NFHS Communicable Disease Procedures
Communicable Disease Procedures
While the risk for blood-borne infectious diseases, such as HIV/Hepatitis B, remains low in sports, proper precautions are needed to reduce the risk of spreading diseases. Along with these issues are skin infections that occur due to skin contact with competitors and equipment.
Universal Hygiene Protocol for All Sports:
- Shower immediately after all competition and practice
- Wash all workout clothing after practice
- Wash personal gear, such as knee pads, periodically
- Don't share towels or personal hygiene products with others
- Refrain from cosmetic shaving
Infectious Skin Diseases
Means of reducing the potential exposure to these agents include:
- Notify guardian, trainer and coach of any lesion before competition or practice. Athlete must have a health-care provider evaluate lesion before returning to competition.
- If an outbreak occurs on a team, especially in a contact sport, consider evaluating other team members for potential spread of the infectious agent.
- Follow NFHS or state/local guidelines on "time until return to competition." Allowance of participation with a covered lesion can occur if approved by health-care provider and in accordance with NFHS, state or local guidelines.
Blood-Borne Infectious Diseases
Means of reducing the potential exposure to these agents include:
- Bleeding must be stopped immediately and all wounds covered. All blood-soaked clothing must be removed before continuing competition or practice. Contaminated clothing must be cleaned before using again.
- Trainers or caregivers need to wear gloves and take other precautions to prevent blood-splash from contaminating themselves or others.
- Immediately wash contaminated skin or mucous membranes with soap and water.
- Clean all contaminated surfaces and equipment with disinfectant before returning to competition. Be sure to use gloves with cleaning.
- Any blood exposure or bites to the skin that break the surface must be reported and evaluated by a medical provider immediately.
Further information can be obtained through your state high school association and the NFHS.
Revised August 2005
