District: Sebastian River High football staff followed state guidelines

Aug. 15--INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -- INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -- The Sebastian River High School football staff followed all district and state guidelines for athletic team trips when they took the team to training camp in Starke, district officials said.

This was the team's first trip to Camp Blanding, a Florida National Guard Reserve facility, although other teams within the state have used it, said William Fritz, the district's assistant superintendent of Human Resources and Risk Management.

SRHS football player William Shogran Jr., 14, died Wednesday while attending the camp. In a 911 recording released by the Clay County Sheriff's Office, an assistant coach reported a football player suffered from some heat issues, but the boy was awake and they were trying to cool him down with water. William was taken to Shands Starke Regional Medical Center in Bradford County, where he died. An autopsy report, however, is not expected for months.

The Florida High School Athletic Association outlines all rules and regulations for football coaches in a 65-page manual covering issues from tournament play to concussions to preventing heat illness. Fritz said the team followed the guidelines, including having trained staff on hand.

Head coach Kevin Pettis has current certifications in first aid, CPR and use of the automated external defibrillator, Fritz said in an email to Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers. Defibrillators can be used to treat cardiac arrest.

William, who was on the sideline and not actively practicing, told Pettis he wasn't feeling well, Fritz said. The base medical staff, trained as emergency medical technicians, assisted until emergency personnel arrived.

In addition, Florida Guard Reserve medics were yards away from where the team practiced, Fritz said.

School district policies require out of state camps and field trips to get school board approval. But trips within the state, such as this one, only require staff approval.

SRHS football coaches ran the training camp at the Starke facility, the email said. Students and families paid $150 for the camp.

The team and coaches returned home from the training camp Wednesday night. SRHS Athletic Director Michael Stutzke, who was with the team in Starke, remained in the Gainesville area with the Shogran family, Fritz said.

Counselors were available for students and coaches when they arrived at the school. Counselors also will be on hand next week when SRHS students return from summer break.

HEAT

The Florida High School Athletic Association has specific guidelines regarding outside practice in the heat for high school athletes. Exertional heat stroke is one of the leading causes of preventable death in high school athletes, the FHSAA manual said.

Guidelines include:

--A five-minute rest and hydration break for every 30 minutes of practice

--Rest time means no activity and unlimited hydration intake

--Helmets should be removed during rest time

--Days with two practice sessions should be followed with a day of one practice session.

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