WIAA

Physical Health & Conditions

Youth Sports Injury Resources

Healthcare-associated infections

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are infections caused by a wide variety of common and unusual bacteria, fungi, and viruses during the course of receiving medical care. Learn more about healthcare-associated infections, and Wisconsin activities to prevent HAI infections, from the CDC.

Sleep Tips

High school athletes should get 8–10 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is important for their health and performance because it helps with: 

  • Recovery: Sleep helps the body recover from exercise and daily activities.
  • Injury avoidance:  Getting enough sleep decreases the risk of sport injury in high school athletes.   
  • Energy: Sleep helps athletes have the energy to perform their best. 
  • Stress management: Sleep helps athletes manage stress. 
  • Academic performance: Sleep helps athletes concentrate and perform well in school.
  • Sport Performance: Lack of sleep negatively impacts strength, speed, and reaction time.

Here are some tips to help high school athletes get enough sleep: 

  • Avoid screens before bed: Minimize screen time before bed (at least one hour) to improve sleep quality. 
  • Create a bedtime routine: Develop a relaxing bedtime routine to reduce stress and to get your brain and body ready for sleep. 
  • Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule (as consistent a bed time and wake time as possible), even on weekends and when traveling. 
  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet: Use a fan or low-level white noise machine to block out sounds if necessary.
  • Avoid caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening.
  • Evaluate your mattress and pillows: Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable. 

Specific Health Conditions

Skin Infection & MRSA

MRSA in Sports Participation (PDF)

Learn more about MRSA from the Prevention of MRSA in Sports (CDC)

Minimize the Risk of MRSA

  • Shower after all competition
  • Wash all work-out gear after practice or competition
  • Certain sports require cleaning equipment (mats) before each practice or event
  • Use liquid soap, not bar soap
  • Refrain from cosmetic (whole body) shaving
  • Don’t share towels or hygiene products
  • Notify parents and coach about any skin sores and have it evaluated by health care provider before returning to competition
  • Shower before using whirlpools or cold tubs
  • Refrain from using whirlpools or cold tubs with any open sores, scratches, or scrapes.

Resources

Influenza (Flu)

The CDC has published public gathering guidelines during an influenza outbreak.

H1N1 Resources

COVID-19

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association continues to work in collaboration with the Department of Health Services and the WIAA Sports Medical Advisory Committee to provide guidance for athletics. Prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff remain the focus. These  resources are subject to change with ongoing updates based on new information and changing conditions relative to COVID-19.

The WIAA believes it is essential to the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes in grades 6-12 to return to organized physical activity and build team relationships with their peers and coaches. 

It will be the decision of each local school district administrator to determine if they can safely conduct interscholastic athletic activities. If it is determined that a season can be safely conducted, it will be the responsibility of the member school to provide proper administrative supervision at contests to assure compliance with their local guidelines. The district administrator is strongly encouraged to designate a single point of contact with the local/tribal health department.

WIAA Fall 2022 Sport/Tournament Guidelines – Updated 8/30/22

Medical Clearance Form – Updated 3/11/22

Guidance Resources

Other Resources

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic and genetic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. In the athletic setting, the primary goal is to ensure the student-athlete can participate safely through proper glucose management, hydration, and communication. T1D does not preclude an individual from sports participation.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW BLOOD SUGAR) 

If an athlete exhibits any of these signs, they must be removed from activity immediately to treat the low blood sugar.

  • Physical: Shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, blurred vision, or extreme hunger.

  • Behavioral: Appearing confused, irritable, "spaced out," or uncoordinated.

  • Emergency: If the athlete becomes unconscious or is unable to swallow, activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) immediately.

MANAGEMENT & PRECAUTIONS

  • Supplies: The athlete should have access to their glucose monitoring equipment and fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets, juice, or gel) at all times, including on the sidelines.

  • Communication: Athletes are encouraged to inform their coaches of their specific needs, including when they need to check blood sugar or consume snacks during practice or games.

  • Hydration: Intense physical activity can affect blood sugar levels. Regular breaks for hydration and glucose monitoring are essential for maintaining safety.

