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General
Remember that anyone who wishes to criticise your safety standards will probably have the benefit of hindsight... It is therefore better to err on the side of caution.
Health & Safety legislation applies to Leagues as much as any other body.
An official record of any accidents/injuries must be made.
Regular risk assessments must be made to ensure that risks are eliminated, and these will vary from one League to the next. An example is available from the NEC. The following check list may help - but it is not exhaustive..
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Equipment
Ensure that goalposts are safe - particularly look for worn joints between the crossbar and the goalposts, and ensure free-standing goals are securely staked to prevent toppling in a gust of wind.
Check for sharp corners at head height or less, and any protruding bolts and metal hooks.
Corner posts must be the regulation 5 feet high.
Make regular stud inspections.
Shinpads are compulsory.
Check pitches for holes, glass, dogs mess, etc.
Be familiar with hygiene legislation in League cafes.
Behaviour
Don't allow children to throw mud, rope stakes etc.
Don't allow children to chew gum, eat sweets, wear jewellery while playing.
Don't leave children alone in parks.
Consider traffic problems, parking and in particular local residents.
Don't allow children behind the cafe counter.
Ensure bikes, prams etc are well away from the touchlines.
Outings
Each adult should have specific responsibility for a small group (as well as a general responsibility for all the children). For insurance purposes, this should be not more than 8 children - but preferably not more than 5.
At places like Football League Grounds, the seaside etc, don't allow children to go off alone, or try to find their way back to the coach.
An adult should have a mobile phone, and the number given to each child so if he/she gets lost, the child can make contact.
A prior reconnaissance to check for dangers should be made if possible, as safety considerations will be different for each place.
For foreign trips, please contact the NEC for advice.
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Rule 3.1
Rule 3.3.6
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Adults
All new volunteers must be 'vetted' through the Criminal Records Bureau. See Section 7B. Encourage Volunteers to attend courses that include 1st Aid and Child Protection.
First Aid
It is strongly advised that a local St John Ambulance Division or Red Cross Branch are contacted to arrange regular cover at weekly matches. Phone numbers can be obtained from Yellow Pages under First Aid, or from their Head Offices:
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St John 020 7258 3456.
Red Cross 020 7235 5454
Failing this, a person trained in First Aid must be present.
Both bodies provide First Aid training courses, which can be tailored to include sports injury modules. Managers should carry a First Aid kit and know how to use it. The following items are recommended in managers kits:
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Assorted bandages plus two 2½" crepe bandages
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Two triangular bandages
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Six safety pins
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Assorted plasters
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Medicated Wipes for wiping around a cut or graze.
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Water in a spray bottle
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Scissors
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Surgical Gloves
Items like PR spray, Deep Heat, plastic skin, antiseptic cream and Aspirin are not allowed. A bucket of water and a sponge are also not allowed.
Never be afraid to call an ambulance. Know where the nearest working telephone is - preferably have a mobile.
Managers should carry players' addresses and phone numbers.
At least two adults should be present at training sessions. Watch for children suffering from excessive cold on wet and windy days - they will tend to be still and paying little regard to the game.
Tell parents to wrap their kids up warm.
League Secretaries must keep First Aid personnel and Team Managers informed of any medical conditions revealed in the Trials Forms.
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Rule 1.9
Section 7B |
