Duplin County High Schools Receive National Safe Sports School Award

The National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) recently announced that East Duplin High School, James Kenan High School, North Duplin Jr./Sr. and Wallace-Rose Hill High School have received the National Safe Sports School Award. This award recognizes schools that meet the standards of being committed to the highest level of health and safety for student athletes.

In order to achieve Safe Sports School status, athletic programs are required to create a positive athletic health care administrative system; coordinate pre-participation physical examinations; promote safe and appropriate practice and competition facilities; plan for selection, fit function and proper maintenance of athletic equipment; provide a permanent, appropriately equipped area to evaluate and treat injured athletes; develop injury and illness prevention strategies, including protocols for environmental conditions; facilitate injury intervention as well as psychosocial consultation and nutritional counseling; create and rehearse a venue-specific Emergency Action Plan; and ensure that athletes and parents are educated about the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities.

Dr. Obasoahn shared, “We are very honored that all 4 of our high schools have received the National Safe Sports School Award. Our Board of Education stands committed to ensuring that the safety and well-being of our students and athletes remains top priority in the classroom and during sporting events. I would like to thank our coaches, athletic staff, Duplin County Emergency Management, and Mt. Olive Family Medicine Concussion Clinic, for all of their hard work to make sure that our physical education classes and athletic programs provide the highest level of athlete care possible.”