INDIANAPOLIS — A new interpretation of the offside rule in high school soccer is among the rules changes approved for the 2016-17 season.
The new language regarding offside in Rule 11-1-4 is one of two major changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Soccer Rules Committee at its January 25-27 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“The rules are in fairly decent shape,” said Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and officials and liaison to the Soccer Rules Committee. “The committee wasn’t looking to make wholesale changes. They were looking at existing rules and making sure they reflected today’s trends in the playing of the game.
“Offside is one call in soccer that was identified in the annual NFHS survey as being incorrectly administered,” Wynns said. “This change makes offside more understandable and should result in better administration of the offside rule.”
Previously, an attacking player who was in an offside position at the time that the ball was played by a teammate, could be penalized and ruled offside when the ball was deflected by or rebounded from a defender to the attacking player even though the defender tried to play the ball.
The new rule changes this situation as the attacking player in an offside position when the ball was kicked by a teammate who gets a rebounded or deflected ball after it was deliberately played by the opponent (except from a deliberate save), is no longer offside and is not considered to have gained an advantage.
“An example of this new rule would be if attacking player A1 kicks the ball to teammate A2 who is in the offside position behind defender B, and defender B jumps to play the ball but is unable to control the ball as it touches the top of his/her head and deflects to Player A. In this situation, since B played the ball, A2, although in an offside position, is not offside,” Wynns said. “One important point to remember about offside is that being in an offside position does not mean that a player is offside. To be offside, a player must be involved in active play, interfering with play or an opponent, or seeking an advantage.”
A change in Rule 14-1-4 now mandates a penalty for a violation by the kicker prior to taking a penalty kick to be the same as a violation by any other member of the attacking team. Previously, a violation by the kicker prior to taking the penalty kick resulted in the kick being retaken. The rules committee felt that all attacking team violations during a penalty kick should be treated equally.
“An example of a violation by the kicker in a penalty kick situation is an interruption of movement in the approach to the ball,” Wynns said. “Previously, this violation would result in a verbal warning and a rekick. Under the new rule, the ball can be kicked and the result is the same as any other attacker violation. One result might be that the goalkeeper saved and held the ball. In this case, play will now continue, where previously a rekick would occur. The committee wanted to be a little more consistent with penalty kicks.”
A complete listing of all rules changes will be available soon on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page, and select “Soccer.”
According to the 2014-15 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, soccer is the fifth-most popular sport for boys with 432,569 participants and the fourth-most popular sport for girls with 375,681 participants. A total of 11,838 schools offered boys soccer in 2014-15 and 11,502 schools offered girls soccer.
DENVER — Sportswomen of Colorado will honor 45 of Colorado’s top female athletes and contributors to women’s athletics at its 42nd Annual Awards Celebration on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. Award winners are honored based on their achievements in 2015.
U.S. Soccer phenom Mallory Pugh, NCAA champion skier Monica Huebner and the national champion Glendale Raptors women’s rugby team highlight the list.
Susie Wargin and Marcia Neville will present the awards and MC the evening.
The highlight of the event will be the surprise presentation of the Sportswoman of the Year Award to the Colorado’s most outstanding athlete on the basis of her 2015 achievements. More event information can be found at www.sportswomenofcolorado.org/banquet
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2016 Sportswomen of Colorado Award Winners:
Kylee Shook – Basketball – High School (Mesa Ridge High School)
D’shara Strange – Basketball – College (University of Northern Colorado)
Katie Rainsberger – Cross Country – High School (Air Academy High School)
Erin Clark – Cross Country – College (University of Colorado)
Jennifer Kupcho – Golf – High School (Jefferson Academy High School)
Esther Lee – Golf – College (University of Colorado)
Kelsey Boychuk – Gymnastics – High School (Pomona High School)
Nina McGee – Gymnastics – College (University of Denver)
Nicole Hensley – Ice Hockey – College (Lindenwood University)
Bridget Sutter – Lacrosse – High School (Colorado Academy)
Lucy Dikeou – Lacrosse – College (Stanford University)
Kendall Chase – Rowing (University of California at Berkeley)
Kailyn Forsberg – Swede Johnson Spirit Award (Eagle, Colorado)
Mary Kolbach – Dorothy Mauk Pioneer Award (St. Mary’s Academy)
Three of the honorees will become members of the Hall of Fame for receiving three awards in the same sport over the years from the organization:
Kathy Alfino – Triathlon
Nicole Hensley – Ice Hockey
Haleigh Washington – Volleyball
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About Sportswomen of Colorado
Founded in 1974 by the YWCA of Metropolitan Denver, in cooperation with Gart Brothers Sporting Goods Co., Sportswomen of Colorado is a community-based organization that promotes, honors and empowers Colorado girls and women in sport. For more information, please visit www.sportswomenofcolorado.org.
