Safety Guidelines

For Children and Young People in Sport and

Recreation
These guidelines have been developed to support safe participation in sport and recreation for
children and young people. Injury is a known barrier to participation and it is estimated that 50% of
injuries are preventable.
Safety Guidelines
For Children and Young People in Sport and
Recreation
These guidelines have been developed to support safe participation in sport and recreation for
children and young people. Injury is a known barrier to participation and it is estimated that 50% of
injuries are preventable. Safer sport and recreation will increase positive and ongoing
participation. In a positive and safe sporting or recreational environment! young people can
develop healthy lifestyles! friendships! life skills and a strong sense of belonging and community.
Safe participation also enables young people to access the many health benefits of sport and
recreation including preventing obesity! chronic disease and mental illness. "oung people should
be physically active for a minimum of #0 minutes per day to maintain good health.
$ey stakeholders in junior sport and recreation! such as parents! participants! coaches! officials!
teachers and organisations! should share the responsibility for making sport and recreation safe
and enjoyable for all young people.
Safe sport and recreation for children and young people re%uires those involved to be properly
educated and %ualified and for the environments in which activities take place to be safe. To
achieve this! consideration should be given to the following& coaching and official accreditations'
the conditions of facilities and e%uipment' the climate' illness and medical conditions' emotional
wellbeing' drugs and first aid.
Safe! positive e(periences in sport and recreation can play a vital role in the health and wellbeing
of young people.
These guidelines are relevant to administrators! schools! teachers! coaches! parents! officials and
participants. These guidelines can help reduce injuries to participants by up to 50% giving them
lifelong access to physical activity! reducing their risk of chronic illness! mental illness and obesity.
1
Sports Medicine Australia
Safety guidelines for children in sport and recreation
)nd ed.
IS*+ ,-.0,.05),-0.
/ Sports 0edicine 1ustralia )00.
2esign& 3evitate 4raphic 2esign 5ty 3td
5rinted by 6an5rint 6ommunications 5ty 3td
5hotographs& 1ustralian Sports 6ommission and [Link]
The following SMA members and staff contributed to the information in and production of
this booklet
Lesley Crompton, Simon Dolejsi, Nicole Den Duyn (ASC), Alex Donaldson, Jeff Emmel (ACHE!),
Sue Hooper, Hu"# Ha$ard,Simon Loc%e, Nello &arino, 'ary &oor#ead, 'inette Naffa, 'eri
Nau"#ton, Anna(el Sides, Emma Sulli)an, Amanda *ilson+
7or more information about safe and injury free sport! or a booklet version of this resource contact
Sports 0edicine 1ustralia or visit the Smartplay web site.
Sports Medicine Australia ! "ic #ranch
Sports 8ouse! 9-5 1lbert :oad! South 0elbourne! ;I6 9)05
<mail& smartplay=[Link]
;isit& [Link] or [Link]
Sports Medicine Australia
5> *o( -. 0itchell 16T ),?? 1ustralia
<mail& smanat=[Link]
;isit& [Link] or [Link]
$isclaimer
The 6ommonwealth of 1ustralia shall not be responsible for the results of any actions arising out of
the use of any information in this publication nor for any errors or omissions contained therein. The
publisher! the 1ustralian 4overnment! and the authors e(pressly disclaim all liability to any person
or anything done or omitted to be done by any such person! in particular! in respect of any injury!
disease or death occurring as a result! in reliance! whether whole or partial! upon the whole or any
part of the contents of this publication.
Sports 0edicine 1ustralia Smartplay 5rogram 4uidelines for 6hildren and "oung 5eople in Sport
and <(ercise have been reproduced for the $eeping @unior Sport Safe Toolkit with permission of
the 1ustralian 4overnment! 2epartment of 8ealth and 1geing. Smartplay is Sports 0edicine
1ustraliaAs sports injury prevention program. Smartplay in ;ictoria is funded by ;ic8ealth and the
2epartment of 6ommunity 2evelopment BSport and :ecreation ;ictoriaC.
2
Contents
These guidelines will assist you to provide a safe and positive e(perience for those involved in
junior sport and active recreation.
PAG%
Pre&ention Strategies '
The <nvironment D
<%uipment D
4rounds and 7acilities 5
Record (eeping) Managing *llness and Medical Conditions +
5reparticipation Screening #
6ollecting Information and $eeping :ecords -
Illness and 5articipation -
0edical 6onditions and 5articipation -
Considerations for Participation ,
Training Sessions .
Earm Fp! 6ool 2own and Stretch ,
1mount and Intensity of 1ctivity G 5reventing >veruse Injury ,
*alanced 6ompetitions ?0
Strength Training ?0
:ecovery ??
Injury 0anagement and :eturn to 5lay ?)
Roles and Responsibilities -.
