Eureka Union School District - Athletic Coaches

Athletic Coaches

Welcome to the EUSD Athletics Program. Cavitt Junior High and Olympus Junior High participate in the Foothills Intermediate Schools Athletic League (FISAL). We take great pride in the high quality Athletics Program that is offered at both schools. Coaches are an integral part of of the positive experience of our student-athletes and the success of the program. EUSD believes that you are a role model for our youth; have an opportunity to develop leadership; and facilitate opportunities for student-athletes to participate in healthy competition, develop respect for others, good sportsmanship and physical well-being.

In addition to the background and fingerprinting process, all EUSD athletic coaches must complete the following certifications and provide proof of certification to the Human Resources Department prior to any tryouts, practices and/or competitions:

First Aid and CPR
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)- Renew Every 2 Years
Concussion in Sports- Renew Annually

Required Certifications: Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Concussion in Sports

Complete your required certifications (SCA and Concussion in Sports) by completing the following steps:

Create an account with the NFHS Learning Center: https://nfhslearn.com/users/sign_up
Click on "Courses" in the top navigation bar.
In the search bar, find the course that you need to register for:
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Concussion in Sports
Click on "Order Course" under the picture next to the name of the course.
A new screen will come up with the course. Select your state (California) and click on the blue box: "Order Course."
Select "Myself" for who this course will be completed by.
Complete the "Checkout." Note that both courses are free and there is not a charge for these courses.
Complete both courses and give your certificate of completion to the Human Resources Department at the District Office.

*Tryouts, Practices, and Competitions can not be held until Human Resources has notified the school that all requirements have been met.

Sports Injuries: The Reality

The safety and well-being of all student-athletes is essential to each individual developing to their full potential. Injury prevention within sports and recreation activities supports this goal. Participation in sports and recreation is one of the leading causes of child injury.

Participation in sports and recreation activities is an important part of supporting the development of a healthy, physically active lifestyle for kids. But injuries can, and do, occur. Each year, more than 2.6 million children are treated in the emergency room for sports and recreation injuries.

There are steps that coaches can take to help make sure that our student-athletes stay safe during participation in sports and recreation activities.

Prevention Tips:

Gear: be sure that student-athletes are using the correct protective gear and that the gear fits correctly and is in good condition.
Practice: have student-athletes practice the skills necessary to complete. Be sure that they are using proper form and technique. Incrementally increase the intensity of the activity to support the development of improved fitness.
Temperature: Allow time for student athletes to adjust to hot environments to prevent heat-related injuries or illness. Pay close attention to make sure that student-athletes are hydrated.
Role Model: Communicate positive safety messages and model safe behavior.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/sports_injuries/index.html

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is when the heart stops beating, suddenly and unexpectedly. When this happens blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA is NOT a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops the flow of blood to the heart. SCA is a malfunction in the heart's electrical system, causing the victim to collapse. The malfunction is caused by a congenital or genetic defect in the heart's structure.

Source: https://epsavealife.org/resources/

A Parent's Guide to Sudden Cardiac Arrest from Reflect Films on Vimeo.

Concussion in Sports

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.

Health care professionals may describe a concussion as a "mild" brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_whatis.html