PLAYER SAFETY
The health and safety of our student-athletes is the foundation of everything we do. Every GPC member program is committed to maintaining the highest standards of player protection.
CONCUSSION INFORMATION FOR COACHES
Required reading for all GPC coaching staff. This document covers concussion recognition, sideline assessment, and return-to-play guidelines.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Concussion Protocol
All GPC member programs follow established concussion recognition and return-to-play protocols. Any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion must be immediately removed from play and may not return until cleared by a qualified healthcare provider.
- Immediate removal from play upon suspected concussion
- Evaluation by qualified medical professional required
- Written clearance from healthcare provider before return to play
- Graduated return-to-play progression (minimum 5 days)
- Coaches trained in concussion recognition annually
Heat & Weather Safety
With games and practices across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri during late summer and early fall, heat safety is a top priority for all GPC programs.
- Mandatory water breaks every 20-30 minutes during practice
- Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) monitoring required
- Modified practice schedules when heat index exceeds thresholds
- Lightning detection protocols — 30-minute delay after last strike
- Acclimatization period for preseason (gradual equipment introduction)
Emergency Action Plans
Every practice and game site must have a documented emergency action plan (EAP) accessible to all coaching staff.
- AED (automated external defibrillator) on-site at all events
- Certified athletic trainer or EMT recommended at all games
- Documented EAP posted and reviewed with staff annually
- Emergency contact information for all athletes on file
- Direct communication line to EMS at every venue
COACH COMMITMENT
When in Doubt, Sit Them Out
No game or practice is worth risking a player's long-term health. GPC coaches are empowered and expected to prioritize safety over competitive pressure.
Ongoing Education
All GPC head coaches complete annual safety training covering concussion recognition, heat illness prevention, and emergency response procedures.
TRAINING RESOURCES
NHFA Safety Standards
National Homeschool Football Association safety guidelines and requirements for member programs.
CDC Heads Up Program
Free concussion training for coaches from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
NFHS Heat Acclimatization
National Federation of State High School Associations guidelines for preseason heat acclimatization.