UF professor helps change safety rules to protect Florida high school athletes

Student-athletes in Florida high schools face a unique set of challenges — from enduring summer heat on the field to lacking some key safety services off the field, like access to athletic trainers.

But this reality has begun to change, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the University of Florida’s Patricia “Pattie” Tripp, Ph.D., LAT, ATC, a clinical professor and associate director of the Doctor of Athletic Training program in the College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida, and the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

Tripp was pivotal in championing policy changes regarding sports safety statewide, which went into effect on July 1. The Florida High School Athletic Association’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee has now clarified its expectations for heat safety modifications during sports, promoted communication and secure documentation for health-related information, and set the minimum standard for access to health care services at events.