The Quick Athletic Risk Management Checklist

TASA ID: 33

Safety is boring. No one gives out trophies for the team with the fewest injuries in a season. Fans don't yell, "We're number one, we're number one - in safety!" Safety only becomes exciting when there is a problem. The following quick checklist is offered to help keep safety - boring. Pass this on to every coach and athletic director.

1. Join professional groups and subscribe to professional magazines.
2. Make the issue of safety important.  It'll make safety important to athletes.
3. Correct safety problems immediately.
4. Know your sport. 
5. Know how to supervise your sport.
6. Have enough qualified coaches.
7. Maintain basic emergency care skills.
8. Have an emergency plan.
9. Utilize additional athletic medical personnel.  An athletic trainer is your best risk management tool.
10. An AED on the school grounds, with qualified users, is recommended.
11. Follow your athletic department rules and regulations.
12. An athlete should not return to play after an injury or illness without a completed "return to play" form.
13. Establish training rules and policies. Put them in writing.
14. Develop an athletic safety committee.
15. Develop and use athletic safety checklists.
16. Keep records.
17. Have a parent information meeting to review the season and the risk and benefits of participants.
18. Buy only from reputable dealers.
19. Check all equipment and facilities.
20. Make sure you have "buffer zones" outside the playing area.
21. Avoid using "homemade" equipment.
22. Have an out-of-season conditioning program 
23. Seek outside opinions.
24. Stay in communication with the maintenance department. 
25. Be able to say NO! "No, we won't play without everyone having good equipment. 
26. Sell athletic safety.
27. Avoid negative public relations and terms  such as the "nut cracker" or "bell ringer" drill.
28. Avoid post injury discussions with anyone but your superior. Accident reports should be factual and to the point. Do not editorialize.
29. Have informed consent forms and offer oral warnings.
30. Remind your athletes of their responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others on the court and playing fields.
31. Walk into every situation and ask yourself, "Have I done all that is reasonable to lower the chance of injury to my athletes?

This article discusses issues of general interest and does not give any specific legal, medical, or business advice pertaining to any specific circumstances.  Before acting upon any of its information, you should obtain appropriate advice from a lawyer or other qualified professional.

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