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Liability and Lawyers.
Two words that hopefully you will never cross and we hate to have to include
in this web site. But in this day and age, it can’t hurt to protect
yourself from your own good intentions. Here are some tips to protect yourself
from legal liability.
- Don't
Be Stupid. Do not use barbwire for an outfield fence
(this would be baseball). Seriously, be sure the practice and field
environments are safe for the players. If you are with an association,
you may feel this is not your responsibility, but whom would a parent
sue first? A non-profit association or you with insurance?
- Use
Proper Equipment. Make sure you and the kids have the
proper equipment. Require shin-guards (soccer) even for practice. Be
sure the baseball field doesn’t have holes that could break a leg.
(Yes, that’s baseball). Be sure there’s ice on the hockey
rink…
- Warning,
Warning! Warn the parents at your first meeting of the
risks of the sport. For instance, in T-Ball, it is not a matter of your
child getting hit by the ball, but more a matter of when… "Football
is a contact sport requiring bone crushing hits and blocking"…
That ought to get the point across. And a parent can’t say to a
jury, "I didn’t know…"
- Injuries.
When someone complains of an injury, take it seriously. This is more
difficult for coaches of young players where a grass burn may require
major surgery, but don’t forget they may just want your attention.
- Be
Smart! Know basic first aid. Have a first aid kit available.
I personally would hate to have to explain this oversight to a jury!
- Watch
the Matchups. Don’t match 5’1", 120 pound
Johnny against 3’11", 48 pound Jason in any kind of sport.
A jury would crucify you.
- Medical
Release Form. Have a medical treatment form for each
player on your team. At the very least it show’s you are a responsible
coach. At the very best, it let’s you get medical treatment for
a serious injury.
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