| Coach Liability & Player Safety | ||||
 As a volunteer coach you will have the care,
custody and control of someone else's children for 30-50 hours this
season. In this capacity you have the potential both to create and to
prevent accidents and injuries.You should be aware of your legal responsibilities as a coach. Attention to these duties will help minimize your personal risk, prevent sports-related injuries, and avoid claims of coaching negligence. Your legal duties include: Providing adequate supervision (general and specific to the game) - The health and safety of your team members are entrusted to your care. You must provide adequate supervision to avoid foreseeable accidents and injuries. NEVER leave players unattended! NEVER leave after a game or practice until parents or guardians safely pick all up! Sound planning - Carefully plan your practices and Activities so players progress and learn new skills at a safe pace, don’t move too rapidly by forcing improvement. Make written practice plans and keep them on record for the duration of the season. Warning Players of inherent risks - Players and parents must know, understand, and appreciate the risks they are likely to encounter in soccer. YOU MUST TELL THEM! (The parent orientation meeting is the time to do this). Warn your players about potentially dangerous techniques. Providing a safe playing environment - Be certain that practice and playing fields are free of hazards (e.g. holes, rocks, broken glass or other debris) and that equipment (e.g. goal posts) is in proper condition. Warn your players NOT to hang from the goal cross bar! Evaluating players and determining any limitation required participation - Be sure players are physically capable of performing the required skills. This includes mental, physical, and even child abuse situations, Evaluate old injuries as carefully as you can before letting players return to action. Matching or equating opponents - Fairly match players for practices and games, giving consideration to body weight, skill level, and maturity. Providing proper first aid - Have a first aid kit available along with a plan, which outlines emergency procedures. Know where to find emergency help and a telephone (put a couple of quarters in your first aid kit or have a cellular phone on hand). Don't attempt to provide aid beyond your qualifications. ALWAYS have your players' medical release forms with you - they should provide emergency phone numbers as well as permission for you to obtain emergency medical aid in the event a parent/guardian cannot be reached. Be aware of problems concerning transportation. Carry adequate personal liability insurance. Accepting money for transportation may void your personal auto liability insurance - check with your insurance agent or carrier. Respect the civil rights of your players on and off the field. Consider the factors of the game as it relates to officials and spectators. Keep good records of an event especially in the case of an injury. Finally, it is to your advantage to have a second adult in attendance at your practices this reduces the risk that you could unjustly be accused of inappropriate behavior. Coaches who successfully perform the above duties not only reduce their personal risk, but also demonstrate to parents and other coaches a desire and willingness to act responsibly for the benefit of the kids Negligence and a Coach's Legal Duties The risks of the game (called inherent risks) are acceptable as long as a coach acts prudently and as long as these inherent risks are known, appreciated, understood and consciously accepted by the participants. NEGLIGENCE: The failure to act in a manner that a reasonable and prudent coach would normally act in a similar situation. Four Factors in Determining Negligence, All four must be present to prove negligence:
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