Mile High is home to the Class 4A and 5A football championships. (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)
In an agreement announced today between Altitude Sports & Entertainment, PlayOn! Sports and the Colorado High School Activities Association, Altitude will produce and televise The Colorado 4A and 5A Football Championships presented by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the Colorado High School Activities Association, as well as the CHSAA Boys and Girls 4A & 5A Basketball Championships.
Altitude will have exclusive broadcast rights for all six games throughout the state of Colorado. This is the second year of a partnership between Altitude, PlayOn! Sports and CHSAA.
“Altitude is excited to partner with PlayOn! Sports and CHSAA to support high school sports in Colorado,” said Ben Boylan, President of Altitude. “This is our 9th year broadcasting CHSAA regular season high school football and enjoy providing our fans more coverage. Colorado has incredible CHSAA student athletes and we can’t wait to showcase their talent on Altitude.”
The Colorado 4A and 5A Football Championships presented by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the Colorado High School Activities Association will be the first of the six broadcasts, live on Saturday December 5, 2015 from Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Additionally, Altitude will broadcast the CHSAA Boys and Girls 4A & 5A Basketball Championships taking place on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from the Coors Events Center, on a date and time to be determined.
The Colorado 4A and 5A Football Championships presented by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the Colorado High School Activities Association will feature Todd Romero at play-by-play duties with Blake Olson handling color commentary. Erin Slack will serve as sideline reporter.
“CHSAA and PlayOn! Sports are once again excited and pleased to partner with Altitude Sports & Entertainment on the broadcasts of high school sports. Their commitment to prep athletics is reflective in their regular season schedule and this extension to the football and basketball playoffs is a natural progression in our relationship,” said CHSAA Commissioner Paul Angelico.
The complete Altitude 2015-16 CHSAA 4A & 5A Football and Basketball Championship schedule can found here. Please note that this schedule is subject to change and territory restrictions apply. A complete list of channel numbers can be found on our website at altitude.tv.
The NFHS Network has announced its fall broadcast schedule for 2015.
Any event not list on the NFHS Network schedule below will be considered a “declined event” and other video and linear broadcast entities may seek permission with the CHSAA Office to air these events. All inquiries must be made through Bert Borgmann at the CHSAA Office.
The NFHS Fall Broadcast Schedule includes:
November 13-14 – State Volleyball Pool Play Matches (Denver Coliseum/Times TBD)
November 14 – State Volleyball Championship Matches (Denver Coliseum/Times TBD)
November 13 – 5A Football Quarterfinals (Sites/Times TBD)%
November 14 – 5A Football Quarterfinals (Sites/Times TBD)%
November 14 – 3A, 4A, 5A State Boys’ Soccer Championship (Times TBD)
November 21 – A6 State Championship (Site/Time TBD)
November 27 – 4A/5A Football Semifinal (Sites/Times TBD)%
November 28 – 4A/5A Football Semifinal (Sites/Times TBD)%
November 28 – A8 State Championship (Site/Time TBD)
November 28 – 1A State Championship (Site/Time TBD)
November 28 – 2A State Championship (Site/Time TBD)
December 5 – 3A State Championship (Site/Time TBD)
December 5 – 4A State Championship (Sports Authority Field – Denver, 11:00 a.m.) ALTITUDE
December 5 – 5A State Championship (Sports Authority Field – Denver, 2:30 p.m.) ALTITUDE
December 11 – State Spirit Prelims (Denver Coliseum/Times TBD)
December 12 – State Spirit Championships (Denver Coliseum/Times TBD)
% – NFHS Network or School Broadcast Program Broadcast
Viewers may access the NFHS Network Broadcasts by visiting NFHSNetwork.com.
