KASL Soccer Safety Tips for Coaches

mportant Information:

• KASL SEVERE WEATHER POLICY
• KASL GOAL SAFETY POLICY
• PLAYER HEADING POLICY (No heading rule in 9U, 10U and 11U)

Heat Safety Tips For Soccer 

G.O.A.L.

• Get Acclimated...active kids need time to gradually adapt to hotter temperatures
• On a schedule, drink up...thirst isn’t an accurate indicator of fluid needs. Young athletes should be encouraged to drink on a schedule or at regular intervals before they become thirsty. Always bring a Gatorade...especially during games and practices in the heat, replacing electrolytes and providing energy is crucial to keeping kids safe.
• Learn the warning signs of dehydration and heat illness...if someone becomes fatigued, dizzy, nauseous or has a headache during exercise in the heat, have them stop, rest and drink fluids. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

BEFORE ACTIVITY

• Young players should be well hydrated...light colored urine well hydrated; dark urine indicates dehydration.

DURING ACTIVITY

• Drink early...even slight dehydration can compromise performance and increase the risk for heat- related illness.
• Young players should consume 5 to 9 ounces (5 oz. for a player less than 90 lbs, 9 oz. for a player over 90 lbs.) of fluid every 20 minutes while active.
• Sports drinks like Gatorade are preferred to water because research shows a young athlete will drink 90% more and stay better hydrated.

AFTER ACTIVITY

• Regardless of thirst, drink every 20 minutes for one hour after activity.
• Fluids to Avoid During Practice or Games
• Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, caffeinated beverages, energy drinks.
• Drinks high in sugar content can slow fluid absorption and cause upset stomach. Carbonation can reduce voluntary drinking due to stomach fullness. Caffeinated beverages have a mild diuretic effect and could promote dehydration. Drinks high in carbohydrates such as energy drinks slow fluid absorption.

Warning Signs of Dehydration

• Thirst
• Headache
• Lack of energy Dark, yellow urine
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Red, flushed face
• Dry lips and tongue Muscle Cramping
• Dizziness
• Be Prepared During Hot Weather

Children should wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Take breaks in the shade whenever possible. Always have a phone available and be familiar with emergency numbers. Keep ice and ice towels on hand in case of heat-related emergencies.

Lightning Safety Guidelines

Lightning is the number one weather hazard for athletic events. The following guidelines should be used to prevent tragedy from striking your soccer club.

1. Monitor weather conditions prior to your match. Know what the weather forecast predicts for your area.

2. Suspension and resumption of games should be planned for in advance when weather could include lightning. The coaches and referees should discuss the possibility of

3. lightning prior to kick-off and know what to do should lightning force the suspension or
4. cancellation of the match.

3. Players and spectators should be advised to use SAFE evacuation sites in the event of

   lightning.

   • Enclosed buildings with substantial construction

   • Fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows up.

   • Low ground.

4. Use the lightning safety motto: “If you see it, flee it; if you hear it; clear it.”

5. If caught by close-in lightning without immediately available SAFE evacuation site...(if

   you can feel your hair standing on end and/or hear crackling noises)...immediately

   remove all metal objects, place your feet together, duck your head, and crouch down low.

6. Once a game has been suspended for weather...wait 30 minutes following the last visible

   lightning striker or thunderclap before returning to the field.

7. UNSAFE SHELTER AREAS: Under bleachers, picnic pavilions, grove of trees, small

   structures in open areas. Avoid water, Avoid metal objects, Avoid open fields.

8. People have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to

   handle. Apply first aid immediately if you are qualified to do so. Get emergency help promptly.

Please note: these are general guidelines and it is recommended you consult your club’s procedures for lightning for specific guidelines when dealing with weather related hazards.

Secured Goals And Safe Field Surface Provide Safe Practice And Games

Players rely on their coaches for just about everything, and that includes safe practice and game fields. It’s the coaches responsibility to make sure goals are properly anchored and the playing surface is safe, no holes or sharp objects. Here are some guidelines for both areas of responsibility.

Goal Post Safety:

1. Portable goals should always be properly secured and anchored.  Remember spring winds can blow over an unsecured goal in an instant.

2. Inspect goals for sharp corners and general integrity (strength).

3. Instruct all players and parents of the potential dangers associated with movable goals and nets (tipping over).

4. Forbid any horseplay by players or members of the general public on or around any goal!

5. Portable goals should only be moved by authorized personnel!

6. Portable goals should be secured in a safe place when not in use.

Field Safety:

1. Inspect for foreign objects before every practice and game.

2. Check for holes, ruts and bumps.

3. Make sure Goals are secure (sand bags, ground pegs).

4. Observe a three-foot restraining line from the touchline. Remind spectators of this as

   well.

5. Notify your club and field owners of unsafe field conditions in writing.

6. Do not allow participation by your players until noted hazards have been corrected.