Interscholastic Athletics and After-School Activities Risk Management Training Course Set for March 2015

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety & Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi, in conjunction with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), and the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), has developed a national risk management training and assessment program for interscholastic athletics and after-school activities across the country.

 “The popularity of high school athletics has risen to an all-time high over the last two decades and it is now common to see live high school football and basketball games on national television networks, said Mo Canady, executive director for NASRO. “With this rise in popularity has also come the challenge of security for these events. This training will provide the solid foundation needed for a safe and secure event.”

Beginning in March 2015, the Risk Management for Interscholastic Athletics and After-School Activities course will be offered and the focus will be on developing prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery techniques at interscholastic athletic events and for after-school activities.

Participants will learn and discuss concepts relative to vulnerability and risk assessment, planning and preparedness, hazard mitigation, crisis communication, sustaining efficient safety and security programs and organizational teamwork.

The course is intended to complement existing school emergency operations plans and programs and is designed to help prepare school districts for developing and coordinating after-school safety and security management programs.

 “This program offers those in the high school environment to learn solutions and strategies for their organization to manage challenging events,” said Larry D. Johnson, assistant superintendent and executive director of Public Safety, Grand Rapids (Michigan) Public Schools and president of National Association of School Safety and Law Enforcement Officials. “Every superintendent, principal, athletic director and law enforcement representative should attend this important training.”

For more information or if your school district is interested in hosting a course, the Risk Management for Interscholastic Athletics and After-School Activities course, visit http://www.ncs4.com/train/high-schools.