Fourteen Legal Duties of Athletic Personnel – Duties #7 and #8 [NIAAA]

By: John Evers, CMAA | NIAAA

DUTY TO MATCH ATHLETES DURING PRACTICE

Coaches must always consider the safety of each athlete

Practices can be planned with control mechanisms to prevent mis-matched athletes

Playing time for young players must be tempered in varsity competition.

• Gauge level of readiness through extensive practice observation
• Gauge level of readiness through interaction with the athlete
• Discuss possible issues with parents and the athlete
• Document interaction with parents and the athlete

Athletes in practices should be matched with consideration for:

• Level of maturity
• Skill level
• Age of athletes
• Size of athletes
• Speed of athletes

Some best practices to consider include:

• Check age of athletes every season
• Check the number of semesters every season
• Match athletes by size and weight in contact sports
• Attempt to match athletes of like skill levels in non-contact sports

Some other considerations

• Document past issues with younger athletes
• Document past issues with older athletes
• Instruct athletes to voice concerns of possible mis-matches
• Discourage call outs by one athlete by another
• Always set match ups in advance

DUTY TO PROVIDE AND SUPERVISE PROPER PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

Specific and proven training techniques must be employed:

• Training of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system should be highlighted
• All regular practices should provide proper warm-up and cool-down periods.
• Flexibility, aerobic exercise and sport-specific skill training are crucial.
• Provide year-round opportunities for athletes to develop in all areas

Some considerations might include:

• Hire a full-time or part-time strength and conditioning specialist
  • This person would supervise in-season and off-season conditioning
  • This person would assist in tailoring sport-specific workouts for athletes
  • This person could be useful in educating athletes on proper rest and nutrition
• Provide in-service education for coaches in this and related disciplines
  • Provide education on proper methods for strength training
  • Provide education on proper methods of speed development
  • Provide education on proper methods of sports-specific skill development
  • Use the expertise of an athletic trainer in this education whenever possible.
• Provide cost effective delivery systems for athletic conditioning and skill development
  • Offer strength training opportunities throughout the year.
  • Offer speed development opportunities throughout the year.
  • Offer seasonal clinics for athletes to aid in skill development
  • Offer seasonal clinics for athlete to aid in proper rest and nutrition
  • Use the expertise of an athletic trainer to assist in all of these.

Some issues that might arise:

• Cost
  • Try to find local establishments that sell used equipment
  • Try to find local businesses to aid in restoration of equipment
• Time
  • Explore the idea of strength and conditioning classes
  • Explore the use of local fitness experts
• Available Space
  • Review current areas not being utilized for possible expansion areas
  • Search for local and state grants to aid in renovations
• Supervision
  • Use strength coach and/or trainer to train other members of coaching staff
  • Explore stipend positions for local strength and conditioning experts