SPORT SAFETY

Safety awareness is as important to interscholastic sports as learning the skills of a sport. All instruction and coaching should include appropriate safety measures. It is always the responsibility of the coach to supervise the preparation of athletes for competition so that the possibility of injury is minimized. Athletes are as safe as the environment established by the coaches. The following is a basic list that can be used to contribute to a safe environment:

The coach will perform daily inspections of the facilities and equipment.
Report dangerous or damaged equipment to the proper authorities immediately. Do not permit the players to enter onto an unsafe court.
The facilities and equipment are clear of obstructions near the playing area.
The coach will have available an accurate and up-to-date squad roster with home telephone numbers and guardian's name.
The coach will always have available the athletes' emergency medical cards.
Rules, equipment, and courts are modified to adjust the physical demands of the sport to the appropriate level of the players.
The coach will instruct the players to warm-up properly prior to practice sessions and games.
Players are not allowed to play when they are injured.
Medical approval is required for participation following serious injury or illness.
Players are taught to treat bruises, sprains, and floor burns with ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
Practice sessions are reasonable in length and planned to include brief rest periods and water breaks for players.
Game rules are properly enforced by coaches and officials.
Players are properly conditioned for practice sessions, games, and match play.
Precautions are taken to prevent over-heating, including the availability of water for players at all times.
Emphasis is given to safety and prevention of injury in teaching skills and all elements of team play.
Vehicles transporting teams meet safety standards and drivers are properly licensed adults.
Players are taught and encouraged to wear proper equipment such as kneepads, footwear, and gym clothes to prevent chafing, blisters, and floor burns.
Coaches are knowledgeable of a plan to respond to emergencies if they occur.
Players are properly matched for size and skill level.
First aid kits are available which include ice packs, elastic bandages, anti-bacterial spray or soap, band-aids, tape, square bandages, gauze, and tape cutters or scissors.

Coaching styles have much to do with establishing a safe environment for players. The following suggestions can be used by coaches to help prevent injuries during practice.

Be creative and flexible, but be prepared and well organized for practice sessions and matches.
Design drills to meet the special needs of each player and the team.
Plan and adhere to a practice outline. Include warm-ups, drills, team meetings, and scrimmages.
Involve all players throughout practice. Make sure all players have a specific responsibility during a drill. Provide as many teachable opportunities within a drill as possible. Keep to a minimum the time spent standing, sitting, or waiting in line.
Plan instruction and competition by taking into account individual differences in skill and experience. Teach skills in their proper progression.
Create game-like situations during practice. The better prepared athletes are for games, the better the players will play and perform during a match.

Despite all of the above mentioned precautions, some injuries will occur. The athletes expect the coach to be able to deal with the more common injuries. Most injuries will be minor problems such as bruises, blisters, cuts, floor burns, and sore muscles. But the coach must also be able to recognize serious injuries and know correct emergency procedures. The following procedure is recommended for coaches when giving emergency treatment to an injured athlete:

Administer first-aid
Notify parents or guardians for instruction for a serious injury
Call ambulance if needed
Coach, faculty member, or parent to accompany injured player to hospital
Stay at hospital with player until a parent or guardian arrives.
Brief the parent or guardian on what has taken place and then return to practice/match.
Make no commitment as to school paying bills.
Inform building principal and athletic director as soon as it is convenient.
Follow-up later by contacting the player's parents or guardians as to the player's progress.

In summary, if an injury occurs and a coach is in doubt of its seriousness, render necessary first-aid but do not move the athlete. Summon professional assistance. Never send a hurt player back into practice or a game. A minor injury without proper treatment can easily become more serious. Give immediate first-aid assistance, then refer the players to the school or family physician or the local emergency room if follow-up care is required. When returning an injured athlete to activity, check that the player can perform all the game skills without pain. If in doubt, ask the athlete to obtain a medical clearance from a physician.