Safety Checklist for Coaches

When it comes to risk management, the athletic administrator is the point person. If he or she doesn't make safety a top priority, no one will. But the coaches are critical for implementing safe practices every day. 

As the safety point person, the athletic director needs to teach coaches what to check, how to spot a hazard, and the nuances of proper supervision. Below is a baker's dozen checklist to hand out to coaches prior to each season.

Check your practice plan: Have you planned practices with safety considerations in mind? Did you schedule water breaks and rest?

Check the rules: Have you familiarized yourself with NFHS and state rules, including this year's changes and all areas of safety?

Check the environment: Is the place you are going to play or practice free of hazards? Have you walked through and assessed the area?

Check all equipment: Is the stationary and practice equipment in good condition? 

Check individual players' equipment: Does the protective equipment fit? Are your players dressed in appropriate attire, especially footwear? Has jewelry been removed?

Check the condition of players: Are all players physically ready to participate? Did you include a warmup, time for stretching, and cool down?

Check competition matching: Have you avoided mismatching players in regard to size, age, and skill level?

Check supervision: Are there an adequate number of qualified coaches? Are players always under the supervision of a coach? Do you know the best place to observe and scan activity? Do you monitor the locker room?

Check the medical and emergency plan: Do you have an emergency plan in case of an injury? Have you reviewed it with all concerned parties? Is security in place? Do you have the students' medical cards with you? Is there a security plan in place for games?

Check record keeping: Have you collected physical examination forms, informed consent forms, emergency cards, attendance records, insurance forms, and eligibility forms from all players? Do you have a completed return to play form for every injured player?

Check athletes' understanding: Have you recently warned and informed players about the potential risks of participating? Have you reminded them of their role in preventing injuries to themselves and others? Have you reminded athletes about proper fundamentals and taking practice seriously?

Check that identified problems are addressed: Have you contacted the athletic director with problems or concerns? Have you adjusted your practice or game to meet any potential problem?

Check yourself: Do you know how to teach the game? Do you know how to lower the chance of potential injuries in the sport you are coaching?

By Dr. Richard P. Borkowski.  Richard P. Borkowski, EdD, CMAA, is a sport safety consultant based in Narberth, Pa., and the former Director of Physical Education and Athletics at the Episcopal Academy in Merion, Pa.