1. Dealing with a Catastrophe
Melenda Knight – December 2016 NIAAA Conference

2. Most Athletic Administrators
have protocols for:
Weather Postponements
Lightening warnings
Heat Guidelines
Emergency Plans for Injuries – Venues
Travel Regulations
“Lock Down” plans

3. Are you prepared for a Catastrophe?
Do you have written procedures in place in the event of the destruction or a venue or your school?
Do you have procedures to provide guidelines to handle the death of an athlete or coach?

4. Types of Catastrophes You Might Encounter
Weather related: tornadoes, floods, lightening
Heath related – terminal illness, disease
Car accident involving athlete or coach
Suicide of athlete or coach
Shooting – accident or part of a calculated incident

5. More Possible Catastrophes
Earthquake
Bomb related or natural gas explosion
Fire to a venue or school building
Train accident/derailment
Others?

7. Have ONE Spokesperson Avoid conflicting, confusing or inaccurate info
Maintain one message and one voice
Designate individual prior to the crisis (AD, Principal or Superintendent)
Most cases – Highest ranking person or Communications Director

8. Spokesperson continued…
The procedure needs to be communicated to coaching staff prior to a catastrophe
Coaches should refer questions to spokesperson
Everyone should refrain from making comments other than spokesperson
Spokesperson should alert the media when the next update will be issued

9. Avoid Potential Problems By Using Prepared Statements
Proper CPR & medical procedures were followed by the staff
Emergency medical staff was called via 911
School personnel followed established emergency protocols

10. Prepared Statements Continued…
The student had a required physical on file
All coaching staff has completed the required coaches education requirements
*** All districts should prepare written statements to cover any anticipated catastrophe

11. In the Event of a Tragedy
Have written statements regarding from all staff members within 24 of the incident
Have a copy of the school’s emergency action plan available
Retrieve a copy of the student’s physical and insurance forms

12. In the Event of a Tragedy Cont…
Have all coaches education certificates handy
Get copies of the practice plan for the week of the tragedy
Be sure to have copies of all appropriate paperwork (injury/accident forms, athletic trainer injury form)

13. Communication with Parents
Cancellations, emergency procedures and updates
Use press releases; news conference
Post notices and info on the website
Use Social Media such as Facebook and Twitter
or Schoolcast phone alerts

14. Be Proactive
and
Be Prepared!

15. After a Catastrophe – Grief Counseling for Student Athletes & Coaches
Arranged by School Guidance/Counselors
Undertaken by Central Office for Larger Districts
May use ancillary community resources
Can also reach out to neighboring schools

16. When do you resume Competition?
Did you consider?
Are the conditions safe for your athletes & fans? (including transportation)
Will the games serve as a healing aspect for the community – a brief respite from the catastrophe?
Can fundraising be coupled to support a family or community affected by catastrophe?

17. Your Protocols Together
Resources for Putting
Your Protocols Together
Athletic Trainers prevent catastrophic injuries – give advice and help with procedures
Emergency Units – EMT’s, Fire and Police
The American Red Cross
Guidance Counselors, Principals and Sups
Safety Department

18. Review Catastrophe Protocols
Typical of most aspects in athletic management, review procedures after use
How effective was your response?
What needs to be added or strengthened in your approach?
Will you be ready for the next situation?
Are there additional, potential incidents which could or should be planned for?