6lubs! Schools and 5roviders of Sport 1nd :ecreation >pportunities ?9
Safety 5ersonnel ?D
6oaches and Teachers ?D
>fficials B:eferees! Fmpires! @udges! TimekeepersC ?5
5arents ?#
-/ Points to Remember -0
1urther *nformation and 2inks -,
3
Prevention Strategies
The %n&ironment
The weather Bboth hot and coldC can affect children and young peopleAs safe participation in sport
and recreation activities.
6hildren and young people are highly susceptible to e(tremes in temperature. 7luid replacement is
important during any sport or recreation activity! particularly in hot environments. 1ll children and
young people should be well hydrated before participation begins with regular fluid intake. The
weather Bheat! humidity! cold! wind and rainC should be assessed before beginning an activity and
an appropriate decision made regarding whether participation should go ahead.
6hildren and young people Bin particular thinHlean childrenC are also susceptible to illness in cold
weather as they lose body heat more easily. 5hysical activity is one of the best ways to stay warm
in a cold environment. 8owever! coaches! parents and officials should pay particular attention to
children and young people playing water sports or activities subject to wet conditions because
water increases the loss of body heat.
2o not train or play outdoors during a thunder storm due to a possibility of being struck by lightning.
<nsure ade%uate shade and sunscreen are available and all participants! officials and spectators
have appropriate clothing! hats and sunglasses to prevent overe(posure to the sun. In hot
conditions! children are the best judges of their own wellbeing and capacity to play. If they feel
unwell! they will usually simply stop activity. This is the best first response to heat illness. Fnder no
circumstances should children be compelled to keep playing if they feel unwell in the heat.
8ave some fle(ibility from competition rules about clothing to allow children and young people to
feel more comfortable in e(tremely cold or hot weather. This includes allowing tracksuit pants in
cold weather or hats when hot! even if not part of regulation uniform.
The environmental weather conditions before! during and after activity should be assessed
regularly and activity modified or cancelled where appropriate. Sports 0edicine 1ustraliaAs ,-eat
t#e Heat. brochure is a useful source of good advice on this topic. BSee [Link]
5revention Strategies
%3uipment
The use of appropriate and properly fitted e%uipment is essential to reduce the risk of injuries. 1ll
e%uipment used should meet 1ustralian Standards and be&
I suited to the siJe and ability of the participant
I regularly checked and maintained
I replaced when inade%uate for its purpose
I sufficient in number
I padded as appropriate
I properly erectedHconstructed
I used by senior members and other role models as an e(ample of good safety to juniors
I re%uired at all times training as well as competition
I easily and safely lifted or moved to the field of play
I sport specific.
Some commonly used protective e%uipment includes&
4
I mouthguards
I helmets
I footwear
I gloves
I protective padding! e.g. shin guards
I eyewear
I strapping and taping.
6lubs and schools should develop creative ways to ensure appropriate protective e%uipment and
playing e%uipment is available for participants who are unable to provide their own e.g. special
fundraising! e%uipment sharing! developing good
relationships with e%uipment suppliers Blocal dentists! sports storesC.
<(amples of the importance and use of protective e%uipment&
Mouthguards 2ental injuries are the most common type of facial injury in contact sports. 0ost
dental injuries in sport can be prevented if a professionally fitted mouthguard is worn. "oung
participants undergoing orthodontic treatment can be at greater risk of dental injury. Someone
should be trained to deal with dental emergencies where there is a risk of dental injury.
4elmets 8ard helmets protect the head in high speed sports such as cycling! roller blading or
skiing and sports which involve missilelike objects such as baseball! ice hockey and cricket. Soft
helmets protect against minor injuries such as cuts! but not against more serious injuries like
concussion or spinal injuries.
1ootwear 6orrect and well fitting footwear is essential to reduce injuries in sport. Important
features of correct footwear include&
I fit
I cushioning
I stability
I an absence of shoerelated pain or discomfort in the foot or lower limb.
7ootwear specifically designed for a sport should be used rather than general running or sports
shoes! particularly in sports which re%uire sideways movement like netball and basketball. 7ootball
boots should have the appropriate studs for the sport and the surface! although studs may not be
appropriate on hard grounds caused by drought.
5ther Protecti&e %3uipment 6ontact your local sport or recreational club for more information
about e%uipment that is used in your childAs activities such as eyewear protection and protective
padding such as knee pads! elbow pads or gloves. To find out more about strapping and taping talk
to a sports trainer! first aider or sports medicine professional.
Safe e%uipment is important for prevention of injury. >ne siJe does +>T fit all G get the right
e%uipment for the activity and the person. 5arents! coaches! clubs! schools! safety personnel and
associations should ensure all children and young people have access to well fitted protective
e%uipment of an acceptable standard.
The use of appropriate and properly fitted e%uipment is essential to reduce the risk of injuries.
