General Safety

There are inherent dangers in all sport activities. Coaches/advisors must alert participants of potential injuries even though certain risks are consented to by the participant and their parents. Coaches/advisors must inform the Activities Director of faulty equipment or unsafe conditions immediately upon their discovery.

Coaches are responsible for the team’s medical supplies and emergency cards. Coaches should have first aid supplies ready for each practice or game and also have a EAP plan ready if there is an emergency.

Safety Checklist:

1. Team Supervision: One of the prime responsibilities of a coach is the supervision of their team. This includes all games, practices, and pre and post game activities. No athlete should be using athletic facilities without a coach present to supervise them. The coach should attempt to be the first "member of the team" to arrive at the locker room and be the last "member of the team" to leave. This responsibility can not be delegated to a student manager, aide, equipment manager or a coach of another sport.

2. Facilities Inspection: Check all facilities you will be using for safety. This should include but is not limited to; fields, gyms, activity gyms, pools, rinks courts, track, apparatus of all kinds, etc. Problems should be reported to the athletic coordinator.

3. Equipment Inspection: Check all equipment issued to players for safety. Particular care should be given when inspecting protective equipment. Report all problems to the athletic coordinator.

4. Fitting Equipment: The coach has the principle responsibility for the fitting of equipment. This role should not be delegated to managers or players. Equipment such as helmets should be fit according to manufacturer's instructions.

5. Training Kit: The coach should work with the trainer to see that the training kit is properly stocked with first aid supplies. The kit should be readily available during practices, scrimmages and games and should contain a list of emergency numbers for all athletes on the team.

6. Blood-Borne Pathogens: Always follow safety procedure on Blood Borne Pathogens from the MSHSL Coach's Clipboard CER page.