COACH & STAFF GUIDELINES

  • Recognize: Learn the "highs" and "lows" of your athlete’s specific condition.

  • Support: Allow the athlete to step out of play whenever they need to check their levels or treat a low blood sugar event.

  • Respect: Maintain the privacy of the athlete while ensuring that those responsible for their immediate supervision (e.g., team staff) are aware of their medical status.

Learn more about exercise and type 1 diabetes here

Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell

Signs and Symptoms of a pending sickling crisis.

  • Appears dazed or confused
  • Appears weak
  • Not keeping up with other team members (undue fatigue)
  • Having difficulty breathing
  • Muscle pain, weakness, and/or cramping

If an athlete exhibits any signs or has symptoms of a sickling collapse, they must be removed from activity. Continuing to exercise will lead to worsening symptoms, additional serious internal organ damage, or even death. However, if the proper steps are taken, these symptoms are generally easy to manage and will normally subside within a few minutes.  The athlete's symptoms typically resolve when he or she is hydrated and rests.  During hot weather, the athlete should also be taken into a cool, controlled environment to prevent overheating.  If at any time the athlete collapses, (sickling collapse) the episode must be treated as a medical emergency and Emergency Medical System activated.

Material from the 2011 NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook, pp. 115

Sickle Cell Trait

It is estimated that eight percent of the U.S. African-American population has sickle cell trait (SCT).
SCT does not necessarily preclude an individual from sport participation.
Signs and symptoms of a sickling crisis must be recognized early to prevent complications including the risk of death.
Basic precautions will greatly decrease the risk of a sickling crisis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is not a disease, but a description of a type of hemoglobin gene.  Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the bloodstream.  SCT differs from sickle cell anemia in that the trait is present when one gene for sickle hemoglobin is inherited from one parent while a normal hemoglobin gene is inherited from the other. If a sickle cell gene is inherited from each parent, the child will then have sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell anemia is a serious disorder which typically causes severe medical problems early in childhood which continue into adulthood.  People with SCT rarely have any symptoms of the condition.  However, they may develop problems under extreme physical stress or with low oxygen levels (high altitude).

People with ancestors from Africa, Mediterranean countries, India, South or Central America, and Saudi Arabia are at increased risk for having SCT.  SCT occurs in about eight percent of the African-American population of the U.S.

SCT Exercise-related deaths do occur in both athletics and in the military.  Individuals with SCT participating in intense exercise are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat and dehydration.  The potential for a sickling cell collapse can be decreased if the athlete takes preventative measures.  Early recognition of the signs and symptoms by the athlete, coaches, and medical staff, with stopping all activity and initiating appropriate treatment will greatly reduce the potential for long-term consequences or death

BACKGROUND 

The U.S. military first linked SCT to an increased risk of sudden death during extreme physical exertion decades ago.  SCT has also been linked to several deaths which have occurred during the off-season conditioning in collegiate football players over the past decade.  Currently SCT does not appear to be a prominent issue in high school athletes.  This is likely due to the fact that the intensity and duration of physical activity in high school athletes does not reach that seen in collegiate conditioning drills. 

SCT generally does not present problems with daily activities.  The vast majority of athletes with the trait compete at the high school college, and professional levels without complications.  However, there is always the possibility that a sickling collaspe can occur with intense exertion, potentially resulting in death.

PHYSIOLOGY

During intense exertion, red blood cells can change from the typical donut-shaped appearance to a "sickle" or a "quarter-moon" shape.  In this shape, these cells no longer carry oxygen efficiently and become rather stiff and sticky.  These "sickle cells" can then stick together and block normal flow to any tissue or organ.  This can produce pain, weakness, swelling of the arms or legs, muscle cramping, and shortness of breath.   Kidney and other vital organ function can also be affected. 

Even what appears to be a mild exertional distress can turn lethal in an individual with SCT.  The kidneys and spleen may be damaged and exercise-related rhabdomyolysis (skeletal muscle breakdown) may also occur.  Asthma, acute illness, dehydration, heat stress, and high altitude can predispose an individual with SCT to a sickling crisis during intense physical exertion.

