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.
You must have access to 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 in the first week or two of the season. Keep them saved on your phone or printed in your kit bag.
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 contents: bandages, antiseptic wipes, ice packs, medical gloves, emergency contact list, and an emergency blanket.
Headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, blurry vision, slow reaction, sensitivity to light or noise, or "just doesn't seem right." You don't need to see a collision — concussions can occur from falls or heading.
Calmly remove the player from the session or game. Do not let them "walk it off." Notify the parent or guardian immediately.
Even if the player feels better, they cannot return the same day. This is non-negotiable and you are legally protected in enforcing this.
Before the player can return to any training or game, a licensed healthcare provider trained in concussions must provide written clearance. Download the concussion release form below.
Email the completed form to aysosafetydirector206@gmail.com (page 2 is the concussion release form).
An Incident Report must be completed whenever any of the following occur during AYSO activities:
After any incident requiring emergency services, also obtain a signed AYSO Participation Release Form and Concussion Release Form if applicable before the player returns to play.
Cancel or suspend training if lightning is within 10 miles or you can hear thunder. Don't wait for it to be directly overhead. Use Weather.gov or a lightning app to check.
Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder/lightning before resuming.
Download the Zelus WBGT app (free, App Store and Play Store). Check WBGT before every session. Follow the app's guidance — as coach, heat safety is your call.
Ensure all players have water. Take water breaks every 15–20 minutes in high heat.
Pima County and Town of Marana make the official field closure decision. John or Kathy will text you with closures AND it will be posted at ayso206.org. When in doubt, check the site.
Pick up ALL trash left at the field after every game and training session. This is our agreement with Pima County and Town of Marana for continued field access. Leave it cleaner than you found it.
No pets are allowed at the field for games or training sessions. AYSO policy — please communicate this to parents at the first team meeting to avoid awkward conversations on the day.
Chairs, canopies, and banners must be placed at least 6 feet from the touchline. No one should be climbing on goalposts or nets. Remind parents at the first meeting.
All AYSO volunteers are mandatory reporters under state law. If you have reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect — including what you see at practice — you are legally required to report it. Do not investigate yourself. Just report.
Concussion release is page 2 of this form
Official AYSO LinkFile immediately after any qualifying incident
Official AYSO LinkAYSO's supplemental accident coverage for players
Official AYSO LinkDetailed concussion recognition and response guide
External LinkRecognizing and preventing dehydration in young athletes
External LinkYour primary contact for any safety question or incident
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