CARING FOR ATHLETES
COACH’S BOOKMARK
Recommendations for Preventing Catastrophic Injuries in Football
In light of recent highly publicized serious football injuries, parents, coaches and athletes have become concerned about the potential of a serious injury striking close to home. The following are recommendations for reducing catastrophic football injuries:
Coaches should drill players in the proper execution of the fundamentals of football, particularly blocking and tackling. Rule changes initiated in 1976 that eliminated the head as the primary and initial contact area for blocking and tackling; should be emphasized. Shoulder blocking and tackling should be practiced.
Athletes must be given proper conditioning exercises that will strengthen their necks.
Coaches and officials should discourage players from using their heads as battering rams when blocking and tackling. Rules prohibiting spearing should be enforced in practice and games. The plays should be taught that the helmet is a protective device that should not be used as a weapon.
All coaches, physicians, and trainers should make sure that the players’ equipment is properly fitted, particularly the helmet.
Whenever possible, a physician, physical therapist, trainer and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), should be on the field during games and practices. When this is not possible, arrangements should be made to obtain immediate emergency medical services when catastrophic injuries arise. Each institution should have and appointed team trainer who is a regular staff member and is qualified in treating and preventing injuries.
Coaches and staff must be prepared for a possible catastrophic head or neck injury. Every school should have a spinal stretcher on the playing field’s sideline. Being prepared and knowing what to do may prevent permanent disability.