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Preparing for the Upcoming Season as a Coach

Many sports are beginning to start preparations for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.  Depending on your role in sports be it coach, athletes, or parent how you prepare for the season will differ.  In a three part series we will discuss some of the keys to preparing for the season so that everyone can find success.

For many coaches there is no off season or down time. Once the season ends they are going over how to improve for next year.  By half way through they are ordering supplies, uniforms and planning their practice and game schedule.  All of this may seem very easy and very routine after a couple of years of coaching, but complacency can be one of the greatest threats to safety.

When ordering supplies it is important to take into account any changes in equipment policy and regulation.  Equipment manufacturers are great for making something new and improved, however does that new and improved model meet your league and governing body regulations?  Are the new improvements actually for the better or will they cause more harm to your athletes?  Did they remove padding to make the item lighter, leaving your athletes more prone to injury?  These are some of the questions that need to be asked to either your equipment manager or equipment representative.
Another aspect of ordering supplies is restocking your first aid and medical kit.  Replacing all used and expired items.  Keeping your first aid kit up to date with appropriate supplies to your sport and personal qualifications, is a major step in your risk management program.

Scheduling practices and games is very time consuming and at times very frustrating.  Keeping a good practice to game ratio is very important to avoid physical and mental development and to promote proper skill acquisition.  A minimum ratio of 2:1 would be nice.  For those coaching/teaching sports that do not involve games, keeping the number of hours of practice down is equally as important.  Look at the schedule from a monthly and yearly perspective as this will give you a better indication of what is actually going on, not just a week to week basis.

As a coach/instructor preparing your athletes for all aspects of life, not just the given sport is the greatest task you will be given.  Mike Babcock has said it is a "great opportunity to make a difference", he is truly right.  You may not realize that not matter the age, you will be an influence on your athletes.  Being prepared to instil life skills and educate them on basics other than sports skills and tactics, will help you create better all round athletes, both on the playing surface and in life.

I have met many coaches who feel they need to be an expert at everything and be able to do it all.  As the coach you are the captain of the ship.  You need to ensure you have everything taken care of to guide your ship straight.  Being prepared before the season starts will set you on the right course, but no matter what you will face some turbulent seas and need to adjust course.  Having a group of experts to help you right the course will set you apart from the rest.

Follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our services at EliteInjury.com
Posted by Robin Tharle-Oluk at 21:13 No comments: Labels: coaches, education, equipment, first aid kits, life skills, preparation, preseason, risk management, scheduling, sport


Beating the Heat the Safe Way

Even though back to school sales are starting in the stores, we still have at least a month of hot weather ahead of us.  Exercising and playing sports outside is a right of passage for many of us during the summer.  However there are some key points everyone needs to know to help prevent heat related illness.

When planning an activity outside, try to plan it before 11 am and after 4 pm as the suns UV rays are at the highest at this time.  Drink 2-4 glasses of water every hour that you are outside.  Hydrate prior to and after any activity outside.  Even the what may seem like a simple activity can cause heat illness.  Take frequent breaks, if unable to go inside, find a shady, cool area to do so.  The type of clothing is important as well.  Wearing a wide brimmed hat and light weight and light coloured clothing is recommended.  A minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen is recommended and needs to be reapplied regularly especially if you are sweating or in the water.

Part of prevention is also knowing the signs and symptoms of heat illness, so that if your or someone around you starts to experience any, you can act swiftly and safely.

The most mild form of heat illness are heat cramps, which are brought on by exertion in heat.  They are characterized by pain and muscle contraction that continues even after exercise.  Treatment consists of rehydration with a sodium based liquid and gentle stretching.

Heat exhaustion is a moderate heat illness.  Signs and symptoms include loss of coordination, dizziness, possible fainting, profuse sweating and pale skin, headache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps and persistent muscle cramping.  Removal from activity immediately and being taken to a shady place and rehydration with water.

Heat stroke is a severe and serious medical situation,  Core body temperature of greater than 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.  Altered conciousness including confusion, irritability, and decreased mental acuity.  Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and weakness are also present.  Increased heart rate, dehydration, and decreased blood pressure are some of the more extreme symptoms.  It is imperative to deal with anyone exhibiting these symptoms quickly.  The whole body should be cooled immediately, transport to an emergency room should be done quickly and under the guidance of trained personnel such as EMS.

Heat illness needs to be taken very seriously as the consequences of miss handling can be tragic.  Heat acclimation is important, gradually build up your tolerance to heat and humidity.  Young children and seniors are more prone to suffer heat illness, these populations should be closely monitored for the signs of heat illness.

Have fun and enjoy your summer safely.

For more information on health and safety follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt

Sources used for this article.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) offers Tips for Exercising Safely in the Heat
Heat Related Illness - BC Health Link
Posted by Robin Tharle-Oluk at 20:45 No comments: Labels: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat illness, heat stroke, outdoor sports, sports medicine, sports safety
