AAU CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO ATHLETE'S SAFETY

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Enhanced concussion protocols and adoption of the USA Football coaching and teaching philosophy paves the way for safer game for youth athletes 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2015) – The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is advancing its current concussion policy offered in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) HEADS UP to Youth Sportsprogram, to mandate training courses on concussion safety for all football and hockey coaches and their event directors.

Adopting USA Football’s coaching and teaching philosophy on proper tackling technique tolimit the risk of significant head injury to youth athletes, the new policy would require anyone hosting an AAU licensed league or event to complete the course on concussion safety.

“Safety doesn’t happen by accident,” said Dr. Roger Goudy, AAU President and CEO. “The safety of our youth athletes has always been our primary focus. We believe we, as an organization, have taken significant steps to provide AAU events that are both safe and enjoyable for all who attend.”

According to the organization’s written concussion protocols, athletes with concussion-like symptoms are not allowed to continue participation in AAU licensed events without a medical release.

“The AAU recognizes the potential harm from head or neck injuries to our youth athletes is a serious matter,” said Keith Noll, AAU Football and Hockey National Chair. “But the AAU is committed to limiting the potential harm and creating a safer environment for kids to come and compete.”

No matter the sport, safety is the top priority for the AAU at all events. The organizationrecently endorsed the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) SafeSports program, which focuses on four primary objectives: addressing sexual and physical misconduct in sport; reviewing the guidelines across sports and other related organizations for responding to these issues; assessing the needs of athletes, coaches, staff, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), clubs and other sport organizations; and developing a set of recommendations to promote athlete well-being.

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ABOUT THE AAU:

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit and volunteer sports organizations in the country. As a multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. Founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in sports, the AAU philosophy of “Sports For All, Forever” is now shared by more than 600,000 members and 60,000 volunteers nationwide. AAU Basketball alumni LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) and Shaquille O’Neal. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the development of amateur sports. For more information, visit AAUSports.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Cody Norman, AAU Public Relations & Social Media Coordinator
p: 407-828-8323
c: 321-246-8061
e: cnorman@aausports.org