Sports Coach how-to
How to Respond to an Injury at Practice
Safety comes before winning.
Quick answer
Safety comes before winning. In short: stop; assess; follow, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Stop play.
Assess the athlete or call the athletic trainer.
Follow concussion protocol if needed.
Call emergency services for serious injuries.
Notify parents.
Document the injury.
Safety reminders for sports coaches
- Follow concussion and heat protocols
- Inspect fields and equipment
- Have emergency action plans
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with athletes
Key terms
Practice plan · Drill · Game plan · Film study · Scouting report · Conditioning: see the full sports coach glossary.