5
Grounds and 1acilities
4rounds and facilities should be regularly checked by an appropriate person BclubHassociation
representative! local council! official! coach! parentC to ensure they are safe to use. This should
include checking that&
I the playing surface is in reasonable condition without holes! e(posed sprinkler heads or hard
patches
I all rubbish is cleared away! especially broken glass! stones and rip top lids from bottles and cans
I change rooms! toilets! showers and first aid treatment areas are clean and hygienic
I corner posts and other field posts cannot injure participants on contact
I permanent fi(tures such as goal posts are padded
I perimeter fences are well back from the playing area
I spectators! unnecessary e%uipment and vehicles are kept well back from the sidelines
I lighting is ade%uate if playing at night
I matting is ade%uate where necessary! like gymnastics.
0ake sure all identified haJards are removed or fi(ed before grounds and facilities are used! for
e(ample goal post padding is secure and holes on the playing surface filled.
If possible! use a comprehensive! written checklist to ensure that whoever is doing the inspection
knows what to look for and whoever is fi(ing the problem knows what needs to be done.
4round staff! councils and associations should avoid the use of dehydrated lime for marking lines!
as it may cause skin burns or eye damage.
3ocal governments or the organisation from whom the facility is hired should be the first point of
call in establishing appropriate facility management. 4rounds and facilities need policies and plans
for injury prevention. 1ttention to detail during checks! reports! and follow up are key strategies for
clubs and schools to put into practice.
Record Keeping, Managing Illness and Medical
Conditions
Pre!participation Screening
To plan a safe! beneficial and appropriate activity program the coach or teacher must know the
relevant medical history of all participants as well as family! school! other sporting and social
commitments. 6ollection of information from preparticipation screening is only a starting point.
This information needs to be reviewed regularly! communicated to people who need to know and
available in case of an emergency. 5hysical preseason screening of young participants can take
several forms. The most economic and logical screening involves %uestionnaires. The contents of
the %uestionnaire are likely to vary at the sport and local levels.
Some authorities in contact sports such as rugby recommend %uestions about brain injury history!
including how it was recognised and assessed.
>ther medical agencies recommend two %uestions to estimate the presence of e(ercise induced
asthma. Testing for e(ercise induced asthma and cardiac abnormality may be important if positive
6
symptoms e(ist! and may best apply to young people participating in KseriousL Be.g. participating at
state or national age group competitionsC rather than recreational sport or physical activity.
4ood use of preparticipation screening information by clubs! schools! officials and coaches is
important for injury prevention.
Collecting *nformation and (eeping Records
Types of information that may be collected include athlete medical forms! consent for collection of
images! and asthma management plans. 1s important as collection and sharing of participant
information is! it is also just as important that the privacy of the participantAs information is
respected! that the participant is aware of who will have access to their information and! that
access complies with privacy laws.
0edical information should be collected in conjunction with the 5rivacy 1ct G consider who has
access to the information.
6heck the information regularly and modify activities where re%uired.
*llness and Participation
6hildren and young people are particularly vulnerable during times of illness! with the risk of
damage to tissues or organs being very high.
6hildren and young people should not participate in sport when ill or recovering from a viral illness
with symptoms such as fever or a higher than normal body temperature in the previous )D hours.
Ehen assessing whether a child should participate in physical activity remember&
I the child should not participate if the symptoms are general Be.g. temperature! aches! pains!
general muscular tirednessC
I for uncomplicated upper respiratory tract symptoms! such as a runny nose or sneeJing! the child
should be allowed to participate for ?0?5 minutes. The childAs condition should then be
reassessed! and if they feel unwell! or are obviously struggling to keep up! then they should not
continue to participate in that session.
5arents of a child taking prescription medication should discuss any implications for participation
with the treating doctor before participating in sport or physical activity.
Medical Conditions and Participation
1 number of conditions which! when medically supervised! do not permanently preclude a childAs
involvement in sporting activity Bbut may at any given time e(clude participationC. These include&
I chronic infections
I cardiovascular abnormalities
I musculoskeletal problems like arthritis
I medical conditions such as diabetes! asthma! epilepsy.
6hildren and young people who suffer from asthma should have an asthma management plan
Bestablished in conjunction with their doctorC and always have easy access to their inhaled
7
medication. This is particularly important if the asthmatic child has an upper respiratory tract
infection. The coach should know the childAs asthma management plan.
6oaches and officials should be aware of these common medical conditions and their effect on the
child.
Ehile these conditions can be controlled through proper management and medication there are
times when the childAs participation may be limited by unforeseen changes in the condition. The
capacity to participate with a medical condition may vary on whether the sport or activity is
classified as contact or collision! limited contact or noncontact. The 1merican 1cademy of
5ediatrics listed a number of long term conditions and their suitability to safe sports participation.
6onditions include' different types of cardiac conditions! kidney disease and diabetes.
