Athletics

Health Examination Guidelines

Mixed Competition - Regulations of the Commissioner of Education on Mixed Competition
Provides updated guidance on participation, Tanner scores for mixed competition. 

Mixed Competition The Department has received several questions regarding how APP guidance relates to the standards for mixed competition reviews. It is important to clarify that the regulations surrounding mixed competition for participation in interscholastic sports pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulation §135.4(c)(7)(ii)(c) remain the same. However, the physical tests to be used under that regulation will be updated and will also follow the President’s Physical Fitness Test. The Mixed Competition Guidelines are currently under review at the Department and further communication will follow in the near future. Please note: In mixed competition review, the fitness scores are not intended to be qualifying or disqualifying scores. The scores that appear in the chart are not absolute requirements for the panel. The scores only provide a reference for the panel to consider. If the scores of the student differ from the standards, the panel should assess the significance of that difference. For further clarification on the New York State Education Department Commissioner’s Regulations for Physical Education and Athletics, please contact the Office of Curriculum and Instruction at (518) 474-5922. For inquiries specific to competition governance, you may wish to contact the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) at (518) 690-0771 and/or toll-free at (866) 598-2816. 

Athletic Trainers

NYSED Office of Professions-Athletic Training
Athletic trainers work under the supervision of licensed physicians to provide services to individuals who have suffered athletic injuries. At athletic events, athletic trainers provide emergency care and first aid to individuals who have sustained an athletic injury, evaluate athletic injuries, and make referrals to appropriate medical professionals. Certified athletic trainers manage athletic injuries and illnesses such as sprains, strains, contusions, and post-surgical reconditioning. Athletic trainers may: identify factors that may contribute to athletic injury and eliminate them before an injury occurs, and develop appropriate fitness and training programs. At athletic events, athletic trainers provide emergency care and first aid to individuals who have sustained an athletic injury, evaluate athletic injuries, and make referrals to appropriate medical personnel. 

NYSED Office of Professions- Practice Guidelines for Athletic Trainers in Secondary Schools
Athletic training is a licensed profession regulated by statutes and regulations administered by the New York State Education Department. With the increased employment of athletic trainers, reviewing the regulations pertaining to their employment and scope of practice on the Office of Professions website is valuable.   

National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers and others who support the athletic training profession. Health Issues.  It provides information on many health topics.

Coaches

Coaches & Athletic Trainers Toolkit - The National Eating Disorders Association

Youth Sports Safety Alliance (YSSA)
Works to raise awareness, advance legislation, and improve medical care for young athletes across the country. The YSSA was spearheaded by the National Athletic Trainers' Association and now includes more than 70 member organizations. 

NYSED Curriculum and Instruction for Physical Education, Athletics, and Coaching
Contains NYSED PE Toolkit, health education and earning standards APE information for students with disabilities, and coaching requirements and resources. 

NYSPHSAA Resources

NYS Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA)

NYSPHSAA Handbook

NYSPHSAA- Unified Sports

Inclusive Athletic Activities (Formerly Known as Unified Sports)
This program is organized by the NYS Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and the Special Olympics New York organized a Unified Sports program available to all NYSPHSAA member schools. provides for students with and without disabilities to participate on such teams for the purpose of training and competition. Requirements for participation are detailed in the Commissioner’s Regulation §135.4(c)(7)(ii). 

Safety and Research Page with school health forms, heat and cold, and resources, and Anyone Can Save a Life emergency response program for after-school practices and events designed to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, Guides to managing skin infections and return to play after skin infections.  

    • Guide for Skin Infections - Provides steps to reduce the spread of skin infections in student athletics 
    • Permission for Special Accommodations - Provides procedures for students who need accommodations for medical prosthetics (insulin pump, colostomy appliance, prosthetics) or religious apparel during sports participation.

Other Resources

NYSDOH Community-Associated MRSA
MRSA Resources - Information for Coaches & Athletes  

See Also:

Page Updated 7/21/22