Due to the number of media inquiries into the football uniform situation in Poudre School District, CHSAA would like to relate the following:
The Association joins Poudre School District in supporting and appreciating Fossil Ridge’s desire to honor all branches of the armed services through its football program, including their planned use of camouflage uniforms.
The Association follows the playing rules as determined by the National Federation of State High School Associations, which provide structure for nearly every sport sanctioned by CHSAA. This includes football, and football’s game uniforms.
The specific NFHS rule which applies to this situation is 1-5-1 b. 3. as it relates to the jersey:
3. Players of the home team shall wear jerseys, unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production, that meet the following criteria: The body of the jersey (inside the shoulders, inclusive of the yoke of the jersey or the shoulders, below the collar, and to the bottom of the jersey) may not include white, except as stated below. If white appears in the body of the jersey of the home team, it may only appear:
(a) as the jersey number(s) required in 1-5-1c or as the team and/or player name within the body and/or on the shoulders,
(b) either as a decorative stripe placed during production that follows the curve of the raglan sleeve or following the shoulder seam in traditional yoke construction, not to exceed 1 inch at any point within the body of the jersey; or as decorative stripe(s) added in the shoulder area after production, not to exceed 1 inch per stripe and total size of combined stripes not to exceed 3.5 inches,
(c) within the collar, a maximum of 1 inch in width, and/or
(d) as a side seam (insert connecting the back of the jersey to the front), a maximum of 4 inches in width but any white color may not appear within the body of the jersey (inside the shoulders, inclusive of the yoke of the jersey or the shoulders, below the collar, and to the bottom of the jersey). The exception to (d) would be what is stated in (b) above.
(e) The visiting team is responsible for avoidance of similarity of colors, but if there is doubt, the referee
may require players of the home team to change jerseys.
NOTE: One American flag, not to exceed 2 inches by 3 inches, may be worn or occupy space on each item of uniform apparel. By state association adoption, to allow for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches, not to exceed 4 square inches, may be worn on the uniform without compromising its integrity.
Additionally, contrary to what has been reported, the NFHS allows for no more than one manufacturer’s logo on the game uniform, according to rule 1-5-3, which deals with illegal equipment. Again, CHSAA follows NFHS rules. Not allowed are:
1. Jerseys and pants that have:
(a) A visible logo/trademark or reference exceeding 2¼ square inches and exceeding 2¼ inches in any dimension.
(b) More than one manufacturer’s logo/trademark or reference on the outside of either item. (The same size restriction shall apply to either the manufacturer’s logo/trademark or or reference).
(c) Sizing, garment care or other nonlogo labels on the outside of either item.
In time for the kickoff of the 2015-16 school year, the NFHS Network, the nation’s leading high school sports media company, announces its list of Select and Elite high school broadcast programs recognizing them for their astounding contributions to the Network. The NFHS Network is the online destination for watching high school sports and other events live and on demand from anywhere at anytime.
Schools participating in the NFHS Network School Broadcast Program, which provides high schools with the technology platform, training and support to broadcast their own regular season games online, produce the vast majority of the events on the NFHS Network. The 83 Select Schools demonstrated excellent broadcasting skills and the 37 Elite Schools not only have excellent broadcasting skills, but also excel in promoting their events and generating funds for their schools. The complete Honor Roll of Select and Elite Schools can be found on this list.
This past school year, the NFHS Network’s Select High Schools produced an average of 56 events each covering an average of 5 different sports. The Elite High Schools produced an average of 72 events each covering an average of 6 different sports.