IDENTIFYING THE ATHLETE WITH SICKLE CELL TRAIT

The preparticipation evaluation form has a question about the athlete's sickle cell status.  If the athlete or parents are unaware of the athlete's status, they may very likely be able to find the information from their primary care provider or state newborn screening records.  The NCAA currently recommends that the SCT status of all athletes be determined.  Most states in the U.S. have been conducting newborn SCT screening for more than 20 years, thus many athletes may already know, or be able to find out, their status.  There is currently no medical organization calling for the universal screening of SCT in high school athletes.  Parents who are interested in having their child screened for SCT should discuss it with their primary care provider.

When an athlete with SCT is identified, it is important that the athlete and his or her parents are educated about the SCT.  It is important to not discourage the athlete from sports participation.  However, the athlete must be educated on preventive measures and the potential dangers.  It is vital that coaches and the sports medicine staff be aware of the athlete's SCT status, but it is also important to protect the student's privacy as much as possible.

MANAGEMENT

Athletes with SCT can generally perform at the same physical level as their teammates, but may not be able to do it for an extended amount of time.  For example, athletes with SCT should not run timed, sustained 100-yard sprints, or time, sustained "suicides" or shuttle runs.  The athlete with SCT can still run sprints and suicides, but must be given rest breaks between sprints.  Coaches and the athletes with SCT must be aware of his or her physical limits.  If the athlete is feeling exhausted, or is showing symptoms of physical distress, he or she must stop immediately, hydrate and rest.

If an athlete is known to have SCT, the following precautions are suggested during physical activity:

Set own pace
Engage in slow and gradual preseason conditioning regimen
Use Adequate rest and recovery between intense drills
Stop activity immediately upon struggling or experiencing muscle pain, abnormal weakness, undue fatigue, or shortness of breath.
Stay well hydrated
Seek prompt medical care when experiencing unusual distress

Though caution must be taken, the athlete with SCT should always be allowed to compete in all sports and should be treated the same as the other athletes.  It needs to be emphasized that athletes with SCT normally do not have problems, except if put under extreme physical duress.  The precautions and training modifications discussed on this page are intended to allow the athlete with SCT to participate in athletics as safely as possible.

Material from the 2011 NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook, pp. 113-115

 

Resources

References

Article II - School Competition and Practice Requirements – p. 28 

Section 6 – Classes Interrupted

A. In the event scheduled classes are interrupted or terminated due to infectious/communicable disease by the school district or by local/county/state health agencies, interscholastic athletic practice and competition will be postponed or cancelled. If school is closed through the weekend but scheduled to reopen on Monday, practice would be allowed on Sunday if approved by school administration.

  1. During the regular season, contests may be postponed and played at a later date in accordance with respective season regulations.
  2. During the WIAA tournament series, if a school is closed or will be closed on the day of a WIAA tournament contest, the WIAA contest will be rescheduled, when possible, to the earliest possible date provided the rescheduled contest will be completed prior to the next scheduled round of the WIAA tournament. (Football contests must meet season regulations, 6c.) If rescheduling is not possible, the team/individual most recently defeated in tournament competition will take that school/team’s place in the WIAA tournament game/meet/event.

Note: Schools participating in co-op programs which are not closed may continue to compete in the WIAA tournament series.

B. In the event scheduled classes are interrupted or terminated for reasons other than health, interscholastic athletic practice and competition may continue as determined by the administration, only if a duly authorized and qualified coach is in attendance, directly supervising and conducting the activity.

C. In the event scheduled classes are interrupted in A. or B. for an extended period of time:

  1. If practices have been terminated for a period of at least seven days, but less than 14 days, a school may not resume competition until after three separate days of practice.  
  2. If practices have been terminated for a period of 14 days or more, a school may not resume competition until after five separate days of practice.  
  3. The requirement of minimum practice days as described in 1) and 2) above shall apply for any interruption or termination of classes, including Christmas-New Year and spring vacations.  
  4. Days as used in this Section shall be interpreted as calendar days. Article III – School Equipment