Passaic Today

As millions of high school and college students return to athletic fields for preseason workouts and sports practices, safety remains a top priority for student-athletes and their parents. Montclair State University’s Luis Torres, assistant professor of Kinesiology, emphasizes three critical areas: concussions, heat safety, and lightning safety.

1. **Concussions – Baseline Testing is Essential**

With increased awareness of the long-term effects of repeated concussions in professional sports, there is a heightened focus on safety and proper equipment. Torres highlights the importance of baseline testing before athletes begin practice.

“The best thing that can be done is some level of baseline testing,” he says. “Baseline testing allows athletic trainers and other healthcare providers to compare the athlete’s symptoms to their own baseline in the event of a concussion or head injury later on.”

Torres notes that many schools offer baseline tests such as imPACT testing. He advises that this should be part of annual pre-participation physical exams required for medical eligibility forms.

2. **Heat Safety for Outdoor Sports**

With rising global temperatures leading to record-breaking heat, student-athletes must be vigilant about heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion during outdoor practices. Torres mentions that many states now regulate practice durations based on air temperature and humidity levels.

“A combination of those two dictates the level of heat safety and how much they can practice and how many mandatory water breaks they have on that day,” he says. He encourages athletes and parents to familiarize themselves with state guidelines and ensure school personnel adhere to them.

He also recommends understanding the athletic trainer’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for heat illness.

3. **Lightning Safety**

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, lightning strikes kill 20-30 people annually in the United States and injure hundreds more. Student-athletes should follow lightning safety protocols recommended by the National Weather Service, such as avoiding phones, electronic devices, and concrete structures during storms.

Torres stresses the importance of parents feeling confident in their student-athletes’ healthcare providers' ability to handle emergencies like concussions, heat exposure, lightning strikes, cardiac arrest, among others.

“If someone hits their head, stands up, and they’re dizzy and nauseous, what’s the plan? If someone hits their head, their neck starts hurting, and they can’t move, what’s the plan? If someone goes unresponsive, what’s the plan?” Torres asks. “When it comes to contact sports, the best thing is safety and preventing an injury...and immediate appropriate care if needed.”

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