6oaches should be aware of any medical conditions of participants and how participation in sport
might affect these adversely. <nsure all participants complete a preseason medical %uestionnaire
and update this throughout the season as necessary.
Considerations for Participation
Training sessions
To ensure activity sessions are safe and enjoyable they must be planned in advance! well
structured! and contain the following components&
I warm up Bcardiovascular increase of muscle temperature! including dynamic stretching may
increase performance! but may not prevent injuryC
I skill practice Busing drills! games and practicesC
I activity Bapplication of skills in game like situationsC
I cool down.
7itness can be developed through well organised! varied! and active skill drills! practices and
games. 2evelopment of fitness! strength! agility! fle(ibility and balance can be promoted through
enjoyable learning activities! and will establish a good base for specific conditioning in the future.
Training should focus on activities! practices and games incorporating fundamental movement
activities some of which are basic to all movement such as running! jumping and others more
specific to the sport or activity such as passing! catching! kicking! supporting and rolling. 1n
introduction to evasion and contact techni%ues can be progressively introduced through simple
drills! se%uenced activities! and small group games.
7itness activities at training! e.g. runs! interval schedules! sprint training and circuits should be
appropriate to the stage of the season Be.g. preseasonC and participantsA ageHfitness levels. 7or
e(ample KbeginnerL level running can develop via running based games. 1 gamesbased approach
to running more closely resembles the stop start nature of children and young peopleAs play and is
more likely to be a more positive e(perience than running laps of an oval or court.
Eell planned! varied and simple gamebased activities should make up the majority of training
sessions for young participants. Sessions should aim to gradually increase challenges to all areas
of fitness! conditioning! skill development and gameHactivity understanding.
8
6arm up) cool down and stretch
The warm up is often part of the start of a physical activity session. The warm up aims to&
I prepare the mind and body for the activity
I increase body temperature
I increase heart rate
I increase breathing rate.
The warm up should include activities that use the same movement patterns as the activities to be
performed during the session. Earm up e(ercises should begin at a low intensity and gradually
increase to the level re%uired in the activity.
5articipants should do a cool down routine at the end of every activity session! consisting of&
I activity of significantly reduced intensity! such as )G9 minutes of easy jogging or walking
I 5 minutes of gentle! dynamic stretching e(ercises.
Stretching activities should move the muscles through the full range of movement and include all
muscle groups that will be used in the activities to come. Stretching can be performed in different
ways but there is some evidence for younger people that dynamic stretching Bmoving slowly
through a full stretchC is better than static stretching Bholding one angle for more than a few
secondsC.
Eell planned warm up and cool down activities can help participants get the most out of their
sessions. Stretching during recovery can improve fle(ibility. Earm ups help participants to mentally
and physically prepare and cool downs assist in recovery.
Amount and *ntensity of Acti&ity 7 Pre&enting 5&eruse *n8ury
>veruse injuries! such as tendonitis or muscle soreness caused by e(cessive andHor repetitive use!
are preventable.
6oaches and teachers of young sports participants with particularly demanding activity schedules
need to find out about other demands placed on the individuals. 7or e(ample! many elite swimmers
may be training intensively up to two times per day and also be attending schools that place
physical demands on talented young students. 6oaches should be mindful that talented young
participants may be involved in multiple sports! in the same sport at different levels of
representation and be undertaking multiple training sessions per week.
There will also be the peak demands of normal schoolwork! such as e(tra study for e(ams.
Teachers and parents of active young participants also have a responsibility to communicate with
coaches to help manage the demands of talented young participants. *usy young participants may
be more susceptible to burnout! over training andHor under recovery.
>veruse is a common cause of injuries in child and adolescent participants. 1void e(cessive
participation that may lead to physical and or psychological injuries by&
I avoiding year long participation in the one sport
I altering participation at times when multiple representative s%uads or teams are occurring
I being conservative in planning programs involving increases in intensive participation
I reminding young participants that sport should be fun
I acting on injuries at the earliest sign
9
I asking young participants regularly how they feel.
8igh intensity! ma(imal effort activities e.g. D00 metre sprint or repeated ?0 to )0 metre sprints!
need to be of short duration. 8igh intensity e(ercise! combined with a high fre%uency of
participation is not sustainable for many young people! and may result in injury and a negative
attitude to sport. Improvement at an individual! rather than group rate is a better way to account for
individual differences.
2istance running for young participants should be carefully considered in the conte(t of&
I injury risk Bparticularly in immature skeletons and around the growth spurtC
I conditions that might induce heat stress
I aerobic capacity
I psychological conse%uences
I social conte(t of participation Ba lot of time spent in isolation from others during individual
participationC.
@arring activities on hard surfaces should be interspersed with other activities. 6oaches should
monitor fre%uency of participation to avoid overuse injuries in their athletes. The amount and
intensity of physical work that any child can do will vary because of age! fitness! motivation!
e(perience and general growth.
