(Feb 1, 2016) - More than eight million students participate in interscholastic athletics sports and after-school programs each year, and 336 million spectators attend these events. When a school-based emergency or incident occurs, often it is the school personnel who are first to arrive on the scene.
In order to make sure these personnel are prepared for safety and security issues, superintendents, principals, athletic administrators, local law enforcement agents and school resource officers from across the country will converge on The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park Long Beach campus April 13-15 for the National Interscholastic Athletics and After-School Activities Safety and Security Summit, hosted by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4).
“The National Interscholastic Athletics Safety and Security Summit affords the high school community the opportunity to establish best practices in regard to their campuses during the time of activities, athletics and events from the time school is out until these events conclude,” says Bob Gardner, executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations. “Most schools do an excellent job providing security for their students, staff and visitors during the school day. When the academic day ends, the challenges of security grow with the many activities held after school. This summit will bring together the best minds to address this growing concern.”
The summit will provide a mechanism to share ideas and explore solutions to implement best practices by addressing designated major safety and security issues. Attendees of the summit will have the opportunity to hear from top safety experts and participate in moderated discussions for issues such as gameday activities, emergency operations planning, identifying threats and hazards, safety and security staff training, facilities design/environment and building safety and security-aware culture.
The 2nd edition of a “Best Practices Guide” for interscholastic athletics and after-school activities will result from the summit and will be unveiled at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition in Phoenix, Arizona on July 12-14.
“To continue to develop and enhance a comprehensive set of best practices, we need a diverse group of school personnel in attendance,” says NCS4 director Lou Marciani. “Whether a school is located in an urban setting or in a rural area, this event will provide a mechanism for safety and security officials to learn from one another and for the first time have a set of best practices to reduce risk at their school programs.”
For more information about the National Interscholastic Athletics and After-School Safety and Security Summit, visit www.ncs4.com/interscholastic.
About NCS4
The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), at the University of Southern Mississippi, supports the advancement of sport safety and security through training, professional development, academic programs and research. NCS4 collaborates with professional leagues, open access events, intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics, along with professional associations, private sector firms, and government agencies. It is a critical resource for sport venue managers, event managers, first responders, and other key stakeholders.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and through Online at Southern Miss. Since 2006, Southern Miss students have collected seven Goldwater Scholarships, three Truman Scholarships and 14 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships. Our Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. As one of a select number of institutions in the nation accredited in art, dance, music and theatre, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at www.usm.edu.
Media Contact:
Alison Crumpton 601.266.6183, Hattiesburg, alison.crumpton@usm.edu
