Introduction
The Welland Soccer Club (WSC) is committed to ensuring the safety and health of all its members, including players, coaches, staff, and volunteers. This policy outlines our approach to injury prevention, concussion management, emergency response, and the handling of health-related issues, including communicable diseases. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in club activities.
Injury Prevention
- Education: Provide ongoing education and training for coaches, players, and parents on injury prevention techniques and the importance of proper warm-up and cool-down exercises.
- Equipment and Facilities: Ensure all equipment and facilities are regularly inspected and maintained to meet safety standards.
- Playing Conditions: Monitor field conditions and weather reports to prevent injuries related to unsafe playing environments.
Concussion Protocol
- Education: Educate coaches, players, and parents on the signs and symptoms of concussions.
- Immediate Action: Any player suspected of having a concussion during a game or practice must be immediately removed from play.
- Medical Evaluation: Require a medical evaluation by a healthcare professional trained in concussion management before the player can return to play.
- Return to Play: Follow a graduated return-to-play protocol under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Emergency Response Procedures
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP): Maintain an up-to-date EAP for all club venues, detailing procedures for responding to emergencies.
- First Aid and CPR Training: Ensure that coaches and relevant staff are trained in First Aid and CPR.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contact information for all players and ensure it is readily available during all club activities.
Facility & Equipment Safety Policy
Welland Soccer Club strives to ensure all venues and facilities, both public and private, utilized by our community of parents, players, officials, spectators and patrons at large are safe, are always well maintained and in good working condition at all times.
Prior to the commencement of each game and facility usage, all staff and officials are required to complete the enclosed checklist to ensure the integrity and safe operation of the premise and related equipment utilized.
In the event that any of the following has occurred the reporting procedure is as follows:
- Note in your evening report and checklist submission the issue with the facility/equipment encountered.
- Note in your report any actions you took to rectify the situation such as removing the debris, cordoning off the area, etc.
- If the conditions are such that the safe operation of the field/facility/equipment is not possible without intervention that is beyond your control, you must notify the President immediately at president@wellandsoccer.com and postpone any events that have/are scheduled in the area/with the equipment.
In the event of an issue with the safety/integrity of the facility/premise/equipment Welland Soccer Club will communicate this to its membership and post signage informing patrons of the issue. Communication will then be disseminated upon resolution of the safety concern.
Soccer Field/Facility Safety Checklist:
Prior to each practice or game, coaches, officials and/or designated volunteers should develop the habit of a field and area safety check. This checklist is designed to be a general guide for all fields. Certain fields will have other specific areas of concern that should be inspected.
Goal Post Safety:
- Portable goal properly secured and anchored. Confirm anchoring system is not a hazard to participants.
- Permanent goals properly secured and anchored. Confirm anchoring system is not a hazard to participants.
- Inspect goal net and goal post for sharp corners, loose bolts and general integrity.
- Forbid any horseplay by players or members of the general public on or around any goal post.
- Portable goal posts should only be moved by authorized personnel.
Field and Area Safety:
- Inspect for foreign objects such as stones, glass, etc.
- Check field for holes, depressions, torn sections (if artificial turf), etc. Notify the club of unsafe field conditions in writing. Keep a copy for your records.
- Make sure sprinkler heads are seated.
- Make sure water drains beyond the touch line are marked for player awareness.
- Observe 3′ restraining line from the touch line. Area must be obstruction free, except for coaches.
- Review fencing. No climbing to retrieve balls.
- Check bleachers/players benches for safety. Make spectators aware of bleachers that may not be safe.
- Inspect the condition of and access to locker rooms, restrooms and portable toilets.
- Survey parking lots, concessions, and vendors areas for any obvious hazards. Make spectators and players aware of any hazardous conditions; and notify the club of unsafe conditions in writing as soon as practical.
- Ensure that all parents are present and know of procedures in case of a safety concern that is weather related.
Management of Health-Related Issues
Communicable Diseases
- Prevention: Promote hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette among all club members. Encourage vaccination where appropriate.
- Exposure: Members who are ill or have been exposed to a communicable disease should stay home and follow public health guidelines regarding isolation and treatment.
- Response to Outbreaks: In the event of an outbreak, the club will coordinate with local health authorities to implement appropriate control measures, which may include temporary suspension of activities.
General Health Policies
- Hydration and Heat Illness: Promote proper hydration and take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses, including modifying activities in extreme heat.
- Nutrition: Encourage healthy eating habits that support athletic performance and overall health.
- Mental Health: Recognize the importance of mental health and provide resources and support for members who may need assistance.
Policy Review and Update
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect the latest health and safety standards and recommendations. All club members are expected to comply with this policy and contribute to a safe and healthy environment.
Acknowledgement
By participating in Welland Soccer Club activities, all members agree to abide by this Safety and Health Policy and to take responsibility for their own health and safety, as well as the health and safety of others in the club.