Jamestown High School (JHS) and Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Safe Sports School 1st Team Award for the Blue Jay athletics program. The award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that meet all required and recommended standards to improve safety in sports. It reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention and treatment.
“Being recognized as a Safe Sports School validates the intentional work our entire athletic department puts into creating a safe, supportive environment for student-athletes,” said Jim Roaldson, JHS Activities Director. “From daily practices to emergency preparedness, our focus is on doing things the right way — and this recognition reinforces that commitment.”
JRMC has served as the official sports medicine team for the Blue Jays for over a decade and currently provides athletic training services to more than 400 JHS student-athletes. This is the second time JHS has earned the Safe Sports School designation.
“The award shows that we are doing things right — that we are prioritizing the safety and long-term health of student-athletes,” said Mason Ankenbauer, athletic trainer at JRMC. “It’s a reassurance to families that their kids are in good hands and that the community supports high standards in youth sports.”
To achieve Safe Sports School status, athletic programs must:
- create a positive athletic healthcare 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 venue-specific emergency action plans
- provide or facilitate psycho-social consultation and nutritional counseling/education
- ensure athletes and parents receive education about the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities
“Being recognized as a Safe Sports School is a testament to the entire team — from athletic trainers to administrators and coaches,” said Ankenbauer. “Everyone plays a role in ensuring that Blue Jay athletes can compete safely and confidently.”