There is no recommended amount or intensity of activity for age groups! so take care when asking
young people to e(ercise for longer times or at higher intensities than they are used to.
#alanced Competitions
*alanced competitions are important to reduce the risk of injury.
In junior contact sports the grouping of children and young people by age group is not always the
best way of establishing a balanced competition. Fse common sense G consider age! siJe! gender!
strength! skill! e(perience! attitude to competition! and psychological Bemotional and socialC
maturity of the participants.
Ehen coaches! officials! sports first aiders! parents and participants follow the safety guidelines the
risk of serious injury is minimal. Ehile the rate of injury is higher in contact sports than noncontact
sports! the overall benefits of children and young peopleAs participation far outweigh the risk.
Fsing modified rules and playing modified games can also decrease the risk of injury for young
participants. +ational and State Sporting >rganisations are a good place to investigate modified
games for balanced competition and training. 6areful grouping of young participants is a basis for
safe and fair play in sport.
6areful grouping of young participants is a basis for safe and fair play in sport
Strength Training
Strength training Balso known as weight training or resistance trainingC is an essential part of sports
training for adults and there has been some debate about whether strength training is appropriate
for children and young people.
10
The current position on youth strength training is that a properly designed and supervised program
is safe and can help to increase strength! prevent injury! and enhance motor skills and
performance. 1 strength training program should increase gradually and focus on correct
techni%ue. 6orrect techni%ue is essential to gain ma(imum benefit from strength training as well as
reducing the risk of injury.
6hildren should work on strengthening all the big muscle groups! using free weight and body
weight movements with relatively light loads. The program should be closely monitored by a
%ualified strength and conditioning coach to avoid overuse injury. +o single strength training
program can be written for all young people. 8owever! a training fre%uency of twice per week is
sufficient to achieve strength gains in young people. 1 single set with a weight capable of being
lifted ?9 to ?5 times is a recommended starting point because it is likely to provide an opportunity
for success. *ut! as with adults! ultimately! the ideal intensity and volume will depend on the
individual.
Some general guidelines for strength training for children and young people include&
I strength training programs for children and young people can be safe and effective if properly
supervised! and good techni%ues and safety precautions are followed
I children and young people should avoid competitive weight lifting! power lifting! body building!
and ma(imal lifts until they reach physical and skeletal maturity
I medical approval should be sought if the strength training program is likely to challenge young
participants in a particularly intensive and new manner
I aerobic fitness training should be coupled with strength training for general health benefits
I specific strength training e(ercises should be learned initially! without the use of weights or
resistance. Skill mastery should be achieved before loading with weights or resistance
I the use of light loads and high repetitions is recommended initially for e(ample! successful
completion of . to ?5 repetitions with appropriate techni%ue before increasing weight or resistance
I a general strengthening program should address all major muscle groups and include activities
that work through the complete range of motion.
1ny sign of injury or illness from strength training should be referred for medical advice at the
earliest occurrence.
Reco&ery
:ecovery is an important part of any training program. 1s children and young people e(perience
rapid growth! recovery is about enabling the body and mind to rest and recuperate from activity and
allow regular growth patterns both physically and mentally. 4rowth and development of children
and young people is the first concern when planning and monitoring training and competition
re%uirements.
Simple recovery techni%ues can include&
I drinking plenty of fluids straight after training or competition to replace what has been lost
I eating plenty of carbohydraterich foods immediately after training
I massage Beither self massage or by a massage therapistC
I cross training to avoid continued repetition and allow enjoyment of other activities
I an active warm down with minimal resistance aids in the removal of waste Blactic acidC produced
during e(ercise
I management of injury Bon the advice of a Sports 7irst 1ider! Sports Trainer or treating medical
professionalC
11
I a good nightAs sleepM
:ecovery should be built into the overall training program! including easy days or sessions in a
long term training program or offseason breaks.
*arriers to recovery include&
I disordered eating and simply just not eating enough
I lack of awareness Bcoach! parent! participantC
I insufficient time
I participation in multiple sports! teams! sessions BoverloadC
I low self esteem.
7ailure to include ade%uate recovery strategies can result in the bodyAs immune system being
placed under stress! leaving the athlete vulnerable to coughs! colds and infections. Ehen the body
is constantly tired it more easily becomes ill or injured.
0ore is not better. 1n overtrained athlete is one who has done more work than they can physically
and mentally tolerate! they will not improve and their performance may even go backwards.
It is the responsibility of coaches! teachers! safety personnel and parents to plan for recovery!
monitor how the child or young person is feeling! provide education and engage children and
young people to take responsibility and form good practices in terms of training and competition!
eating! drinking! balancing commitments and managing injury to form healthy habits for healthy
bodies and minds now and into the future.
*n8ury Management and Return to Play
Ehen coaches! officials! sports first aiders! other safety personnel! parents and participants follow
the safety guidelines the risk of serious injury is minimal. Ehile the rate of injury is higher in contact
sports than noncontact sports! the overall benefits of childrenAs participation far outweigh the risk.
