Minor Injuries

Although no injury seems minor to the person experiencing it, most injuries are neither life-threatening nor severe enough to restrict participation. When such injuries occur, you can take an active role in their initial treatment.

Sprains and Strains

The physical demands of sport most often result in injury to the muscles or tendons (strains) or to the ligaments (sprains). When your athlete suffer minor strains or sprains, immediately apply the RICE method of injury care.

R - Rest the area to avoid further damage and foster healing.

I - Ice the area to reduce swelling and pain.

C - Compress the area by securing an ice bag in place with a plastic wrap.

E - Elevate the injury above the heart level to keep the blood from pooling in the injured area.

Bumps and Bruises

In many athletic situations, individual competitors will make contact with each other. If the force of a body part at impact is great enough, a bump or bruise will result. Most athletes continue to participate with such sore spots, but if the bump or bruise is large and painful, you should react appropriately. Enact the RICE formula of injury care and monitor the injury. If swelling, discoloration, and pain has lessened, and the athlete has complete function of the injured body part, the athlete may resume participation with protective padding; if not, the athlete should be examined by a physician.

Scrapes and Cuts

When an athlete has an open wound, follow these three steps:

1. Stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean dressing to the wound. Do not remove the dressing if it becomes blood soaked. Instead, place an additional dressing on top of the one already in place. If bleeding continues elevate the injured area above the heart and maintain pressure.

2. Cleaning the wound thoroughly once the bleeding is controlled. A good rinsing with a forceful stream of water, and perhaps light scrubbing with soap, will help prevent infection.

3. Protect the wound with sterile gauze or a bandage. If the athlete continues to participate, apply protective padding over the injured area.

For bloody noses not associated with a facial injury, have the athlete sit and lean slightly forward. Then pinch the athlete's nostrils shut. If the bleeding continues after several minutes or if the athlete has a history of nosebleeds, seek medical assistance.

To protect yourself and others during treatment and cleanup of bleeding, wear disposable gloves, use disposable towels, and keep a plastic bottle of diluted chlorine bleach solution handy. Mop up any blood that may be on the practice surface before returning to action.

Serious Injuries

Head, neck, and back injuries; fractures; and injuries that cause an athlete to lose consciousness are among a class of injuries that you cannot and should not try to treat yourself. But you should plan what you'll do if such an injury occurs. Your plan should include the following guidelines for action:

• Obtain the phone number and ensure the availability of nearby emergency care units. Tape the phone number inside the lid of your first aid kit.

• Assign an assistant coach or another adult the responsibility of knowing the location of the nearest phone and calling emergency medical help upon your request.

• Do not move the injured athlete.

• Calm the injured athlete and keep others away from him or her as much as possible.

• Evaluate whether the athlete's breathing is stopped or irregular and, if necessary, clear the airway with your fingers.

• Administer artificial respiration if breathing has stopped. Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or have an individual trained in CPR administer it if the athlete's circulation has stopped.

• Remain with the athlete until medical personnel arrive. If the injured athlete must be taken to a hospital and if his or her parents are not available, have an adult that he/she knows accompany him/her.

How Do I Protect Myself?

When one of your athletes is injured, naturally your first concern is for their well-being. Unfortunately, there is something else that you must consider: Can you be held liable for the injury?

From a legal standpoint, a coach has many duties to fulfill....

• Provide a safe environment.

• Properly plan each activity.

• Provide adequate and proper equipment.

• Match athletes by size, maturity, and skill.

• Warn of inherent risks of the sport.

• Supervise the activity closely.

• Evaluate athletes for injury or incapacity.

• Know emergency procedures and first aid.

• Keep adequate records.

In addition to fulfilling these legal duties, you should check your organizations insurance coverage and your own to make sure the present policies protect you from liability.