National Center for Sports Safety

08/10/2026

https://www.forbes.com/sites/we-dont-have-time/2026/07/28/extreme-heat-is-rewriting-the-rules-of-youth-sports/

Extreme heat is making youth sports more dangerous. Here's how experts say kids can stay safe and prevent heat illness.

07/27/2026

We had a couple of great classes the last few weeks for our Sports Responder Course hosted by the Alabama Fire College. Thanks to Madison Fire and Rescue and Prattville Fire Department for hosting the training.

Training included heat illness, concussion evaluation, common sports illnesses/injuries, and hands-on practice to safely remove athletic equipment from injured players.

EMS personnel from 15 different departments across the state took part in the class and are ready to assist athletes in their communities when an injury occurs.

Contact the Alabama Fire College to get a class scheduled for your department!

07/13/2026

🏈 ⚾🏒 Calling all EMS educators, athletic trainers, and first responders!

The National Center for Sports Safety's Sports Responder: Train-the-Trainer course is coming to TWO locations:

📌Madison: June 30
📌Prattville: July 22

This program equips instructors with the knowledge and tools to teach sports emergency response principles, helping ensure athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators receive rapid, effective care when emergencies occur. Whether you're involved in emergency services, sports medicine, school athletics, or public safety training, this course provides valuable instructor-level preparation to expand sports responder education in your community.

📌Must be an EMT or higher level EMS professional.

Register today and help strengthen emergency preparedness at sporting events across Alabama. https://www.alabamafirecollege.org/series/sports-responder/

07/04/2026

06/16/2026

The Alabama Fire College is offering NCSS's Sports Responder Course on June 30th at Madison FD and on July 22nd at Prattville FD. This is a Train the Trainer Course and will cost $35. Register for the course on the AFC's website: https://www.alabamafirecollege.org/courses-training/course-calendar/

This course equips EMS providers with the specialized knowledge and hands-on training to safely remove athletic equipment from injured players. You’ll learn to collaborate effectively with athletic trainers and also work independently within your team of EMS professionals to treat, package and transport injured athletes safely and quickly. Additional topics covered are heat illness, concussion evaluation and other common sports injuries.

11/10/2025

Welcome our new Programs Director, Kelly Rice!

Kelly earned her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has been a nurse for 30 years and has worked as an oncology charge nurse at St. Vincent's Hospital, as the Programs Director for the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation, and as a nationally certified school nurse for Hoover City Schools.

Kelly assists in developing and administering all aspects of the Prepare for Coaches curriculum. She oversees the Safe Sport Programs for sports venues and cities. She works with these organizations to ensure they are prepared and ready for sports emergencies for both athletes and spectators. She assists them with all aspects of emergency planning as well as training for sports, city, venue, and EMS personnel. She also assists in developing and teaching the Sports Responder course for EMS and Fire Department personnel.