In all, seven Colorado High School Activities Association member schools were honored. Arapahoe, Eaton, Highlands Ranch, Lutheran, Pueblo West and Rocky Mountain earned Select Status. In addition, Valor Christian was named to the Elite Status for its work with the NFHS Network’s School Broadcast Program.
“As we begin another school year, we are thrilled to recognize these high schools and their student broadcasters for their hard work and commitment to their school’s program and for delivering such high-quality broadcasts to their fans,” says Robert Rothberg, President of the NFHS Network. “We continue to be impressed with the professionalism and the creativity of the work these students produce.”
In its second year, the NFHS Network marked another year of successes and firsts. The Network added 470 new schools to the School Broadcast Program, which is now in a total of 49 states. The Network presented over 18,000 live video sports events and 30,000 live data sports events. In addition, over 14,000 high schools were featured on the Network representing 70% of all high schools in the U.S.
In July 2015, the Network hosted over 100 students and teachers at the first-ever NFHS Network Broadcast Academy and recognized 21 remarkable schools for their accomplishments at the inaugural Broadcast Academy Awards Ceremony. In addition, NFHS Network’s partnership with Under Armour yielded over 20 episodes of the Under Armour Highlights of the Week show featuring some of the most memorable moments in high school sports.
About the NFHS Network
The NFHS Network (nfhsnetwork.com) captures the passion, pride, and energy of the high school experience by delivering live high school sports and events to family members and fans whenever they want, wherever they are.
The NFHS Network celebrates and showcases the unique accomplishments of high schools students, including the student-athletes participating in 27 different sporting events and the student broadcasters from schools around the country that produce events through the School Broadcast Program. The NFHS Network also broadcasts state playoff and championship events in 46 states.
The NFHS Network is a joint venture among the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), its member state associations and PlayOn! Sports. The NFHS is located in Indianapolis, Indiana and is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. PlayOn! Sports is based in Atlanta, Georgia and is the nation’s largest high school sports media company.
Follow the NFHS Network on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram at @NFHSnetwork for the latest news and event information.
INDIANAPOLIS – The number of participants in high school sports increased for the 26th consecutive year in 2014-15 – topping the 7.8 million mark for the first time – according to the annual High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
Based on figures from the 51 NFHS member state high school associations, which includes the District of Columbia, the number of participants in high school sports reached an all-time high of 7,807,047 – an increase of 11,389 from the previous year. Colorado ranks 20th nationally with 128,600 participants.
While boys participation dipped 8,682 from the previous year, girls participation increased for the 26th consecutive year with an additional 20,071 participants and set an all-time high of 3,287,735. The boys participation total of 4,519,312 is No. 2 all-time behind the 2013-14 total of 4,527,994.
Six of the top 10 girls sports registered increases in participation this past year, led by competitive spirit squads (5,170 additional participants) and cross country (3,495). While track and field remained the No. 1 sport for girls with 478,726 participants, volleyball (432,176) moved ahead of basketball (429,504) to secure the No. 2 spot. Ten years ago, basketball was No. 1 for girls, followed by track and field, and volleyball.
Among the top 10 boys sports, soccer registered the largest gain with an additional 15,150 participants, while wrestling (11,306) and 11-player football (9,617) had the largest declines in participation. Besides soccer, other top 10 boys sports that had increases in the number of participants were baseball (3,938) and basketball (425).
“Overall, we are pleased with this year’s participation report indicating an increase for the 26th consecutive year,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. “And while football participation dropped this past year, the decrease is not that significant when you consider more than 1.1 million boys and girls are involved in the sport at the high school level.
“Despite other out-of-school opportunities that exist in some sports, this year’s survey is yet another confirmation that our model of education-based sports within the high school setting is the No. 1 choice for boys and girls nationwide. We applaud the more than 19,000 high schools across the country for continuing to provide these important programs despite the funding challenges that exist in some areas.”
