Athletics Section: Volunteer Coaches Handbook

SAFETY AND FIRST AID: A COACH’S ROLE

• Notify Athletics staff of any hazards or safety concerns that need attention. • Ensure that proper equipment is being used and that it is inspected regularly. Evaluate athletes for injury or incapacity. Withhold an athlete from practice and competition if the athlete is unable to compete without pain or loss of function (e.g., inability to walk, run, jump, or throw without restriction). Coaching athletes with medical conditions. • You may have players who need specific attention due to unique medical conditions. Prior to the start of the season, check with the player’s parents as to how any medical condition should be addressed. • Familiarize yourself with sport specific by-laws with respect

As a coach, you are responsible for injury and accident prevention, recognition, and first aid care. One of your primary roles is to minimize the risk of injury to the athletes. Certain responsibilities accompany this role. Properly plan the activity. • Teach the skills of the sport in the correct progression. • Consider each athlete’s developmental level and current physical condition. • Supervise the activity closely. Provide proper instruction. • Teach athletes the rules and the correct skills and strategies of the sport. For example, in football, teach athletes that tackling with the head (spearing) is illegal and is also a potentially dangerous technique.

• Match the athletes according to size, physical maturity, skill level, and experience. • If you have coaching assistants, make sure that they are knowledgeable in the skills and strategies of the sport and act in a mature and responsible manner. Warn of inherent risks. Discuss with parents and athletes the inherent health risks of their particular sport. Provide a safe physical environment. • Monitor current environmental conditions (e.g., wind-chill, temperature, humidity, and severe weather warnings). • Periodically inspect the playing areas and remove all hazards.

to Emergency Response Procedures, first aid, and concussion protocol.

7