Event Objectives: The Safe Stars initiative recognizes youth sports leagues throughout Tennessee for providing the highest level of safety for their young athletes. Safe Stars consists of 3 levels: gold, silver, and bronze, and involves implementation of policies around topics such as concussion education, weather safety and injury prevention.
Desired Outcomes: Safe Stars’ goal is to provide resources and opportunities for every youth sports league to enhance their safety standards. The criteria for achieving recognition as a Safe Stars league has been developed by a committee of health professionals dedicated to reducing sports-related injuries among youth.
Safe Stars Standards To reach the initial level of recognition, Bronze Star standard, a league must adhere to the following safety standards:
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP) / Team emergency contacts (specific plan and practiced annually)
- Background checks completed on all coaches
- Minimum of 2 coaches CPR/AED certified (one always present)
- AED on site for all practices and games
- All coaches trained in concussion and sudden cardiac arrest recognition/management
- Severe weather policy (including heat and lightning)
- Anaphylaxis and Allergy Emergency plan
Standards for Silver Star (Choose 2) and Gold Star (choose 4) Levels include:
- Pre-participation Physical Examination (PPE) required
- Risk and safety information/policies relayed to parents/guardians
- All coaches complete additional health, safety and injury prevention training
- All athletic equipment undergoes safety checks
- Medical professional (ATC, first responder, etc.) on site for all games
- Medical professional (ATC, first responder, etc.) on site for all practices
- ALL coaches CPR/AED certified
- On site tobacco policy / “Young Lungs at Play”
- Promote positive culture and standard of expectations regarding behavior
Safe Stars Application
To become a Safe Star League, please apply at: https://tdhrc.health.tn.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=DCXLPFH8LA
The application recommends that various documents supporting completion of criteria for Safe Stars be uploaded (i.e. CPR/AED certification, inclement weather policies, etc.), so be prepared before beginning the application. Uploading all documents will shorten your application review process.
- Review the criteria and resources page before applying to make sure your league is qualified
- Pending application acceptance, your league will receive a certificate of recognition along with a digital copy of the Safe Star logo to display.
- If you do not achieve a Safe Star level, you may reapply at any time.
- Your Safe Star recognition will be in effect for 5 years, after which time you must re-apply.
- You may apply for a higher level star at any time (i.e. your league can qualify for gold instead of silver).
For more information, visit the TN Department of Health.