Safeguarding the Student-Athlete

As stated previously, participation in athletics is a privilege. The student-athlete has a responsibility to play fairly, always do his/her best, maintain fitness, and to conduct himself/herself in a manner that is representative of the high school. In turn, all things possible should be done to protect against injury through conditioning, instruction, modeled behavior, and adequate supervision.

Coaches should periodically evaluate their student-athletes to ensure a safe experience for all players. Below are some guidelines that will help the coach evaluate his/her student-athletes in this regard.

A. Proper conditioning aids in the prevention of injury.

1. Players should practice a minimum of two weeks before participation in a contest.
2. Student-Athletes should be given direction regarding preseason conditioning.
3. Players should be required to warm up thoroughly before participation.
4. Substitutions should be made without hesitation when players appear too fatigued to perform and/or exhibit injury.

B. Proper officiating promotes enjoyment of the game as well as providing players with protection.

1. Rules and regulations must be strictly taught and enforced in practice.
2. Players and coaches should know and understand the rules of the game.

C. Coaching leads to skill-building, and lowers the incidence of injury.

1. Injuries should be analyzed to determine cause, and preventative programs established accordingly.
2. The athletic trainer must see the injured student –athlete as is applicable, and his/her terms strictly followed, without question, by the coach and/or player.
3. Practices must be planned and of reasonable duration.
4. The coach must emphasize safety and teaching the proper skills.

D. Equipment and facilities must be properly maintained.

1. Careful attention must be given to proper fit of equipment.
2. Appropriate equipment must be provided for contact sports.
3. Equipment must be properly maintained.
4. Play areas are to be properly maintained.

E. Proper medical care prior to the season is essential in the prevention of injury.

1. A licensed medical professional must conduct a pre-season physical.
2. Care must be given to the injured student-athlete by the coach and/or the athletic trainer, limited to first aid medically prescribed services.

F. Every effort should be made to accommodate, and not to penalize, student-athletes who choose to participate in more than one school-sponsored activity simultaneously.