Eleven-player football remains the runaway leader in boys participants with 1,083,617, followed by outdoor track and field (578,632), basketball (541,479), baseball (486,567) and soccer (432,569). The remainder of the top 10 is wrestling (258,208), cross country (250,981), tennis (157,240), golf (148,823) and swimming/diving (137,087).
After outdoor track and field, volleyball and basketball, the remainder of the top 10 girls sports are soccer (375,681), fast-pitch softball (364,103), cross country (221,616), tennis (182,876), swimming/diving (166,838), competitive spirit squads (125,763) and lacrosse (84,785).
Among some of the non-traditional high school sports on this year’s survey, archery and riflery registered significant increases in participation. An additional 2,877 participants (boys and girls) in archery brings the overall total to 7,744 with schools in eight states sponsoring the sport. Riflery was up 1,010 participants for a total of 4,238 with competition in 10 states. Also, while boys wrestling was down by more than 11,000 this past year, the number of girls participating in the sport increased by 1,592 for a total of 11,496.
The top 10 states by participants remained in the same order as last year, with Texas and California topping the list with 804,598 and 797,101, respectively. The remainder of the top 10 was New York (389,475), Illinois (340,972), Ohio (319,929), Pennsylvania (319,562), Michigan (295,660), New Jersey (279,377), Florida (267,954) and Minnesota (235,243).
The participation survey has been compiled since 1971 by the NFHS through numbers it receives from its member associations. The complete 2014-15 High School Athletics Participation Survey is attached in PDF format below.
INDIANAPOLIS – Beginning with the 2016 high school boys lacrosse season, officials and players will adhere to a new, more clearly defined faceoff procedure.
The revision to Rule 4-3-3 was one of four major changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee at its July 13-15 meeting in Indianapolis. The committee’s recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
Articles 3 through 6 of Rule 4-3 were condensed into a new Article 3, which clarifies the faceoff procedures and roles for officials and players. When directed, players will go to the faceoff position with their crosses properly placed. If the official is satisfied with the position, then the ball will be placed between the crosses for the faceoff. Previously, the ball was placed on the ground first. Players are still required to remain motionless in the correct position after the official says “set” and until the whistle is blown.
Rules 1-6-1 and 1-8 were also revised to address issues with the ball becoming stuck in the crosse, including the back of the crosse after a faceoff. The change to Rule 1-6-1 alters the dimensions of the crosse and will take effect beginning in 2018 to allow for phased implementation.
Another change (Rule 4-14-3) defines a new “over and back” rule, which states that the offensive team may not carry, pass or propel the ball into its defensive half of the field once it has been advanced into the goal area. An infraction will result in a turnover or play-on.
“We believe lacrosse is moving in the right direction to continue to minimize the risk to our student-athletes and improve the game experience,” said Susie Knoblauch, NFHS director of performing arts and sports and liaison to the Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee. “Our rules changes support that trend and also create more consistent and fair play for everyone.”
In addition to the four major changes, the Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee approved five Points of Emphasis for the 2016 season. Points of Emphasis are developed by NFHS rules committees and should receive special focus and attention by officials, coaches, players, fans and other leaders within the high school setting.
Points of Emphasis developed by the Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee for the 2016 season are as follows:
Contact – Penalties for excessive hits to the head and neck, as well as penalties for hits to defenseless players and blindside hits.
Helmet Fitting– Helmets shall meet current NOCSAE standards and be properly fitted for each player.
Halftime Warm-up – It is recommended that the final three minutes of intermission be used as a team warm-up period.
Helmets and Equipment During Pre-Game and Practice Time – Coaches should educate players on the need to be properly equipped at all times.
Defending the Crease – It is recommended that coaches not teach nor encourage field players to block the goal when the goalkeeper has vacated the goal crease area.
AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Association and its 352 member schools open the 95th school year with Boys Golf official practice on August 10. All other sports start officially on August 17.
