1. Use surgical gloves (latex, non-latex) to prevent skin exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids are anticipated.
2. If bleeding is profuse, apply pressure to the wound.  Seek professional medical care as soon as possible.
3. Disinfect hands and other skin surface if in contact with blood or body fluids.  Medical kits must contain disinfecting agents that are effective in killing HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses and other pathogens.
4. Wash hands (disinfect) after removing gloves.
5. Blood stained uniform (shirt, socks, or shorts) must be changed before the athlete may participate.
6. Practice proper disposal procedures of blood stained bandages, etc., by placing all soiled material into a plastic bag.  Remove all blood soiled equipment, devices, bandages, etc., from the field.  Do not leave any used medical supplies on the field.

U.S. Youth Soccer supports FIFA Circular no. 438 (July 6, 1990) which states in part, "The referee should prevent a player who is bleeding profusely from taking any further part in a match until he has been adequately treated and the gbleeding has stopped."

Prior to practice and games, coaches should make sure that field and goals are safe.

Field Safety

• Inspect for any foreign objects that potentially cause injury (glass, large rocks, etc.)
• check for pot holes
• Make sure sprinkler heads are sealed
• Do not allow anyone to use the field until all hazards have been corrected

Goal Post Safety

• Make sure goals are properly fastened and anchored to the ground
• Inspect goal post for sharp corners and unsafe rusting
• Portable goal posts should only be moved under proper supervision
• Forbid any horseplay by players or members of the public on or around any goalpost
• Anchor or chain one portable goal to another to a nearby fence when not in use
• Remove nets (if possible) when goals are not used.

"The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that at least 21 deaths during the period 1979-1994 were associated with movable soccer goals.  The mean age of those that died was 10 years old.  Most of the insurance claims have been related to a) moving portable goals; b) goals falling over due to WIND; and c) injuries occurring when there were no games played, but goals were NOT properly secured when unattended.  According to Bollinger's claims data, there has been no appreciable reduction in goal-related claims, despite the safety guidelines that have been put in place by soccer associations."

Reference: "Many Youth Soccer Leagues Still NOt Getting the Message on Soccer Goal Post Safety". A Risk Management Report by Lori Windof crispo, CPCU.  Executive VP, Bollinger, Inc.

Player Safety

• Make sure jewelry and hair pieces are removed.
• If severe weather approaches, remove all players and spectators from the playing fields immediately.
• Know the location of nearest emergency health care facility.
• Have medical forms on each player documenting any medical issues (such as: asthma, allergies, heat related issues, concussions, etc.)
• Keep a first aid kit handy at all times (games and training sessions).
• List of all phone numbers of parents and emergency contacts
• Supervision of players that are without rides after practice.  No child should be left behind after practice or games.  The coach, manager, team official must ensure that all players are picked up.
• Coach, assistant coach, or manager has basic first aid training.

The safety and well being of our players should be our FIRST Priority.  Education and communication is an effective way to make sure that all coaches, players, and parents are aware of the hazards associated with improperly secured goal posts.   

There are a variety of websites that can be referenced regarding soccer and goal post safety:                

• www.cpsc.gov
• www.soccer.org
• www.us-soccer.com

MSYSA Risk Management Committee