Bruce Hulion, Assistant Commissioner bhulion@schsl.org / www.schsl.org 803.798.0120MEMORANDUM Thursday, April 30, 2015

As you prepare for your spring practice and preseason activities, please be reminded of the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) safety guidelines for risk minimization of head impact exposure and concussion risk in football. The South Carolina High School League has been kept abreast of ongoing studies and measures being taken to ensure even safer participation in football programs during practice and game time. By implementing such a plan, we are not only holding ourselves accountable for the safest athletic precautions possible, but also providing a productive, proactive program for all of our student athletes. This is a win-win for all involved in South Carolina football and fully supported by the SCHSL staff. It is my hope that you too will understand and appreciate the benefits and necessity of such guidelines.We ask that you consider the helpful information provided in the following link. http://nfhs.org/media/1014885/2014_nfhs_recommendations_and_guidelines_for_minimizing_head_impact_october_2014.pdfWhile not mandated by the SCHSL, we ask that you consider these guidelines or a similar precautionary plan. We all have the same goal for our athletes and what better way to accomplish that goal than with healthy and informed players and coaches. The SCHSL must remain unified in our efforts to eliminate serious head and other injuries while participating in the sport of football.Please contact me with your concerns and suggestions for these guidelines or those similar. I support your efforts and ingenuity while contemplating our path forward.Sincerely,

Bruce Hulion