Student athletes in Cross Country, Field Hockey, Boys Golf, Football, Girls Gymnastics, Boys Soccer, Softball, Boys Tennis, Volleyball and Spirit anxiously await that starting date.
Prior to the start of practice, though, the CHSAA has participated in several meetings for coaches and school administrators, including the annual New AD/Principals’ and League Presidents/District Athletic Directors meetings, held in conjunction with CHSAA’s All-School Summit on August 3-4.
The annual Colorado High School Coaches Association meeting was held July 31 and August 1 with all CHSAA administrators participating in the various events.
“The start of the new school year, which includes the beginning of the fall sports season, is one of the most exciting times in a student’s life. Certainly the start of fall practice is a bit more special because it starts the entire school year. The community-based feeling that high school sports bring to high schools remind each of us of our own roots. Schools have always been the hub of activities for neighborhoods and communities and that status remains unchallenged year in and year out,” CHSAA Commissioner Paul Angelico said.
Teams may start playing tournaments on August 13 for Boys Golf, games on August 20 for Softball and Boys’ Tennis. On August 27, all other sports start competition. Check out the CHSAA calendar for scrimmage dates at CHSAANow.com.
In May, 1921, a group of superintendents and principals met in Boulder and organized the Colorado High School Athletic Conference. The purpose of this organization was to better regulate and develop the interscholastic school athletic program.
There were nine leagues by the time the first constitution was published, including the Northern, North Central, Western Slope, Suburban, Southeastern, Arkansas Valley, South Central and San Juan Basin leagues.
The first champions crowned that school year were Colorado Springs in football, Greeley in basketball, and Fort Collins in track and field.
In 1924, the Colorado High School Athletic Conference joined the National Federation of State High School Associations and has remained an active member of that organization ever since.
Loveland’s R.W. Truscott was the Association’s first president and Eaton’s J.C. Casey its first secretary (commissioner). Truscott replaced Casey as secretary in December, 1926 and held that post until July, 1948 when Glenn T. Wilson became commissioner. Ray C. Ball took over the commissioner’s post in 1966 and remained in the office until August, 1986 when Ray Plutko assumed the duties. Bob Ottewill became the Association’s sixth commissioner in July, 1990, followed by Bill Reader who served as Commissioner from 2002 until 2010. Angelico assumed the position on July 1, 2010
The CHSAA has had 59 presidents dating back to 1921. Its current president, Boulder High School Athletic Director Eddie Hartnett is in the first year of a two-year term as president.
The Association enters the year with few changes on staff. Paul Angelico, in his 26th year at CHSAA, is Commissioner. Associate Commissioner Tom Robinson is in his 15th year on the CHSAA staff, while Assistant Commissioners Bert Borgmann, is in his 28th year, while Bethany Brookens and Harry Waterman are in their eighth years, respectively. Assistant Commissioners Bud Ozzello and Jenn Roberts-Uhlig are in their sixth and third years, respectively, with CHSAA. Ryan Casey is in his third year with CHSAA as Director of Digital Media.
Donna Coonts serves as administrative assistant to Commissioner Angelico, while Whitney Webermeier (Borgmann), Sandra Williamson) (Brookens), Theresa Muniz (Waterman), Audra Cathy (Ozzello), Jane Boudreau (Roberts-Uhlig) and Monica Tillman (Robinson) assist the other administrators. Bookkeeper Kenzie Hewson and mail room coordinator Sharon Garcia round out the Association staff.
