Every student-athlete's life is precious, and the death of a young person in organized sports is a tragedy that cannot be ignored. Just this month, Ovet Gomez Regalado, a 15-year-old high school student from Shawnee, Kansas, collapsed during football practice and died two days later. According to USA Today, this heartbreaking incident marks the third such case in the U.S. in August 2024 alone, highlighting the urgent need for better oversight and qualified professionals to manage the safety of student-athletes. The loss of this young athlete brings to light the severe consequences of inadequate oversight in youth sports, where a lack of regulatory standards often places student-athletes at risk.
Currently, there are no federal or state regulatory standards governing who can oversee sports and conditioning programs in public or private schools in the United States. Unlike physical education teachers, who are required to have a minimum four-year degree and state certification in most places, sports coaches and strength coaches often have no mandated qualifications or documentation of competency. This lack of regulation means that anyone, regardless of their education, experience, or knowledge, can coach or condition student-athletes, often leading to dangerous outcomes.
One of the most pressing dangers is overexertion-related heat illness, a primary cause of preventable death in youth sports. Many sports and strength coaches lack the proper education and training to identify signs of heat stress or apply necessary preventive measures. Many also subscribe to outdated and harmful beliefs about building “toughness” in athletes by overloading them with excessive volume or intensity, or by using physical activity as punishment. SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators firmly asserts that using physical activity (PA) or physical education (PE) as punishment or behavior management is inappropriate. Likewise, administering physical activity as a form of punishment is unacceptable.
These issues are further intensified by the fact that many schools do not have an emergency plan in place for such incidents, and even fewer conduct annual drills or oversight of these plans. When emergencies arise, this lack of preparation can have fatal consequences.
Parents and school administrators often assume that the individuals overseeing their children’s athletic activities are qualified and competent. However, the absence of a licensing system or standardized qualification requirements means that this is not necessarily the case. The truth is that most parents and school leaders are ill-informed about the level of competency required to ensure the safety of student-athletes, especially during intense physical activities.
To address these issues, it is imperative that schools employ certified trainers who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to keep student-athletes safe. Registered Exercise Professionals (REPs) are trained to recognize signs of distress, implement safety protocols, and create comprehensive emergency plans that are regularly practiced and updated. By having certified professionals in these roles, schools can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death among student-athletes.
It is vital to recognize the critical roles that REPs, including both athletic trainers and strength coaches, play in ensuring the safety, health, and long-term well-being of young athletes. Their specialized knowledge in exercise science, injury prevention, and performance enhancement is essential not only for promoting physical health but also for supporting the overall development and success of athletes on and off the field. To create a safer environment and optimize athletic performance, every high school sports program should prioritize having both an athletic trainer and a strength coach. As key stakeholders in youth sports, we must invest in the knowledge and expertise of these professionals to prevent avoidable tragedies and foster a healthier future for our athletes.
Find a Registered Exercise Professional near you by checking out our registry.