The most common injuries are minor cuts! abrasions! muscle strains and joint sprains. If an injury
occurs the golden rule in managing it is Kdo no further damageL. Inade%uate or inappropriate first
aid may aggravate the injury and cause an increase in the time necessary before returning to
participation.
It is important that the injured participant is assessed and managed by an appropriately %ualified
person such as a sports first aider or sports trainer. Immediate management approaches include
2:1*62 Bchecking 2anger! :esponse! 1irway! *reathing! 6ompression and 2efibrillationC :I6<:
+> 81:0 Bwhen an injury is sustained apply :est! Ice! 6ompression! <levation! :eferral and +>
8eat! 1lcohol! :unning or 0assageC. Information about :I6<: +> 81:0 can be found on the
Smartplay K/ix 0pL 7act Sheet and more information about injury prevention approaches can be
learned by attending a sports first aid or sports trainer course.
"oung participants returning to activity too early after an injury are more susceptible to further
injury. *efore returning to participation the participant should be able to answer yes to the following
%uestions&
I Is the injured area pain freeN
I 6an you move the injured part easily through a full range of movementN Bi.e. compared to the
participantAs noninjured sideC
12
I 8as the injured area fully regained its strengthN
Ehilst serious head injuries are uncommon in children and young peoplesA sport! participants who
have lost consciousness or who are suspected of being concussed must be removed from the
activity! taking no further part until cleared by a doctor.
If an injury occurs the golden rule in management is Kdo no further damageL.
5rior to returning to sport or physical activity a child who has sustained an injury should have
medical clearance
Roles and Responsibilities
6lubs! schools and other sport and recreation opportunities should be managed and organised to
promote and encourage safety and to support the safety efforts of individual coaches! teachers!
participants and safety personnel.
:aising awareness! education and training! policy and record keeping are all necessary to building
a safe sport and recreation environment.
Clubs) Schools and Pro&iders of Sport And Recreation 5pportunities
6lubs! schools and other sport and recreation providers Be.g. state sporting organisations! leisure
centresC can play an important organisational role in safety and injury prevention. *y adopting a
risk management approach to safety that includes awareness raising and education! clubs! schools
and local councils can identify! manage and monitor the risks associated with participation in sport.
This includes&
0edical :ecords and Safety 1uditing
I 4athering appropriate health information from participants
I 4athering information about who gets injured and how Busing insurance records! incident reportsC
I Safety concerns of key stakeholders Bsurveys of participants! parents! coaches and first aid
providersC
I The haJards and risks in the environment and e%uipment Bconducting inspections and auditsC.
>rganisational 6ommitment to 5olicy and <ducation
I 0aking a commitment to safety and including it as a key organisational objective and part of Ocore
businessA
I 2eveloping and regularly reviewing safety action plans Be.g. having an emergency safety plan
and people trained to implement itC
I :egularly and effectively communicating safety information Bin newsletters! at meetings and on
notice boardsC
I 1ppointing a person or committee to be responsible for safety
I 1llocating appropriate resources Bmoney and peopleC to safety activities! education and
awareness raising
I <nsuring safety is included as a regular agenda item at management and committee meetings
I <nsuring parents! coaches! teachers! safety personnel and sponsors adhere to agreed codes of
behavior and understand their responsibilities
13
I 5roviding appropriate information! facilities and e%uipment to support safety personnel Bat clubs!
competitions or at recreational activitiesC
I Sport organisations should ensure their pathway programs endorse safe practices and
preparation of children and young people.
I 5roviding education and training for safety personnel Bsuch as first aider! sports trainer! teacherC
I <nsuring coaches and officials are properly %ualified
I 5roviding information and education to all involved to raise awareness and educate about safe
practices and injury prevention
I <nsuring positive messages regarding antidoping and alcohol are relayed to members
I 6reate a fle(ible junior sport environment that promotes inclusiveness and participation such as
fle(ible uniform policies.
Safety Personnel
Ehen coaches! officials! sports trainers! sports first aiders! other safety personnel! parents and
participants follow safety guidelines the risk of serious injury is minimal.
If an injury occurs the golden rule in managing it is Kdo no further damageL.
Inade%uate or inappropriate first aid may aggravate the injury and cause an increase in the time
necessary before returning to participation. It is important that the injured participant is assessed
and managed by an appropriately %ualified person such as a sports first aider! sports trainer or
medical professional.
1n appropriately %ualified first aider should be on hand at all sporting and recreation events!
including training and practice sessions. Sports 0edicine 1ustralia recommends that a sports first
aid or sports trainer course from the Safer Sport 5rogram is the most appropriate training for the
sporting environment due to its emphasis on the prevention of injury. It also covers in depth! the
recognition and initial management of the common soft tissue! hard tissue! and skin injuries that
occur in sport.