The CHSAA administrative staff. (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
Paul Angelico, Commissioner (Classification and League Organization Committee, Board of Directors, Legislative Council, Budget, Hardship Waivers, Handbook, Personnel)
Ryan Casey, Director of Digital Media (CHSAANow.com; Technology Advancement, CHSAA.org)
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CHSAA Board of Directors (Leagues Represented) [term expires]:
CHSAA President/District 6 (Continental, Front Range, 5280): (Serving First of two-year term): Eddie Hartnett, Athletic Director (Boulder High School) [2017]
District 1 (San Juan Basin, Western Slope, Southwestern): Paul Cain, District Athletic Director (Grand Junction Schools) [2018]
District 2 (Centennial, Northern, Frontier, Tri-Valley): Mike Schmidt, Principal (Platte Canyon School District) [2016]
District 3 (High Plains, Lower Platte, Mile High, North Central, Patriot, Union Pacific, YWKC): Doug Pfau, Superintendent (Weldon Valley Schools [2019]
District 4 (Jefferson County, East Metro, Colorado 7): Jim Thyfault, District Athletic Director (Jefferson County Schools) [2017]
District 5 (Denver, Metropolitan, Confluence): Loren Larrabee, Athletic Director (Lutheran High School) [2018]
District 7 (CS Metro 4A, CS Metro 5A, Pikes Peak, Tri-Peaks, West Central): Troy Baker, Athletic Director (Buena Vista High School) [2019]
District 8 (Black Forest, Fisher’s Peak, Intermountain, Southern Peaks): Joe Garcia, Athletic Director (Antonito High School) [2018]
District 9 (Arkansas Valley, Santa Fe, South Central, Southeastern): Richard Macias, District Athletic Director (Pueblo City Schools 60) [2017]
At-Large Representative: Kathleen Leiding, Athletic Director (Lyons High School) [2017]
At-Large Representative: Kelley Eichman, Athletic Director (Fountain-Fort Carson High School) (2019)
Colorado Association of School Boards: J. Scott Curley (McClave School District) [2019]
Colorado Association of School Executives: Jim Lucas, Assistant Principal (Pine Creek High School) [2019]
Colorado Association of School Executives: Rick Mondt, Superintendent (Briggsdale Schools) [2017]
Colorado Department of Education: Wendy Dunaway, Colorado Department of Education [2019]
Colorado State Assembly: Jim Wilson, Salida (State Representative, Salida) [2017]
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – To address a potentially dangerous gap in medical-response planning for after-school practices and events, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced recently at its 2015 Annual Summer Meeting in New Orleans that it is encouraging every high school in the country that does not have an existing emergency action plan in place to prepare its teams to utilize the Emergency Action Planning Program, “Anyone Can Save a Life.”
Developed in 2008 by the Minnesota State High School League and Medtronic Philanthropy, “Anyone Can Save a Life” is a first-of-its kind, emergency action planning and training program for after-school practices and events. It is designed to provide a coordinated team response to every major medical emergency, including sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) – the leading cause of death of young athletes in the United States.
“The reality is that every day we send thousands of students out to fields and gyms for practice and events where there is a lack of systemic support for emergencies,” said Jody Redman, associate director of the Minnesota State High School league (MSHSL) and co-developer of the program. “One coach cannot provide a coordinated response alone. This program empowers students to be a part of the response which increases the speed and effectiveness of response until emergency services can arrive. ”
Originally created to respond to cardiac arrest, this third version of “Anyone Can Save A Life” covers all medical emergencies, providing a turnkey solution for every school wishing to implement an emergency action plan for after-school practices and events.
“If you are prepared to respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest, a deadly condition, you are better prepared to respond to every emergency,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. “We are encouraging all athletic administrators, appropriate health-care professionals and coaches to take the time during their season to implement the plan. It only takes a few minutes, and we have seen that these actions can save lives.”
After successful pilots in Minnesota, Arizona, New York and Washington, the NFHS Foundation provided funding to expand the scope of this program to distribute training guides nationally to its member state associations and their member schools. “Anyone Can Save A Life” training materials are available at no cost at anyonecansavealife.org.
Using the program guide, coaches assign specific “emergency response” roles to students on every team at every level. If a student suffers a serious injury, or life-threatening event, teammates immediately spring into action with the information they need to call 911, assist with CPR and retrieve the automated external defibrillator.
“This training will not only make our kids safer at school,” said Joan Mellor, Sr. Portfolio Lead at Medtronic Philanthropy and co-developer of the program, “it will provide them life-saving skills that will benefit the entire community.”
