Coaches Safety Checklist

COACHES CHECKLIST

• Prior to each practice or game coaches and their assistants should develop the habit of a safety check with the goal of promoting a safe environment for both participants and spectators.

GOAL POST SAFETY

• Portable goal posts properly secured and anchored and used on level playing fields
• Inspect goal post for sharp corners to include general integrity
• Instruct all players and their parents of the potential dangers associated with movable
  soccer goals
• Forbid any horseplay by players or members of the general public on or around any goal
  post
• Remove nets when goals are not in use
• Portable goal posts should only be moved by authorized personnel
• Anchor or chain one portable goal to another or to a nearby fence when not in use

FIELD SAFETY

• Inspect for foreign objects
• Check for pot holes, hills/ruts
• Make sure sprinkler heads are seated
• Observe 3’ Restraining Line from Touch Line
• Notify your club and field owners of unsafe field conditions in writing
• Do not allow participation by your players until noted hazards have been corrected

PLAYER SAFETY

• Communicate the laws of the game to all players and parents
• Provide proper supervision at all scheduled activities. Prohibit behaviors that do not
  promote a safe and healthy experience
• Make sure shin guards are covered, jewelry removed and shoes are adequate for field
  conditions
• Place players together of similar ability
• Establish travel transportation policies for practices and games. Arrange for supervision of players without rides at conclusion of every practice
• Remove immediately all players from fields upon approaching severe weather
• Communicate with all parents your expectations as a coach
• Know location of nearest emergency health care facility. Know of any special medical
  conditions of your players
• Maintain in your possession first aid kit, phone numbers of parents, medical treatment authorization, and cell phone
• Make sure you or an official on the soccer field has basic first aid training
• Communicate with parents your expectations in promoting a safe environment. Recruit
  their assistance

INJURY CLAIMS

• Maintain a supply of player medical claim forms
• Obtain and record relevant information about an injury to a player and/or spectator
• Don’t leave a player unattended until transferred to health or security personnel in the pre-authorized manner or released at their own request
• Don’t accept or suggest fault for the incident
• Don’t state that medical bills will be paid.
• Contact your state association or its designated insurance personnel with any questions.
  
• Always give respect and appropriate attention to the injured person
• Always correct any hazardous situation as soon as reasonable after attending to the injured person