The course provides a distinct practical emphasis on managing these situations in the sporting
environment. Sports 0edicine 1ustralia also offers regular workshops to update knowledge and
practices for sports trainers. The role of sports trainers is about risk management and injury
prevention! as well as treatment. :isk management strategies e(tend to the ac%uisition and
maintenance of appropriate e%uipment including a wellstocked first aid kit! mobile phone! tape!
and an emergency action plan.
It is recommended that a first aider should be present at all sporting events with participants under
?# years of age. 1 sports trainer should be present at all sporting events with participants over ?#
years of age. 1ny complaint of pain! tenderness! limitation of movement or disability should be
promptly referred to a %ualified sports first aider! sports trainer or medical professional for
management.
1n appropriately %ualified first aid provider should be on hand at all sporting and recreation events!
including training and practice sessions.
Coaches and Teachers
Pualified coaches and trained teachers are vital to safe participation in junior sport and active
recreation.
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6oaches and teachers should have&
I at least an entry level coaching accreditation
I completed a safety focused course such as sports trainer or sports first aid courses.
6oaches and teachers should&
I create an environment that encourages fair play and playing within the rules
I plan all coaching sessions and keep records
I be aware of child protection responsibilities
I ensure that key medical information about the participants is collected and taken into account
before participation
I conduct a warm up before activity
I include activities that are appropriate for the participantsA physical and skill levels
I progress activities at a rate suitable for all participants! and match participants in physical contact
situations
I set and enforce rules for activities
I check playing areas! facilities and e%uipment to ensure they are suitable for use
I ensure that safety e%uipment and protective devices are used during training and competition
I take the environmental conditions into account and modify activities if necessary Be.g. hotHhumid
or coldHwet conditionsC
I provide ade%uate instruction and supervision
I consider individual needs and adaptHmodify activities if re%uired
I consider different athlete growth rates and maturation when planning activities
I undertake ongoing professional development.
6oaches and teachers of junior participants are responsible for safe and enjoyable e(periences.
Sessions should be planned around a sound understanding of the needs of children and young
people. 6oaches and teachers should assess the participants! e%uipment and the environment
prior to activity. 1ctivities should be safe! appropriate and modified to suit the participants and
environment.
5fficials 9Referees) :mpires) ;udges) Timekeepers<
>fficials! in partnership with coaches and parents! can provide a safe environment to protect young
participants from physical injury and emotional abuse by&
I rule management Bgame safety and fairnessC
I rule education Bparticipant development and sportsmanshipC.
This involves identifying! managing! and reviewing risks. 7or e(ample! being prepared to make the
hard decisions and cancel games if safety is compromised. >fficials should practise safety in sport
and recreation by&
I checking that facilities and e%uipment are safe
I canceling the contest or event if safety is compromised
I ensuring the spirit of participation is observed! i.e. fun and inclusion
I enforcing the rules of the sport
I controlling the conduct of participants
I keeping records of any incidents that may occur
I being aware of child protection responsibilities.
>fficials have a key role in injury prevention including making sure the environment and e%uipment
is safe and that participants play by the rules.
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Parents
5arents support and contribute to their childrenAs safe participation in sport and active recreation.
5arents are key role models to promote safety and provide their children with the correct safety
e%uipment.
6hildren and young people should be encouraged and allowed to try a number of sports and
activities for a long time before they become OspecialistsA in individual sports. OTalentA in one
particular sport or activity usually doesnAt emerge until adolescence or early adulthood. <(perience
in a number of sports and activities may prevent injuries by&
I providing whole body strength and development
I helping to develop confidence and competence to safely participate in new tasks
I decreasing the potential of overuse injuries.
5arents should look for opportunities to promote safety by&
I focusing on their childrenAs and teamAs efforts and enjoyment rather than winning or losing
I providing appropriate protective e%uipment Be.g. mouthguards! head gear! hats and water bottlesC
ask the teacher! coach or club what is needed
I supporting fundraising efforts for protective e%uipment and working bees to make grounds and
facilities safe
I participating in programs such as the 4ood Sports 0onitor and 5lay *y the :ules
I abiding by the code of conduct
I dropping off and picking up on time and notifying the coach who will pick up your child
I filling in forms in detail
I providing appropriate nutrition and encouraging healthy practices
I working with their child and their coaches and teachers to monitor activity load and intensity and
plan appropriately to avoid overtraining.
5arents should support and contribute to their childrenAs safe participation in sport and active
recreation by&
I Fnderstanding what is e(pected of them and their children from coaches! clubs! schools and
associations.
I Talking to the coach about their child and the activity program.
I 1sking %uestions before they join a club to make sure it is the right place for their child.
I *eing involved.
