Sports Medicine Advisory Committee

Minutes
Sept. 3, 2008 • 7 p.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida


1. Welcome, Introductions, Purpose
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Mr. Thornton. Members present were: Dr. Charles Sand, Tampa; Jamie Pinyan, Mainland High; Dr. Eric Coris, Tampa, Dr. Jeff Matilsky, Gainesville; and Dr. Michael Moser. Mr. Robert Sefeik, Jacksonville, attended as a visitor. FHSAA representatives present were: Denarvise Thornton, Brett Adams (Intern) and Colleen Healy (Intern).

2. Review agenda and complete expense vouchers
The committee completed expense vouchers and approved the agenda.

3. Approval of Jan. 8, 2008, SMAC meeting minutes
The committee approved the minutes of the Jan. 8, 2008, SMAC meeting.

4. Review of Aug. 28, 2007, SMAC meeting minutes
The committee reviewed the Aug. 28, 2007, minutes with no comments or modifications.

5. Review minutes of NFHS SMAC meeting, April 12-14, 2008
Mr. Thornton responded to NFHS SMAC minutes by sharing the current status of catastrophic injuries and deaths resulting from athletic participation in the state of Florida to date.
Action: Staff to provide a full copy of Dr. Mueller’s report for SMAC’s review.

6. Review Minutes of NFHS SMAC Meeting, Oct. 6-8, 2007
The committee reviewed NFHS SMAC minutes. Committee endorses the modified language reflecting precautionary and safety measures regarding concussions. The NFHS SMAC recommended the following language to its Board of Directors: "When a participant is rendered apparently unconscious or demonstrates altered mental status in practice or a game, he/she should be removed from action and not be allowed to return until appropriate medical clearance is obtained."
Action: Staff to seek further clarification from NFHS staff regarding recommended language and to acknowledge opposing concerns of dissenting committee members.

7. Open agenda (discussion only):
a) Wrestler Participation Form (handout)
The committee reviewed the NFHS Physician Release for Wrestler To Participate with Skin Lesions form.

b) Synthetic Turf Standards (handout)
The committee reviewed a handout titled "U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Validates Safety of Lead Chromate In Synthetic Turf and STC Announces Voluntary Reduction Standards". Committee members briefly discussed the prevalence of synthetic fields in the state.

c) Article: Concussions (handout)
The committee reviewed the handout regarding concussions.

d) Wrestler Infectious Disease (handout)
(See item a).

8. Open Discussion
Action: January 2009 meeting, committee to review impact of adding "athletic trainers" to FHSAA Football Manual 106.06" which currently reads: The FHSAA Board of Directors recommends that each host member school have a physician as well as an ambulance present or readily available for each game.

Action: January 2009 meeting, committee to develop recommendation for adding a question regarding student’s medical history and sickle cell trait in participant. (Pinyan)

Action: Committee and staff to research current practices for sterilization of whirlpools to further protect students from MRSA infections.

Action: Staff to post NFHS Position Statement regarding Hydration and Heat Illness on FHSAA’s website.

Discussion: Committee and staff discussed the current Pre-Participation Evaluation (Physical) Forms regarding two questions relating to student identifying if he/she has: mental problem and interest in losing or gaining weight. Mr. Sefeik (guest) questioned the need or relevancy of these questions on a physical form. The committee supports the question(s) remain a part of the evaluation to provide insight to person administering evaluation in accordance with Florida Statute and to allow school administrators and coaches to participate in proper nutrition education to the student.

9. Adjournment
Dr. Sand adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.