Jan 11, 2019 FARMERS BRANCH, Texas, January 11, 2019 – Varsity Brands, the market leader in sport, spirit and achievement, today announced that Varsity University, which offers comprehensive educational programming to schools and athletic programs nationwide, has partnered with the National Federation of State High School Associations (“NFHS”) to launch the Varsity University/NFHS Coaches Education Program. This new program will focus on sport safety certification for high school coaches, addressing a vital and growing need among high schools across the country to ensure safe, controlled and beneficial access to high school sports activities. The NFHS, which governs the rules of competition for most high school sports and activities in the United States serves the 19,300 high schools and over 11 million students involved in athletic and activity programs. At the outset, this innovative partnership will focus on five key areas, beginning with the Sport Safety Certification in 2019, and continuing with Coaching Development, Activity Specific Courses, Fitness and Wellness, Character Development and Sportsmanship. The Sport Safety Certification will feature seven courses that range from coaching basics to the safety and well-being of young athletes. “The NFHS and Varsity Brands bring a long, successful history of working together on managing risk in the after school and extracurricular markets, and this program is the next milestone in the partnership,” said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. “We share a common belief, for example, that athlete safety comes first and is the key to successful programs and well-rounded and healthy young adults. Our partnership with the NFHS will help ensure that high school coaches benefit from access to cutting-edge resources for ongoing education and Professional Development credit.” Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the NFHS, added, “Our partnership with Varsity University will enhance the reach and influence of the NFHS and, with it, a positive impact on the lives of the millions of students participating in our programs. We look forward to working with Varsity Brands to provide accessible, affordable educational options for our members.” Since 2014, Varsity University has offered educational programming to schools, athletic programs and students nationwide. Through a combination of specialized online courses and in-person conferences and seminars, Varsity University has provided training on topics such as Coaching Effectiveness, Skills for Student Success, Social Media & Personal Branding and Cultivating Leaders to over 13,000 educators and coaches. The NFHS supports its 51-member state high school athletic/activity associations by publishing playing rules in 16 sports, as well as cheer and dance. The NFHS provides education for a variety of stakeholders with an extensive online program that includes certification for coaches, training for officials, and ways to minimize risk to participants. Coaches who complete the Varsity University/NFHS Coaches Education Program will receive seven hours of Professional Development from Sterling College. The courses, which start at $40, will be offered through Varsity University. Contact: Sheila Noone snoone@varsity.com 901.251.5959 About Varsity Brands and Varsity University With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, a Varsity Achievement Brand. Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Varsity University, in partnership with all three brands, offers comprehensive educational programming to schools and athletic programs nationwide. Through a combination of specialized online courses and in-person seminars, Varsity University provides the resources necessary for educators and coaches to enhance the student experience. Through its 9,000 dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year via catalog, telesales, e-commerce sites and direct sales channels. For more information, visit www.varsitybrands.com About the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) The NFHS, based in Indianapolis, Indiana is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and performing arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS sets the direction for the future by building awareness and support, improving the participation experience, establishing consistent standards and rules for competition, and helping those who oversee high school sports and activities. The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 19,000 high schools and 11 million participants in high school activity programs including more than 7.9 million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings, sanctions interstate events, offers online publications and services for high school coaches and officials, sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, speech and debate coaches, and music adjudicators; serves as the national resource for interscholastic coach training, and serves as a national information resource of interscholastic athletics and activities. For more information, visit the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org.