Talking about safety! fulfilling your roles and responsibilities! keeping %ualifications up to date and
furthering your attending education and training will help you continue to maintain a safe sporting
environment for children and young people
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! Points to Re"e"ber
?. 6lubs! schools and providers should ensure that they identify! manage and monitor the risks
involved in sport and recreation activities.
). 1n estimated 50% of all sports injuries are preventable.
9. 6oaches should have at least an entry level %ualification from a coaching course conducted by
the +ational or State organisation of their sport.
D. 1 7irst 1ider should be present at all sporting events with participants under ?# years of age. 1
Sports Trainer should be present at all sporting events with participants over ?# years of age. 1ny
complaint of pain! tenderness! limitation of movement or disability should be promptly referred to a
%ualified Sports 7irst 1ider! Sports Trainer or medical professional for management.
5. 1ppropriate and properly fitted protective e%uipment! clothing and footwear should be used at all
times.
#. The environment and facilities should be inspected and made safe before participation.
-. 1ll coaches and teachers must be aware of the medical history and other commitments of
participants. 1 preseason medical and activity %uestionnaire should be completed by all
participants and the current medical state of individuals should be taken into consideration prior
and during participation. 1 medical clearance must be obtained from the treating doctor before any
child or young person taking prescription medication participates in sport or physical activity.
.. Earm up! cool down and stretching should be included before and after all participation.
,. 1ctivities for children and young people should be well planned and progress from easy to more
difficult. Strength training can be safely introduced to young people provided it is carefully
supervised. It should involve low resistance and high repetitions to avoid ma(imal lifts.
?0. To reduce the likelihood of injury match the physical and mental maturity of the child to the level
of participation! comple(ity of the task and the game rules.
17
Further Infor"ation and #in$s
3ocal coaches! clubs! schools! and associations are great places to start en%uiries' your 3ocal
6ouncil can also provide information! education and advice. State or +ational Sport >rganisations
or your State 4overnment 2epartment for Sport and :ecreation may also assist you in en%uiries
regarding sports safety. In addition there may be other peak agencies that e(ist in your state! for
e(ample :egional Sports >rganisations or 1ssemblies and School Sports 1ssociations. $ey
organisations and e(amples of the resources and educational opportunities they provide that are
relevant to creating safe sport and recreation for children and young people are listed over.
SMARTP2AY
www=smartplay=com=au
I 3inks to Smartplay state branches! their activities! resources and programs
I Sport Specific Injury 5revention 7act Sheets e.g. 173! +etball! 8ockey! Tennis
I Injury Specific 7act Sheets e.g. Shin 5ain! 1nkle Sprain! 0eniscus Injury
I 4uidelines and 5olicies e.g heat and how to choose a club
I 4eneral Injury 5revention Information
I 3atest :esearch about injury prevention! intervention! sport safety and risk management
I 7orms and templates e.g. athlete medical record forms and emergency planning template
I Eomen in Sport 7act Sheets
I 5ublication articles.
SP5RTS M%$*C*>% A:STRA2*A
www=sma=org=au
I 3inks to Sports 0edicine 1ustralia state branches and their activities and education programs
I 5rofessional development activities
I Safer Sport 5rogram 6ourse information e.g. Sports 7irst 1id! Sports Trainer! Sports Taping!
Spinal Injury 0anagement! and <mergency 1sthma 0anagement
I 0embership
I 5ublications e.g. Sport 8ealth 0agaJine.
A:STRA2*A> SP5RTS C5M*S*5>
www=ausport=go&=au
I Tools and tips for beginner coaches and officials
P2AY #Y T4% R:2%S
www=playbytherules=net=au
I >nline training and fair play strategies
A:STRA2*A> C5:>C*2 15R 4%A2T4 P4YS*CA2
%$:CAT*5> A>$ R%CR%AT*5> 9AC4P%R<
www=achper=org=au
A:STRA2*A> SP5RTS A>T*!$5P*>G
A:T45R*TY 9ASA$A<
www=asada=go&=au
I E121 doping 6ode
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I 1thlete location and TF< forms
I <ducation programs
I *anned substance lists
C5>1%$%RAT*5> 51 A:STRA2*A> SP5RT
www=sportforall=com=au
I 3inks to all +ational Sports >rganisations
AST4MA A:STRA2*A
www=asthmaaustralia=org=au
AM%R*CA> ACA$%MY 51 PA%$*A TR*CS
www=aap=org?
$*A#%T%S A:STRA2*A
www=diabetesaustralia=com=au
A>AP4Y2A@*S A:STRA2*A
www=allergyfacts=org=au
SC4552 SP5RT A:STRA2*A
www=schoolsport=edu=au
Clean%dge
www=cleanedge=com=au
1n educational resource on doping in sport&
I Information on healthy ways to enhance performance
I 7acts about the conse%uences of drug use
I ;ideo interviews with elite athletes
I ;ideo advice from health professionals
I <ducational $it for teachers.

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