The WIAA Sport Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC) began discussions in May of 2015 regarding baseball pitcher arm care. A study conducted on Tommy John surgeries from 2007-2011 stated that 50% of 790 surgeries during that time period were on adolescents in the 15-19 year-old age group. A pitch count was adopted with input of the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association in May 2016 for implementation in the spring of 2017. 

At the May 2016 meeting, the SMAC adopted a change from the wrestling half-pound per day weight loss to the 1.5 percent per week weight loss plan based on the recommendation of the 7% Committee.  The 1.5% weight loss program will provide an individualized weight loss plan for every wrestler based on their skin-fold measurement. 

In addition, the SMAC adopted guidelines for Relative Energy Deficit in Sport (RED-S) to emphasize the condition effects all athletes; not just females.  Due to the energy deficiency in RED-S normal body functioning is impaired and can affect metabolic rate, immunity, cardiovascular health, protein synthesis, as well as menstrual function, and bone health.  A new area has been created under health for RED-S.

The committee made updates regarding Performance Enhancing Substances.  In addition, the committee created a position statement regarding the role of supplements in high school athletics.  An updated copy of the WIAA Medical Policies and Procedures will be mailed to schools in September. 

Relative Energy Deficit in Sport - Formerly Known as Female Triad

Female Triad was officially described as a syndrome of: disordered eating, lack of menstrual cycles, and osteoporosis in females.  In 2007 the American College of Sport Medicine changed the disordered eating criteria to energy availability. Energy availability was defined as the difference between the calories eaten minus the calories used in training that is available for normal body functions. This redefinition shifts the focus from athletes with disordered eating to athletes with chronic inadequate calorie intake; regardless of the cause and includes males.

 In 2014 the International Olympic Committee updated the term Female Triad to Relative Energy Deficit in Sport (RED-S) to emphasize the condition effects all athletes; not just females. Due to the energy deficiency in RED-S normal body functioning is impaired and can affect metabolic rate, immunity, cardiovascular health, protein synthesis, as well as menstrual function, and bone health.

RED-S may also lead to a gradual reduction in the athlete’s performance including decreased endurance, poor response to training, decreased coordination, decreased muscle strength, decreased glycogen stored, increased risk of injury, decreased concentration, irritability, depression, and  impaired cognitive function.

RED-S can develop in athletes when there is a pressure to change eating habits to meet the demands of a sport, especially those with an emphasis on appearance, low body weight and endurance.  Young athletes can turn a desire to “eat healthy” into food restriction and rigid dieting in the hopes of improving athletic performance

Parents and coaches play an important role in preventing RED-S. Educate young athletes on the energy demands of their sport.  Create an environment that supports eating three meals and one to two snacks daily.  Talk about having a regular breakfast, a full lunch at school, and a pre-practice snack to provide energy for training.  Watch for weight loss, changes in mood, poor performance.  Contact a member of your health care team with any concerns.  Treating athletes with RED-S requires a team effort including a sport dietitian, licensed athletic trainer, sport physician, and a counselor.  For more information, visit the WIAA web site under health:  http://www.wiaawi.org/Health/REDSRelativeEnergyDeficitinSport.aspx

WIAA Performance Enhancing Substances

The Sport Medical Advisory Committee has updated the Performance Enhancing Substances documents, web page and created a WIAA Supplement Position Statement.  

Banned - Do Not Use – Drugs that are illegal or could be harmful if taken in excess amount.  Possession and/or use violates WIAA Code.

Discouraged – Supplement products can contain banned ingredients without being on labels; or become contaminated with banned ingredients during manufacturing. Very few supplements have been tested for safe use by youth. Schools and coaches may not provide or allow discouraged items in connection to school’s program. Possession and/or use may violate school district policy or code. (Products may have unwanted side effects, be ineffective, not tested for long term safety, not recommended for youth, unethical to use.)
Both forms are online:  http://www.wiaawi.org/Health/PerformanceEnhancingSubstances.aspx

http://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Health/performanceenhancers.pdf

http://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Health/WIAASupplementPositionStatement.pdf