NFHS Sports Medicine Position Statements and Guidelines

BY NFHS ON May 12, 2025

DISCLAIMER – NFHS Position Statements and Guidelines

The NFHS regularly distributes position statements and guidelines to promote public awareness of certain health and safety-related issues. Such information is neither exhaustive nor necessarily applicable to all circumstances or individuals, and is no substitute for consultation with appropriate health-care professionals. Statutes, codes or environmental conditions may be relevant. NFHS position statements or guidelines should be considered in conjunction with other pertinent materials when taking action or planning care. The NFHS reserves the right to rescind or modify any such document at any time.

Position Statements

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Interscholastic Activities Position StatementOctober 2024

Guidelines on Handling Practices and Contests During Lightning or Thunder Disturbances - October 2024

Position Statement and Recommendations for the Use of Energy Drinks by Young Athletes - October 2024

Position Statement on Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs and Substances - October 2024

Invasive Medical Procedures on the Day of Competition Position Statement - October 2024

Position Statement on Bio Sensors and Risk Minimization -  October 2024

Position Statement on Smokeless Tobacco - October 2024

Runner Safety Position Statement - April 2024

Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports - October 2023

A Parent’s/Guardian's Guide to Concussion - October 2023

Position Statement on Physical Activity, Air Quality and Wildfires - April 2023

Sport Specialization Position Statement - April 2023

NFHS Statement on Medical Devices –  April 2023

Soft Headgear in Non-Helmeted Sports Position Statement - April 2023

Position Statements: A Guiding Document - October 2022

Position Statement and Recommendations for Mouthguard Use in Sports - October 2022

Position Statement and Recommendations for Maintaining Hydration to Optimize Performance and Minimize the Risk for Exertional Heat Illness - April 2022

Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement - April 2022

General Guidelines for Sports Hygiene, Skin Infections and Communicable Diseases - January 2022

Sports Related Skin Infections Position Statement and Guidelines - January 2022

Post Event Toolkit - August 2020

Task Force Reports

The Essentials Initiative - October 2016

Recommendations and Guidelines for Minimizing Head Impact Exposure and Concussion Risk in Football - October 2014

Sports Medicine Summit Reports

NFHS Injury Epidemiology Summit Executive Summary - September 2019

COVID-19 Guidance

Updated NFHS-AMSSM Guidance Statement on Cardiopulmonary Considerations for High School Student-Athletes During the COVID-19 PandemicJanuary 2022

COVID-19 Aerosol Study