Critical Checklists For Keeping Players Injury Free And On The Field

THIS ARTICLE IS about “X’s” and “O’s.” It’s about ways to lower the chance of injury to each and every red blooded “X “and “O” that steps on the field. Reducing the number of injuries also keeps coaches on the playing field and out of court. Today’s litigious explosion has not missed the world of athletics.

There are no trophies for running a safe football program. Fans don’t stand up and yell “We’re number one – in safety!” Yet, reducing the chance of injury is a primary duty of coaches at all levels of competition.
Place the following “Football Safety Checklist” on your bulletin board and a copy on your clipboard. Check it often.

Major Issues Checklist

The major concern in football is catastrophic injuries, due primarily to the use of the head as initial contact. The helmet protects — it is not designed to be a weapon. “Spearing,” “cheap shots,” and getting someone

“out of the game,” must not be part of football. Additionally, coaches must:
    -    Properly condition their athletes.
    -    Properly instruct their athletes.
    -    Consistently warn players about potential injuries and inform them on injury prevention.
    -    Use precautionary measures such as hydration, acclimatization and rest to avoid heat injuries.
    -    Have adequate buffer zones of safety outside the playing boundaries.
    -    Check the field on a regular basis.
    -    Avoid the mismatching of players during practice and scrimmages. Always consider the age, size, experience, ability and maturity of your players.
    -    Have an athletic trainer or other competent personnel available at all times.

Specific Equipment Issues
    -    All helmets must be NOCSAE-approved.
    -    All helmets must be fitted according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
    -    Check helmets for warning labels, padding, cracks and chinstraps.
    -    Instruct players on how to check helmet fit, leaks in air-type systems and all hardware.
    -    Check helmet recertification labels and recertify according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
    -    Check and instruct players on how to fit all other equipment.
    -    Check shoes for correct cleat length, fit and wear.
    -    Check that all players have mouthpieces and they are being used.
    -    Check all field equipment such as sleds and dummies. Make sure the equipment is in good condition.
    -    Inspect the padding on the goal posts.
    -    Cover all hard surfaces near playing areas with protective mats.
    -    Have all electric outlets near the field covered.
    -    Have a security plan in place for games.
    -    Have and review your emergency plan.
    -    Have a coaching staff that is knowledgeable and certified.
    -    Review supervisory skills with staff.
    -    Review all points of emphasis in rulebook.

Chronological Checklist
    -    Medical Examinations. No one plays, or practices without a full examination and medical history by a doctor.
    -    Insurance. Making sure your players have a health insurance policy is standard practice. The best insurance policy however, is an athletic trainer. Put the money for those championship rings toward obtaining a trainer.    
    -    Teach The Game. Make sure your coaching and teaching progresses from the simple to the complex.
    •    Do you have a coaching manual?
    •    Do you review, with your coaches, the best way to teach the game?
    •    Always remember, teach first and test second.
    -    Know The Rules. Review the rules yearly. Ask the local officiating group to hold a review of the rules meeting before the season.
    •    Did you receive an up-to-date rulebook from your athletic director?
    -    Supervise. If you have a practice, you must have coaches present! There is no better deterrent to injuries (and lawsuits), than controlling the situation via supervision. Supervision also includes control in the locker rooms and weight rooms.
    -    Have An Emergency Plan. Injuries will occur in football. You should have an easy to understand procedure and protocols for those times when an injury occurs.

Dr. Richard P. Borkowski served as an athletic and physical education director from 1960 through 1993. His 33-year coaching career included 20 years as a varsity high school coach. He has also served as a football expert witness in law cases throughout the nation for the over 35 years.