| WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW |
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Keeping players in their best shape also means making sure they fill out medical forms. These forms will be essential if players need medical attention.
Prior to the first day of practice, players must complete an Emergency Care Permission Form to be held in the possession of the coach. The information form provides the names of emergency contact persons and a comprehensive overview of past and current medical conditions that may have implications for coaches and emergency care. The Emergency Care Permission Form from parents or a guardian gives the coach or someone else permission to provide emergency care and to seek medical attention for the injured player. If the parents or guardians are not available, the person(s) designated on the Emergency Care Permission Form (usually the coach or someone on the coaching staff) must accompany the injured athlete to the medical center.
After the incident has been resolved, the coach should complete the Incident Report Form (see page 14). The report form is a record of the incident that occurred. This information may be helpful to guide later care or medical treatment. If any legal problems develop, the report form contains the names of witnesses and an explanation of the incident.
Usually, these records should be kept for several years. Each state has specific legal requirements for how long such records should be kept. At the end of the season, the coach should total each type of problem in a summary of injuries form to see if there are any trends. By analyzing the information, the coach can work to reduce future injuries.
MORE READING
Cvengros, J. (Ed.). (1992). Youth football: A complete handbook. Carmel, Indiana: Cooper Publishing Group.
Petersmarck, K. (1998). The prevention of injuries in amateur football. Michigan Department of Community Health.
The evaluation of any athlete, whether as a part of health evaluations prior to activity or as a diagnosis of an injury as the consequence of sports activities, is specific to that individual and the history and current state of the individual presented. Advice, diagnosis and treatment is individualized according to numerous factors, including patient health and age information, medical history and symptoms. All athletes should be cleared by a physician or other appropriate medical professional before engaging in physical activities and, after injury, diagnosis and treatment, for return to play.