Transcript
On Field Policy Introduction In developing the SUFC On Field policy, the focus has remained on the reason we have a Football Club, to enjoy the game of football, whether this be for players, coaches, managers, spectators or members of the public. Part of this enjoyment comes from ensuring that the game and any training/coaching sessions can be held in a safe environment, on safe fields and using safe equipment. Pitch Safety Prior to any training or game taking place please ensure that pitches are safe to play on. Games For games this is best carried out by the coach or manager of EACH team, and any issues reported to either the home club or match official (club based referee or appointed referee). If the coaches, manager, match officials or team captains have concerns over the pitch conditions the over-riding factor should always be player safety first. Where a pitch does not pass a safety inspection, this should be reported to the home club and by email to Mainland Football who may pass on the concerns to the City Council to address where they have some responsibility. Training at Foster Park For training at Foster Park, decisions on the availability of pitches (eg. due to weather/pitch conditions) will be made by SUFC in the first instance, however, even if Foster Park is open for training this should not stop any coach or volunteer cancelling their session if they feel that the pitch and/or conditions are unsafe for their planned session and/or players. What to look for when assessing pitches 1. Weather Conditions Recent and current weather conditions play a big part in pitch safety. Have the recent weather conditions adversely affected the playing surface, check that the surface is safe and fit for purpose. 2. Goal Posts & Nets Are the goal posts safe and secure. Test by applying forward and side-ways pressure to the uprights, check cross bar is secure and nets installed correctly. 3. Corner Flags Make sure that the corner flags are installed and are of the correct height and size for the age group using the pitch. 4. Pitch Inspection Walk around one half of the pitch whilst the other team manager does the opposite half and ensure that the pitch is clear of rubbish, tape, strapping, broken tree branches and debris from winds, dog feces and any other waste matter. 5. Pitch Markings Pitch marking should be visible to ensure fair play and that players can play on safe inspected pitches, these can be painted lines or lines marked by cones, where lines are not visible.
SUFC On Field Policy – March 2017
6. Pitch Conditions Football is a winter sport so ground conditions will vary from match to match. The referee may decide if the pitch is suitable to play on according to FIFA Rules, in the absence of a referee the 2 coaches or managers should discuss pitch conditions and take into account, water or rain, muddy patches, softness, hardness, snow, grass length, holes and uneven surfaces, and any other environmental hazard that may exist or be present. REMEMBER PITCH CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE THROUGHOUT THE GAME. 7. Re-check at Half Time Take a second opportunity at half time, and prior to the restart to ensure that the pitch is still a safe place to play.
Player Safety Football is a contact sport and although in the main injuries are infrequent, they can and do occur. Ensuring player safety is a combination of: 1. Player preparation Prior to playing or training all players need to properly warmed up, ensure that you as the coach or manager insist on a thorough warmup. Pre-season fitness and preparation is important for all, especially once players start playing at older age grades and at higher competition levels. A proper pre-season fitness programme should be used to prepare players for the season.
2. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment Players, at any level, should not be allowed to either train or play unless they are wearing appropriate shin pads. Mouth guards, although not compulsory, have been found to reduce concussion and may be used by players.
3. Player management General Sprain/Strain type Injuries Throughout the game or training, keep an eye on players, especially their level of tiredness, carelessness or aggression. Any of these three can lead to, or increase the likelihood of, injuries to either themselves or others. If the coach or manager believes that these factors are starting to come into play consider resting or withdrawing the player from the game. Any niggles or injuries need to closely watched out for and appropriate action taken. Again, resting or withdrawing a player may be required to avoid more serious injuries and longer periods away from the game. Appropriate first aid should always be administered in situations where injury has occurred.
SUFC On Field Policy – March 2017
Concussion or Head Injuries Concussion or head injures can have serious, long lasting and life changing impacts on a player and suspected concussions or head injuries must always be treated with urgency.
All coaches, managers, volunteers and players should refer to, and be familiar with, the SUFC Concussion Policy and the SUFC Concussion Checklist.
Reporting of Injuries Any serious injuries (and all suspected concussions) must be reported to the Club by sending an email with the details of the injury to
[email protected]. They should also be reported to Mainland Football using the “Report an Injury” function on their website. (Unfortunately Mainland does not notify Clubs of any injuries reported to them yet.)
http://www.gosh.net.nz/mainlandfootball/mainland.html
If you have any H&S questions or concerns, please send an email to
[email protected]
SUFC On Field Policy – March 2017
