Oswego Community Unit School District 308 issued the following announcement on Aug. 30.
If there has been one sport that has come under more scrutiny and bad press over the last few years, it would be Football. It is well known that there is an inherent risk with all athletic competitions, and this could not be more apparent in football. The heightened media coverage in regards to concussion, and the potential long term neurological effects, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), has given parents and athletes a reason to overlook playing football altogether, or walk away after years of participation. These concerns should not go ignored, and many institutions already have a plan in place that will help the safety of these student athletes.
A lack of information and awareness is one way that these concerns go unanswered. Therefore, the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association (IATA) has brought forth the "Safety in Football Initiative." This initiative will promote the increased safety measures that are already in place in the State of Illinois to assist in curtailing catastrophic injuries in football.
Throughout the state of Illinois, Certified Athletic Trainers are attending to young athletes, using their skills and expertise in the prevention and treatment of injuries and promoting the overall health of young athletes; ensuring that as many risks as possible are lessened. Athletic Trainers are Allied Healthcare professionals and are recognized by the American-Medical Association (AMA), the Health Resources Services Administration, (HRSA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as such. Athletic trainers are an integral part of any athletic program and are recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine for any secondary school with an athletic program.
This initiative, in conjunction with the IATA BOD, the state's athletic trainers, and their respective administrators, is designed to assist Illinois Football programs ensure that they are operating with the utmost safety; while still maintaining the sportsmanship, the camaraderie, and the enjoyment of the sport of football.
Original source can be found here.