Good coaching practices to reduce risk

• plan all coaching sessions
• follow child protection guidelines
• conduct pre-participation screening using a medical history form (see example form in the coaching templates)
• ensure participants warm up prior to activity
• don’t mismatch participants (consider size/strength, not age)
• clearly establish the rules for behaviour and activities
• ensure the safety of playing areas, facilities and equipment
• require participants to use protective devices
• adapt activities for environmental conditions (for example, hot, humid, or cold, wet conditions)
• cater for individual needs

Tips for ensuring the safety of playing areas

Ensure that:

• the playing area is level, firm and free from obstructions (for example, holes or exposed sprinkler heads)
• permanent fixtures such as goal posts are padded, flexible and highly visible
• corner posts and other field posts cannot injure participants on contact (these should be made of cardboard or other ‘non-threatening’ material)
• there is adequate lighting if playing at night
• there is adequate matting where necessary (for example, gymnastics, high jump)
• perimeter fences are well back from the playing area
  spectators are kept well away from the playing area.

Tips for ensuring the safety of protective equipment

Check that protective equipment:

• is worn by participants during training and competition
• fits the participant correctly
• is regularly checked and maintained
• is specific and appropriate for the sport, size and age of the participant
• is being used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and the recommendations of the governing sporting body.

Tips for ensuring the safety of environmental conditions

In hot or humid conditions:

• Encourage participants to wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured clothing made from a natural fibre (for example, cotton).
• Avoid intense activity in hot or humid conditions and monitor participants carefully for signs of heat illness.
• Help participants avoid sunburn by encouraging them to slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat.
• Encourage participants to drink plenty of fluid before the activity begins and schedule regular drink breaks during the activity.

In cold and/or wet conditions:

• Encourage participants to wear clothing appropriate for cold conditions (for example, dress in layers to trap heat, wear gloves and a hat to reduce heat loss).
• Avoid participants standing exposed to the cold for long periods.
• Encourage participants to change wet clothing as soon as practicable.
• Alternative venues (for example, indoors) should also be considered, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants.
• Long breaks will cause the body to cool down, so participants should be encouraged to wear warm clothing. Coaches should plan training sessions to avoid long breaks. Another warm-up period may be needed if long rest periods cannot be avoided.