Heat & Hydration: Heat Illness, Hydration & Pre-Event Fueling

Speakers in this session...

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  Robert R. Sefcik

  

  Robert R. Sefcik MS, LAT, ATC

  Mr. Robert Sefcik became the Executive Director of the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program (JSMP), in 2006. A graduate of the University of Toledo, in Toledo, OH and Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL. Bob has earned over 31 years’ experience in various positions in the sports medicine world. Under his leadership the JSMP has become known as the leading advocate for sports injury prevention in Florida. Currently this program partners with the Duval County Public Schools, as well as having close relationships with many other youth sporting groups and schools throughout the region. The JSMP serves to facilitate high quality relationships with local athletic trainers, team physicians and other sports medicine providers through educational events and promotion of best practices for sports medicine. Several committees and work groups have developed from this organization including the Northeast Florida Regional Sports Concussion Task Force which has contributed many components to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) for inclusion into statewide policy. Most recently the NFL and the Jacksonville Jaguars, along with the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville University have partnered with the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program to form Project 17, a collaborative effort to place full-time certified athletic trainers within all 17 public high schools in Duval County, FL.

  Mr. Sefcik serves the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) as the past Chairman of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and is the chief administrative officer for the Florida Alliance for Sports Medicine (FASMed). He is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, the Southeast Athletic Trainers Association and the Athletic Trainers Association of Florida. Mr. Sefcik is an adjunct professor at the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University. Sefcik is licensed as an athletic trainer in Florida.

  Bob and his wife, Jill, reside in St. Augustine. Their children are extremely active in athletic programs at St. Augustine HS as well as Florida Elite Soccer Academy and Jacksonville Academy of Gymnastics. Proudly, the Sefcik’s have 3 college graduates. Two daughters have graduated from Roanoke College in Salem, Va and their son from Florida State University. Their youngest child is a senior at St. Augustine High School.

  Sessions...

  Heat & Hydration: Heat Illness, Hydration & Pre-Event Fueling

  Regional Event: national

  Start Date: 08/13/2026 8:00 am

  End Date: 08/13/2026 9:40 am

  Location: Celebration 14-15

  Session details

  Course Description

  As a trusted provider, you effectively manage athletes in heat-intensive environments through proper hydration, fueling, and emergency response strategies. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of thermoregulation, hydration physiology, and pre-event nutrition, while also learning to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based protocols, sideline application, and regulatory considerations to ensure athlete safety and optimal performance.

   

  Learning Objectives

  1. Identify signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with heat-related illnesses and implement appropriate management protocols
  2. Assess hydration status, electrolyte needs, and risks of both dehydration and overhydration in athletes
  3. Develop safe and effective pre-event hydration and nutrition strategies within regulatory guidelines

  Sponsor: FCA Sports Council