Sports Medicine Advisory Committee

Skin infections occasionally become a problem in all sports. Some activities are more prone to them than others. Recent outbreaks of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcal aureus) have occurred prompting the development of new guidelines from the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee to: help identify an outbreak, means to minimize it’s spread and preventative measures to reduce its occurrence. First and foremost, simple hygienic measures must be used to prevent any form of infection from developing. All athletes should shower after each practice or competing event. Work-out gear or clothing needs to be washed at the end of each day or practice. Be sure to properly clean and disinfect all equipment that is in direct contact with an athlete’s skin, i.e. mats, on a daily basis. Notify your parent and coach about any suspicious skin lesion an