UNIVAS Releases 3rd Edition of "UNIVAS Safety and Security Guidelines" Outlining Measures Against Various Risks in University Sports

The University Sports Federation of Japan (Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Norihiko Fukuhara; hereinafter referred to as UNIVAS) has released the 3rd edition of the "UNIVAS Safety and Security Guidelines," which detail the necessary measures for establishing an environment where sports activities can be conducted safely and securely across all disciplines.

These guidelines specify important matters common to all university sports necessary for ensuring safety, including the structure of safety management systems, and measures for head and neck injuries, concussions, cardiac arrest, and heatstroke. Since their initial release in January 2020, items concerning "injuries from lightning strikes" and "prevention of harassment and violence" were added in April 2022.

This latest revision incorporates new sections on "strengthening governance" and "response to misconduct," along with updated information on "lightning strike countermeasures" and "harassment countermeasures," to reflect current times.

UNIVAS Safety and Security Guidelines (3rd Edition)

◾️ Key Revisions in the 3rd Edition

1 Addition of New Sections (Chapters), etc.

- P65 "Chapter 8 | Initiatives for Improving Governance"

- P72 "Chapter 9 | Response to Misconduct"

- P78 "Reference Materials (UNIVAS SSC, Template Collection (Regulations, Contracts, etc.))"

2 Enhancement of Content

- P32-35 "Chapter 3-2 Prevention and Response to Serious Accidents - (5) Injuries from Lightning Strikes"

- P56-57 "Chapter 6 | Insurance Enrollment as Risk Management"

- P58-64 "Chapter 7 | Prevention of Harassment and Violence"

3 Updating of Content

- P21 Figure 3-9 "Symptoms and Severity Classification of Heatstroke"

- P22 "4." of "5 Rules for Heatstroke Prevention During Sports Activities"

- P31 "4 AED Installation" explanatory text and illustration in Figure 3-18

4 Correction of Content

- P39-41 "Chapter 4-2. Collaboration with Medical Institutions" (Full text)

In addition, UNIVAS operates the "UNIVAS SSC" (short for UNIVAS Safety and Security Certification) system, which evaluates key items required by the guidelines. This system aims to encourage member universities and sports organizations to actively establish systems in accordance with these guidelines.

By obtaining "UNIVAS SSC," member universities and sports organizations can further enhance the safety and security awareness of all stakeholders, contributing to the assurance of safety and providing peace of mind both within and outside the academic community. https://univas.jp/safe/ssc/

We encourage you to utilize these guidelines and the UNIVAS SSC system to promote the development of a safe and secure environment in university sports, by establishing systems for "prevention of accidents and harassment" and "response to serious accidents."

[University Sports Federation of Japan (UNIVAS)]

UNIVAS was established in March 2019 with the aim of promoting university sports. In addition to developing an environment where sports can be practiced safely and securely, UNIVAS works towards fostering character development through sports activities and enhancing the overall value of university sports.

https://univas.jp/