As many youth sports programs, organizations, or clubs are starting their pre-season, it is important to review some important preparation topics that will help create a safe and healthy environment. Having a safe and healthy environment for parents, coaches, administrators, and athletes, can help to reduce the risk of injury or death; and in the event of injury, offer an effective emergency plan of action. Below is a checklist by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) to guide parents and coaches before children participate in upcoming sports:
Before Children participate in organized sports, parents should:
· Assess the financial and time impact on your family
· Determine if our children are physically and mentally “in shape”
· Have your children obtain a physical examination
· Find out who’s taking care of your kids
· Provide coaches with your child’s medical history
· Make sure your children are eating and drinking to win
· Ascertain coaches’ qualifications
Before Children participate in organized sports, coaches should:
· Establish an emergency action plan
· Keep an emergency medical authorization form on file
· Establish warm up/cool down flexibility regimen
· Establish weather related policies
· Create hydration plan
· Have heat illness program in place
· Have well-stocked first aid kit available at all times
To view the full sports safety checklist visit: https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/sports-safety-checklist.pdf
In addition, to insure a safe and healthy environment for all athletes, coaches, and volunteers it is crucial to look over the actual athletic field conditions as recommended by SECURA INSURANCE. Athletic field conditions can change drastically with the weather and season practices and games.
Sports Complex / Field Preparation Checklist:
Make sure the anchors that hold down equipment or goals are properly fastened down.
Check for any exposed hardware, such as nails, screws, bolts, etc.
Make sure protective padding is in place and secure.
Look to see if any plants, trees, etc., are encroaching onto the field.
Correct any holes, depressions, or trip hazards on the field.
Make sure bleachers are secure, with no holes, sharp edges, loose rails, etc.
Visually inspect all equipment to be used in the game.
Address any unresolved items left from a previous inspection.
To learn about the coverage and insurance risks for youth sports and recreation, contact Paroubek Insurance!
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