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Player Health and Safety

P.L.A.Y. Guidelines re: Lightning, Heat, Cold and Air Quality

P.L.A.Y. follows MSHSL (Minnesota State High School League) guidelines when it comes to lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, and air quality alerts. Those guidelines can be found here - https://www.mshsl.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/mshsl_policyweatherconditionscompetitionpractice.pdf.

Health and Safety are our First Priority

 In youth sports, it's easy for a young player to get so caught up in the moment and lose sight of the importance of overall health and safety.  From simple bumps and bruises to serious life-threatening situations, our goal is to ensure that all of our youth athletes enjoy the sport, and enjoy it as safely as possible.  This page covers all the basics, from severe weather situations to serious medical issues, and is a resource for players, parents, and coaches for all of our sports.

It is very important that parents and guardians communicate with Coaches if they are not going to be in attendance for a practice or game - in case of cancellation or impending bad weather or other emergency situation. P.L.A.Y. requires parents to pick up and drop off in a safe manner and escort players to the fields and schools.

    Most Common Sports Injuires

    For informational purposes only - seek medical attention if injured!

    Injured Athletes should always recieve medical advice before returning to play

    There are generally  two ways athletic trainers approach players, determining if they are 'hurt' or 'injured'.

    Hurt - are often small cuts,  bumps and bruises .. the 'ouch' type of injury - pain for a short time but goes away relatively quickly. But these should be watched in case it later appears to be more of an injury.

    Injuries - are often more serious and will hamper an athletes ability to play. These could cause lifetime issues if not cared for properly and given time to heal.  Better to be safe than sorry later!

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    Other Resources

    MSHSL Weather Guidelines - https://www.mshsl.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/mshsl_policyweatherconditionscompetitionpractice.pdf
     

    “A Guide to Safety for Young Athletes” –

    http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00307

     

    How do I know if facilities are closed?

      

    **SAFETY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY ALL! It is your choice!

     

    Gym Closure - Check for announcements on local TV or Radio.
    Gyms will be open unless school has been cancelled for the day or they were let out early and evening events cancelled.

    Games/Practices will be on - * If the school day was completed - but after school, 'school' activities were cancelled - there will still possibly be P.L.A.Y. practices. Coaches and sport leaders will communicate with families via social media, SportsEngine and/or P.L.A.Y. social media accounts.

    If there is lightning visible at the event -P.L.A.Y. uses the same criteria as the Minnesota State High School League, an event should be postponed immediately for at least 30 minutes after the last visible lightning. Activity can be cancelled by the coach’s agreement. Umpire should call postponement or cancel event when Lightning is seen. All fans and participants should Seek shelter or return to their vehicle.

    If fields are closed, announcements will be made via SportsEngine, e-mail and/or P.L.A.Y. social media. Any team found participating on a close field will have future field access limited.

    P.L.A.Y. follows MSHSL guidelines re: events in lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, or during Air Quality alerts. Those guidelines can be found here:

    https://www.mshsl.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/mshsl_policyweatherconditionscompetitionpractice.pdf

    Remember to always play it safe - if you are uncomfortable to go out in the weather - just notify your coach that your child will not be able to attend due to the weather.