Safety First
Player Safety
Safety is your first responsibility as a coach. Know the protocols, carry the forms, and never hesitate to act when something doesn't look right.
⚡ EMERGENCY CONTACTS
📄 What You Must Have At Every Session
1
Signed Medical Release Forms
You must have a signed Parent/Guardian Consent and Player Medical Release Form for every player on your roster at every practice and game. These will be emailed to you early in the season. Keep them saved on your phone or printed in your kit bag.
2
First Aid Kit
A fully stocked first aid kit must be present at every training session and game. Check it before every session — restock anything that's been used. Minimum: bandages, antiseptic wipes, ice packs, medical gloves, emergency contact list, emergency blanket.
🧠 Concussion Protocol
When in doubt, sit them out. If a player shows ANY signs of concussion, they do not return to play that day — period. This is AYSO policy.
1
Recognize the Signs
Headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, blurry vision, slow reaction, sensitivity to light or noise, or "just doesn't seem right." Concussions can occur from falls or heading — no collision needed.
2
Remove From Play Immediately
Calmly remove the player from the session or game. Do not let them "walk it off." Notify the parent or guardian immediately.
3
No Return to Play That Day
Even if the player feels better, they cannot return the same day. This is non-negotiable and you are legally protected in enforcing this.
4
Get Medical Clearance
Before the player can return to any training or game, a licensed healthcare provider trained in concussions must provide written clearance.
5
File a Participation Release Form
Email the completed form to aysosafetydirector206@gmail.com (page 2 is the concussion release form).
📋 Incident Reporting
An Incident Report must be completed whenever any of the following occur:
🤕 Player or volunteer injury
🥊 Altercations or violence
😠 Threats or verbal abuse
🚔 Calls to law enforcement
🤒 Serious illness on site
🏚️ Property damage
For 911 calls — if a parent is present, they make the call. If not, you make the call and stay with the player until a guardian arrives.
🌤️ Weather & Field Policies
⚡
Lightning
Cancel or suspend training if lightning is within 10 miles or you can hear thunder. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder/lightning before resuming.
🌡
Heat
Download the Zelus WBGT app (free). Check WBGT before every session. Heat safety is your call. Water breaks every 15–20 minutes in high heat.
🌧
Rain / Wet Fields
Pima County and Town of Marana make the official field closure decision. John or Kathy will text you AND it will be posted at ayso206.org.
🗑
Tidy Field Policy
Pick up ALL trash after every game and training session. This is our agreement with Pima County and Town of Marana for continued field access.
🐾
Pet Policy
No pets are allowed at the field for games or training sessions. Communicate this to parents at the first team meeting.
⚠️ You Are a Mandatory Reporter
All AYSO volunteers are mandatory reporters under state law. If you have reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect, you are legally required to report it. Do not investigate yourself — just report.