Peddie School (Hightstown, NJ) is the recipient of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) 1st Team Safe Sports School award for its Falcons' athletic program. The award champions safety, recognizes secondary schools that provide safe environments for student-athletes, and reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention, and treatment."This is great news for Peddie and we should be very proud of our efforts to support 'Safe Sports' policies and procedures," said head athletic trainer Jose Roca. "Special thanks to our assistant athletic trainer Robin Gerber for taking on this project that took months to complete. It's always been one of our biggest goals to strive for the highest quality of care and safety standards for our student-athletes. Our entire medical staff should take great pride in this achievement."According to the most recent data from the NATA website, only 531 schools across the country have earned 1st team honors with 33 others having earned 2nd team recognition. Only nine schools in the state of New Jersey have been granted this award, all having earned First Team status."Congratulations to our athletic trainers and health center for garnishing such a prestigious standing," said Director of Athletics Jason Baseden. "As a team, they provide our coaching staff and students with first class facilities and first class treatment. This award speaks to their dedication and professionalism within their respective fields. It also speaks to the financial commitment Peddie has made to run such a first class program."In order to achieve Safe Sport School status, Peddie was required to demonstrate the following criteria:
- 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
- Be sure athletes and parents are educated of the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities
For more information, please visit http://www.athletictrainers.org For more information on the NATA, please visit http://www.nata.org