Parents and community members have every right to be concerned. Student athletes injured during high school sporting events can become a serious matter.

Two incidents on Sept. 22 had major implications. Fredonia High School quarterback Davion White suffered what appeared to be a serious upper body injury early in the fourth quarter against Portville while Jameson Quinn, the team’s leading rusher on the night, sustained a concussion that was diagnosed later that evening.

In stepping up to address the situation, the solution was made clear: “Injury prevention measures need to be implemented immediately — full stop,” said Susan Johnson, Quinn’s mother. “This includes the hiring of a certified athletic trainer.”

For the superintendent and school board’s part, they listened intently regarding the important issue. “We prioritize safety as a district and are always concerned any time a student is injured, whether it is attached to our athletic program or not. We also appreciate parents coming forward to have their voices heard through the established channels,” Superintendent Brad Zilliox said. “The feedback we get from outside of our schools and district is important to us as it provides a chance to reflect on where things stand, and what needs to be done moving forward.”

Athletic trainers are in high demand. Districts across the region are doing their best to fill that position. Dunkirk and Silver Creek share a trainer while Gowanda is contracting services. Emergency medical technicians, while valuable at the events, can only do so much.

If other districts are finding ways to fill this valuable function to help protect their student athletes, Fredonia needs to do the same.