Every coach wants to minimize the risk of injury to athletes. We can't totally

eliminate the risk of injury but we can reduce it drastically. Many risks are

under your control- and you have a responsibility to take the necessary

steps to protect your athletes. Once again, it helps to have a plan.

• If your athletes use equipment (sticks, bats, etc.) be sure to teach them how to handle the equipment safely.

• Always survey your practice/game facility. Hazards are often simply overlooked until an accident happens.

• Make sure they have proper, well-fitting athletic wear (shoes, helmets, shoulder pads, skates, etc.)

• Remove obstacles or hazards. Move benches back a safe distance from the playing area.

• Pad objects that athletes may run into (end walls of gym, basketball standards, volleyball support wires).

• Provide plenty of water (particularly in warm weather)

• Have a first aid kit on hand

• Have a medical information form for each your athletes' past injuries, allergies, conditions, that may affect their ability to participate.

• Know your athletes’ fitness, illnesses, etc.

• Be cautious returning athletes to activity when they have been injured or ill.

FOR YOU

It is beyond the scope of this project to teach you how to deal with injuries if they

should occur. However, there are lots of places to go for help that will prepare

you to deal with most of the sports injuries you will encounter. Red Cross, St.

John's Ambulance, SIPAC (Sports Injury Prevention and Care), and the 3M

NCCP Level I Theory manual are good sources of information and training.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

When things go wrong and there is a major injury, you must have an EAP

(Emergency Action Plan). Take time to create on before your next practice. The

plan includes the following:

• Location of the nearest phone

• Phone numbers of ambulance, hospital, etc.

• Clear directions for emergency care people to get to where you are

• Having a "call" person (the person who makes a call) to get help

• Having a "charge" person (the person in charge) to stay with the athlete and be in charge at the scene.

Coaching Basics

by Lorne Adams, February 2000

Creation of this document supported by the Sport Alliance of Ontario and the

Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.

This document may be reproduced with credit to the author, Sport Alliance of

Ontario, and Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.