19 Return to Play Algorithm/Matrix and Form
- Click for Related Links and Reference Sources for Healthy at Sports
Healthy at Sports, Competition Considerations, 2020-21, Fall Sports 2020
Healthy at Sports, Competition Considerations, 2020-21, Winter Sports 2020
KHSAA Covid-19 Medicine Blogposts and Information
- 06/10/22- Additional Revisions Announced in COVID Return to Play Protocol
- 01/20/22- Revisions Announced in COVID Return to Play Protocol
- 10/30/21- 2021 Final Adjusted Standings (after tie-breakers)
- 10/08/21- Changes in COVID-19 RTA/RTP Implemented Per SMAC Guidance
- 08/23/21- Reminder about COVID-19 Return to Play Following Isolation
- 2021-2022 COVID Related Cancellations
- KDE Face Covering Guidance Per 702 KAR 1:195E, 8/20/21
- KHSAA and KMA Covid-19 Return to Play Algorithm/Matrix and Optional Form
- 08/18/21- Updates and Reminders on Schedule Change and Score Reporting
- 08/10/21- Initial Return to Play Additional Guidance Issued for Fall Sports
- 08/09/21- Covid-19 Continuation Documents (8/9/21)
- 07/27/21- Bylaw and Policy Reminders During 2021-22 School Year
- 07/15/2021- COVID Return to Play Protocol
- 06/01/21- Entry Open for Member Schools to Designate SB128 Students
- 05/19/21- NCAA Additional Flexibility for High School Seniors in 20-21 Utilizing the SSYP Under SB128
- SB128 Decisions Reporting and Relationship to Athletics
- 05/10/21- Senate Bill 128: Supplemental School Year Program Additional Guidance Related to NCAA
- 04/26/21- Change in Masking Requirements for OUTDOOR Sports and Sport-Activities With Less than 1,000 attendees
- 04/20/21- Change in COVID Guidance for Outdoor Sports and Sport-Activities
- 04/12/21- Senate Bill 128: Supplemental School Year Program Guidance for Sports and Sport-Activities
- 04/11/21- Reminders about Off-season Team Sport Allowances and Restrictions
- 04/05/21- Spring Sports Guidance Revision
- Anxiously Awaiting Return of Fans in High School Sports, Performing Arts
- 03/05/21 – Change in Attendance Limitation Recommendation
- 02/21/21- District and Region Basketball Scheduling of Games
- 02/20/21- Interim Guidance Regarding Spring Sports Travel
- 01/26/21- Reminders about Sports and Sport-Activity Return to Play
- 01/15/21- Early Season Basketball Reminders- Masks, Seeding, Attendance, Media
- COVID-19 State and National Data and References
- 12/10/20- Board of Control Confirms Decision to Start Winter Sports Practice December 14
- 11/20/20- Winter Indoor Sports Delayed, Information for Member Schools
- 11/19/20- Football Playoff Reminders
- COVID-19 Kentucky Public Health Data and References
- 11/01/20- KY COVID Daily Incidence Reports by County
- 10/30/20- 2020 Final Adjusted Standings (after tie-breakers)
- 10/16/20- COVID Basketball Information and Update
- 10/12/20- Postseason Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey Situations and Questions
- 10/07/20- Extension of Deadline to Play Seeded District Games- SO, VB and Revised Tie-Breaker
- 09/27/20- 2020-2021 COVID Related Cancellations
- 09/18/20- Urgent Reminder on COVID Cancellations in Football, Soccer and Volleyball
- 09/17/20- RPI Impact on Cancelled Contests/Open Dates
- 09/16/20- Board of Control Approves Dates for Winter Sports to Begin Practice
- 09/11/20- COVID-19 RELATED PSA/PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUCEMENTS
- 09/08/20- COVID-19 Related Links and Documents
- NFHS Rules Considerations Due to Covid-19
- 08/29/20- Clarifications, Corrections and Revisions of to Healthy at Sports Stage 3-Fall Sports Return to Competition
- 08/25/20- Covid-19 Resumption Documents (8/20, Revised 8/20, 9/20, 10/20, 11/20, 12/20, 2/21, 3/21)
- 08/25/20- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Resumption of Sport and Sport-Activities (Updated 10/13)
- 08/21/20- Restart of the Opportunity to Practice and Play Sports
- 08/20/20- Board of Control Upholds Decision to Begin Fall Sports September 7
- 08/04/20- The Planned Return of Interscholastic Athletics Challenges Us All
- 08/03/20- Middle School Interscholastic Athletics Reminders and Interim Guidance for 2020-21
- 07/31/20- Bylaw and Policy Revisions/Waivers Due to Covid-19
- 08/03/20- Questions and Answers Regarding NFHS Network Pixellot Program
- 07/31/20- Update for Member Schools Regarding Fall Sports and Current Activity
- 07/28/20- Board of Control Approves Fall Sports to Begin Practice August 24
- 07/14/20- Healthy at Sports Position Statement
- 07/14/20- Pixellot Offer-Webcasting/Webinar
- 07/13/20- Board of Control Extends Segment 3 Restrictions to August 3
- 07/12/20- Segment 3 (Continued Through August 2nd) Guidance
- 05/29/20- Covid-19 Return to Participation in Sports and Sport-Activities Guidance for High Schools and Middle Schools
- 04/30/20- Covid-19 End-of-Year Resources and Guidance
- 04/29/20- Revised Covid-19 Policies and Guidance Issued, May 1 to May 31
- 04/21/20- Spring Sports Cancellation, Basketball Events Not To Be Resumed
- 03/13/20- (revised 04/02/20 and 4/17/20)- Athletic Dead Period Instituted for Athletic Programs in All Sports and Sport-Activities Due to Covid-19
- 03/30/20- Status of KHSAA Sponsored Events and Deadlines
- 03/19/20- Spring Sport-Activity Tryout Window Postponed
- 03/18/20- Refund Options, 2020 Girls’ and Boys’ State Basketball Tournaments
- 03/16/20- Update on KHSAA Office Opening/Closing and Staff Availability
- 03/13/20- Spring Football Practice Eliminated for 2020 for High and Middle Schools
- 03/12/20- Girls’ and Boys’ State Basketball Tournaments Suspended Indefinitely
- 03/08/20- Statement on Ongoing KHSAA Activities and the COVID-19 (Corona) Virus
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