Advancing Health and Safety – Sports Medicine Advisory Committees

As interscholastic athletics continue to evolve, so, too, must be a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of student- athletes. From injury prevention and emergency preparedness to mental health awareness and return-to-play guidance, today’s challenges require thoughtful collaboration and proactive leadership. State Sports Medicine Advisory Committees (SMACs) play a vital role in this work by bringing together medical professionals, athletic administrators and educational leaders to translate research and best practices into practical, school-centered solutions.

Building an Effective SMAC Team
A well-rounded state Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) should include professionals from several disciplines related to student-athlete health and safety, such as:

• Athletic Trainers

• Primary Care Physicians

• Orthopedic Surgeons with Experience in Athletic Injuries

• Sports Psychologists or Mental Health Professionals

• School Nurses

• Athletic Directors

• Coaches

Each discipline brings a unique perspective to the SMAC. Members of the state SMAC should have a shared vision of promoting health and safety for all students who participate in sports and activities. Interprofessional collaboration fosters a team-based approach to decision-making and goal-setting.

Defining the Role of the SMAC
The purpose of the SMAC is to provide guidance, recommendations and support to state associations. Each state SMAC should have a clear mission and/or vision. Key roles of state SMACs can include:

• Advising state associations on health and safety matters

• Reviewing and distributing educational materials

• Assisting with risk management strategies

• Analyzing injury data and emerging research

• Promoting collaboration among sports medicine and safety personnel

• Support interscholastic athletic and activity programs

A mission statement entails the purpose, operations and goals of the state SMAC; the vision encompasses the future and longterm aspirations. The mission of the state SMAC should serve as the blueprint and foundation of the committee, while the vision provides direction on where the committee is going.

Establishing Clear Communication Channels
Clear communication channels are imperative for the dissemination of information. State SMACs can share information via websites, newsletters, emails and formal meetings. The communication chain can contain:

• State SMACs

• State High School Associations

• State Athletic Training Associations

• State Medical Associations

• State Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association

Communication is essential for interaction and the transfer of information. State SMAC communication requires planning and execution. There should be a clear purpose, strategy and structure for all communications.

Best Practices for Agenda Development and Information Sharing
Effective SMACs often rely on structured processes to guide their work and maintain focus. Best practices may include:

• Inviting agenda items from athletic directors, athletic trainers, coaches and state association staff

• Reviewing emerging research, NFHS position statements and national consensus documents

• Maintaining predictable meeting schedules

• Sharing written summaries or key takeaways following meetings

• Gathering feedback following the implementation of new recommendations

Providing clear and concise communication will support school leaders and health-care professionals in applying guidance appropriately within their local settings.

Centralized Resources and Information Hubs
Many state associations support SMAC efforts by maintaining a centralized health and safety webpage. Serving as a “hub” of information, these pages often include:

• An overview of the state SMAC’s purpose and membership structure

• Links to meeting summaries or guidance documents

• NFHS health and safety resources

• State-specific policies, protocols and resources

Centralized access helps ensure that accurate, up-to-date information is readily available to athletic administrators, athletic trainers, school staff, families, students and other stakeholders. Additionally, these centralized platforms reduce confusion, promote consistency, and help schools respond more confidently to health and safety concerns.

Collaboration Across States and Regions
State SMACs can also benefit from connecting with colleagues in neighboring states or within NFHS sections. Informal collaboration allows committees to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from one another’s approaches while respecting local autonomy. Creating these professional connections strengthens the broader interscholastic athletics community and supports a culture of continuous improvement.

A Shared Commitment to Student-Athlete Well-Being
State Sports Medicine Advisory Committees are most effective when grounded in collaboration, trust and shared purpose. Supported by state associations and informed by NFHS resources, State SMACs can play a meaningful role in advancing student-athlete health and safety without relying on prescriptive structures or mandates.

Ultimately, the strength of a state SMAC lies in its people and partnerships – professionals working together to support schools, coaches, and, most importantly, the students they serve.

Devin Wendel, CMAA, ATC, CSCS, is the athletic director and activities coordinator at Mt. Abraham Union Middle & High School in Bristol, Vermont, and is currently in his 10th year in the role. He serves as chair of the Vermont Principals’ Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and represents the NIAAA on the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. Wendel is also president of the Vermont State Athletic Directors Association (VSADA) and serves as the association’s Professional Development Coordinator.

Dr. Ciara Taylor is in her 16th year as an athletic trainer at Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, Alabama. She is also an adjunct professor at the United States Sports University. Dr. Taylor serves as the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee chair and is an ex-officio member of the NFHS SMAC representing the NATA.