Coaching Do’s and Don’ts

I have created a list of a dozen soccer safety “DO’S AND DON’TS” for coaches. After having assembled this website and identifying all the potential safety issues I could think of, it is apparent there is much a coach has to consider regarding safety of their players. I think if coaches could apply the following Do’s and Don’ts in their coaching philosophy, they can go a long way to ensuring a safe soccer environment for all concerned. This list in not all inclusive of soccer safety issues, but addresses most of the key elements.

SAFE SOCCER’S DOZEN “DO’S”

1. Ensure fields for games and practices are free of obstacles and irregularities.
2. Secure all portable goals, and inspect permanent goals for hazards.
3. Be observant of weather conditions like heat, lightning and air pollution.
4. Practice good first aid techniques for minor injuries.
5. Refer all significant injuries, including concussions for medical assessment.
6. Know each player’s individual limitations and illnesses.
7. Apply good training techniques and injury prevention concepts in practice & games.
8. Supervise players when at games, practices and when travelling.
9. Keep parents informed on any matters relating to the health and welfare of players.
10. Inspect all player’s personal equipment regularly.
11. Do no permit players to return from injury until released by MD and ready to play.
12. Educate all players, parents, and staff on importance of safety. It’s everybody’s job.

SAFE SOCCER’S DOZEN “DON’TS”

1. Never permit players to play on an unknown or unsafe surface.
2. Portable goals should never be left unsecured, climbed on or moved by players.
3. Don’t push the limits with severe weather conditions. Know when to call it a day.
4. Do not neglect minor injuries to players, thinking they are “no big deal”.
5. Never permit a player’s return to play after significant injury, without MD approval.
6. Do not take short cuts with training, warm-ups, cool-downs to save time.
7. Do not be oblivious to each player’s individual health issues.
8. Do not assume players will inform their parents about their soccer injuries.
9. Never leave the field until all players have left or have been accounted for.
10. Do not take for granted that players will have appropriate equipment.
11. Do not assume everyone else understands the importance of safety.
12. Never put the importance of the game before the player’s health and well-being.

I am certain we could think of another dozen items to list here, but I believe these above encompass the majority of primary soccer safety concerns. If you can think of some other good ones, let us know and we can grow, or modify our list.