Sun Safe Play: The Maria Whitehead Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign

USA Field Hockey is committed to keeping athletes safe in the sun and reducing cases of skin cancer and melanoma through  Sun Safe Play.

Dedicated to the memory of former U.S. Junior National Team member and NCAA coach Maria Whitehead, Sun Safe Play is part of the Maria Whitehead Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign aimed at educating young players on the risks of exposure to excessive sun. Maria died from melanoma in 2006 at the age of 25.

To help prevent the incidence of skin cancer and to help educate players and their families on prevention and early detection methods, USA Field Hockey has joined with the Melanoma International Foundation to undertake the following programs and tactics:

• USA Field Hockey events will be designated as Sun Safe Zones to promote sun safety while playing and practicing outdoors.

• USA Field Hockey will help educate members about sun safety, focusing primarily on youth.

• USA Field Hockey will seek to form partnerships with corporations and associations (local, regional and national) who have similar interests to promote a sun safe environment for USA Field Hockey member athletes and youth.