Bernardsville – Bernards High School is the recipient of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Safe Sports School award for its Athletic Program. The award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that have met the recommended standards and are committed to safety in sports. The award reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention, and treatment. “James Horan always does his best for our student athletes. His professionalism and dedication is second to none,” said Michael Hoppe, Athletic Director. In order to achieve Safe Sports School status, Bernards High School’s athletic program did the following:
- Created a positive athletic health care administrative system
- Provided or coordinated pre-participation physical examinations
- Promoted safe and appropriate practice and competition facilities
- Planned for selection, fit function and proper maintenance of athletic equipment
- Provided a permanent, appropriately equipped area to evaluate and treat injured athletes
- Developed injury and illness prevention strategies, including protocols for environmental conditions
- Provided or facilitated injury intervention
- Created and rehearsed a venue-specific Emergency Action Plan
- Provided or facilitate psychosocial consultation and nutritional counseling/education
- Confirmed that athletes and parents were educated about the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities