Coach Responsibilities (All Junior Age Groups)
Do
- Stop play immediately if a player appears injured or distressed.
- Approach calmly, check responsiveness, and ask the player what happened.
- Follow basic first‑aid principles: Danger → Response → Airway → Breathing → Circulation.
- Use only simple, non‑invasive first aid such as cold packs, elevation, compression (if appropriate), and reassurance.
- Record the incident clearly for safeguarding and insurance.
- Inform parents promptly and accurately.
- Remove the player from play if there is any doubt about concussion, severe pain, dizziness, or restricted movement.
- Maintain safeguarding standards: appropriate touch, privacy, and never being alone with an injured child.
Don’t
- Diagnose injuries or tell a player they are “fine” if they show pain or uncertainty.
- Apply sprays, creams, gels, or medicated products.
- Give medication of any kind.
- Allow a player to return to play if they are limping, dazed, crying, or unsure.
- Move a player with suspected head, neck, or spinal injury unless they are in immediate danger.
- Downplay symptoms to keep a player on the pitch.
First Aider Responsibilities
Do
- Take lead on injury management when present.
- Use approved first‑aid equipment only (gloves, cold packs, bandages, wipes).
- Monitor the player for changes in pain, swelling, consciousness, or breathing.
- Advise parents if further medical assessment is recommended.
- Follow concussion protocols strictly: “If in doubt, sit them out.”
- Document what happened, what was done, and who was informed.
Don’t
- Apply topical treatments (sprays, creams, gels, anti‑inflammatory products).
- Manipulate joints or attempt to “put anything back in place.”
- Allow a player to self‑administer medication from the first‑aid kit.
- Contradict medical advice given by a healthcare professional or parent.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
Do
- Apply any creams, sprays, or medication if they choose to, once informed of the injury.
- Decide on further medical care (GP, A&E, physio) once the child is in their care.
- Share relevant medical information with the coach (asthma, allergies, previous injuries).
- Support concussion recovery by following return‑to‑play guidance.
Don’t
- Pressure the coach to let the child return to play if they are clearly unfit.
- Give medication to other children or ask the coach to administer it.
- Ignore ongoing pain or swelling.
Age‑Specific Considerations
U6–U8
- Children may struggle to describe pain accurately.
- Emotional reassurance is essential; injuries can feel overwhelming.
- Always err on the side of caution and remove from play.
U9–U11
- Players may hide pain to stay on the pitch.
- Growth‑related pains begin to appear; limping should be taken seriously.
- Concussion awareness becomes increasingly important.
U12–U14
- Growth‑plate injuries are more common; joint pain should be monitored closely.
- Players may push through pain due to competitiveness or peer pressure.
- Clear communication with parents is vital for follow‑up care.
U15–U16
- Players have greater physical intensity and higher injury risk.
- Muscle strains and impact injuries become more common.
- Encourage honest reporting of symptoms and reinforce long‑term wellbeing.
Concussion Guidance (All Ages)
- Any head impact with symptoms requires immediate removal.
- No same‑day return to play.
- Follow a gradual, medically supported return‑to‑play pathway.
- Symptoms may appear hours later; parents must monitor at home.
Non‑Invasive First‑Aid Only
Coaches and first aiders should use only non‑medicated, non‑invasive treatments:
- Cold packs
- Elevation
- Compression (if appropriate)
- Basic bandaging
- Reassurance and monitoring
Topical products (sprays, creams, gels) should only be applied by parents.
Incident Recording
A simple record should include:
- Player name and age group
- Date, time, and location
- Description of incident
- First‑aid actions taken
- Who was informed and when
- Recommendation for further care (if any)
All MIFC incidents MUST be reported to Kat Bonham – Club Secretary
Safeguarding Principles
- Maintain visibility at all times.
- Use appropriate touch and language.
- Prioritise dignity and privacy.
- Ensure another adult is present when possible.
