WVHS Receives National Recognition

West Valley High School receives National Recognition

West Valley High School has received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School Award. This is a program that recognizes high schools that prioritize keeping young athletes safe.

Congratulations to Jeannie Martin-Turner, WVHS Athletic Trainer and Sports Medicine teacher, as well as Jeff Jamieson, WVHS Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, and, all of our athletic coaches – head coaches, assistant coaches, and volunteer coaches – for their hard work and dedication to West Valley athletes. This is the second time that West Valley High School has received this national recognition!

In a press release, Dr. Kathy Dieringer, President of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association stated, “The health and safety of student athletes is critical as it has both immediate and long-term effects. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association created the Safe Sports School Award to recognize and champion schools nationwide that are committed to safety in sports.”

In order to achieve the Safe Sports School Award, as West Valley has done, high school athletic programs must do the following:

-Create a positive athletic health care administrative system

-Provide or coordinate pre-participation physical examinations and paperwork

-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 and concussion management.

-Provide or facilitate injury intervention

-Create and rehearse a venue-specific Emergency Action Plan

-Provide or facilitate psychosocial consultation and nutritional counseling/education

-Be sure athletes and parents are educated about the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities