VCS Earns Second Straight First Team Safe Sports School Honor From NATA

Village Christian has been named a First Team Safe Sports School by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association for the second consecutive term, recognizing VCS Athletic Training for providing a safe environment and “providing the best level of care, injury prevention, and treatment.”

“The Athletic Training team’s mission is to provide the highest quality medical care to student-athletes within the Athletic Department,” said VCS Head Athletic Trainer Michelle Rodriguez. “This award is in recognition of our efforts in providing safe approaches to athlete health care by working with coaches, physicians, and the community to ensure that athletes are physically and mentally prepared for practice and competition.”

According to the NATA, athletic programs must demonstrate the following criteria in order to be recognized as a Safe Sports School:

• Create a positive athletic health care administrative system;
• Provide or coordinate pre-participation physical examinations;
• Promote safe and appropriate practice and competition facilities;
• Plan for selection, fit function and proper maintenance of athletic equipment;
• Provide a permanent, appropriately equipped area to evaluate and treat injured athletes;
• Develop injury and illness prevention strategies, including protocols for environmental conditions;
• Provide or facilitate injury intervention;
• Create and rehearse a venue-specific Emergency Action Plan;
• Provide or facilitate psychosocial consultation and nutritional counseling/education; and
• Be sure athletes and parents are educated of the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities.

VCS initially received the award in 2015. The award term last three years, after which, programs are required to reapply to ensure continued compliance with safety standards. The current term will last through 2021.

“We remain committed to the health and welfare of young athletes in competitive sports,” said NATA President Scott Sailor, EdD, ATC in a statement. “This award recognizes the contributions and commitment of schools across the country that are implementing safe sports policies and best practices to ensure athletes can do what they love best and have the appropriate care in place to prevent, manage and treat injuries should they occur.”