The role of the football coach covers a vast range of responsibilities. One of the most important roles of the coach is to provide an environment that does not predispose the player to any unnecessary injury.
An effective coach must be concerned with the prevention, immediate care and rehabilitation of injuries.
Coaches must be aware of warm-up routines, and methods used to prepare the body for competition. They should also ensure that all players have the appropriate gear, such as mouthguards, available to avoid injury.
Players must be taught the correct way to perform the body contact skills of the game, and how to protect themselves from serious injury.
Any player who is injured during a game must have their injury dealt with immediately and in a professional manner. It is important that experts make a diagnosis, and if there is any doubt about the seriousness of a players injury then he should be kept off the ground.
A coach must ensure that a player undergoes the correct rehabilitation from injury before he returns. It is important that communication occurs between player, coach and a medical expert before a decision is made regarding a player's return.
One of the most frustrating aspects of football for the player is being injured. The problem is that with good training and good coaching, injuries still occur. The 'Golden Rule' for all injuries is 'prevention is better than cure'.
Be Prepared
1. Warm-Up, Stretching and Cool Downs
Warm-Up
Warm-Up is a vital part of any competition or strenuous exercise session.
It results in improved flexibility as well as preparing the mind, the
heart, the muscles and the joints for participation, thus reducing the
likelihood of injury. The warm-up should involve 5-10 minutes of general
activity before the stretching session. A good indication of a sound warm-up
is a light sweat.
Stretching
Stretching is another vital factor in the prevention of injury. Without
stretching, muscles lose their flexibility and may fail to respond when
being used, and injury could be the result. Stretching rules:
1. Warm-up
prior to stretching
2. Stretch before and after exercise
3. Stretch alternative muscle groups
4. Stretch gently and slowly
5. Never bounce or stretch rapidly
6. Stretch to the point of tension or discomfort, never pain. Hold for
at least 15-20 seconds.
7. Do not hold your breath when stretching - breathing should be slow
and easy
Cool Downs
Cool-downs are also important, because they prevent pooling of the blood
in the limbs, which could lead to fainting or dizziness, and improves
the recovery of the heart, muscles and other tissues after exercise. An
effective cool-down consists of a gradual reduction in activity levels
for 5-10 minutes followed by a comprehensive stretching program.
2. Fitness
Injuries can occur at any time during a game or training session. However, studies have shown that they are more common when a player is fatigued. This means that an adequate level of fitness is of the utmost importance in preventing injuries.
3. Obey the Rules
Many of the rules of sport are specifically designed to create a safe playing environment. All players should be encouraged to learn and observe both the written and unwritten rules of the game. Players should be continuously reminded of the importance of good sportsmanship and fair play.
4. Playing Areas and Facilities
Padding of goal posts, maintenance and condition of the playing surface and an adequate distance between the boundary line and fences and spectators are important injury reducing measures which should be undertaken at club level.
5. Protective Devices
Unlike many other contact sports, football has evolved as a game played with a minimum of protective equipment.
A mouthguard, however, is essential for all players. Mouthguards are a must for both training and games. In addition to protecting the teeth and the gums, mouthguards reduce the incidence and severity of concussion, lessen the risk of a fracture of the jaw and protect the lips and cheeks from lacerations.
6. Environmental Conditions
Fluid
Replacement
Players who are unfit or overweight are more susceptible to heat illness.
Coaches should be familiar with the symptoms of heat stress such as cramps,
headaches, dizziness and uncharacteristic lack of coordination. Regular
intake of fluid reduces the risk of heat illness and enables better maintenance
of physical and mental performance. Fluid replacement is very important
and coaches should be aware of the following points.
Cold
Cold weather can have life-threatening consequences. However, it commonly
causes injuries by cooling warm muscles.
Long breaks will cause the body to cool down, thus players should be encouraged to wear adequate warm clothing such as tracksuits. Coaches should plan training sessions to avoid long breaks. Another warm-up period may need to be considered if long rest periods cannot be avoided.
7. Manage Existing Injuries Properly
Returning to play too early after injury can make the player susceptible to further injury. The coach should ensure that the risk of recurrence of injury is reduced. Protective strapping and the concentration on muscle stretching and a strengthening exercise routine before play will assist in preventing a recurrence of the injury.
8. Illness
During times of illness the player's body is particularly vulnerable, with the risk of damage to tissues or organs being very high. Thus, when ill or feverish, the player should not participate.
9. Balanced Competitions
It is important to keep the competitions balanced in order to reduce injuries. Consideration should be given to age, size, sex, strength and skill of the players when organising competitions.
10. Common Sense
Common sense tells us that it is far better to prevent injuries than it is to treat them.
Rule Modifications
Modification of rules has been highly effective in preventing injuries.
Changes to normal playing rules have been introduced for beginners in football programs to promote skill development, increase participation rates and to provide a safer playing environment. Some of these modifications include:
In managing an injury the main aim is to do no further damage.
When an injury occurs there are many decisions to be made. The most important of these for the coach is whether the player should continue to play or not. Coaches should always err on the side of caution as resuming play may cause further damage to an injury.
Unconscious Player
If the player is unconscious it is a life threatening situation and the DRABC of first aid should be used by an accredited sports trainer.
DANGER
Check for danger to:
RESPONSE
Ask the injured player:
AIRWAY
BREATHING
CIRCULATION
Conscious Player
With all injuries it is important to have a set procedure to follow. The following S.T.O.P. procedure allows the coach to assess the severity of the injury and determine whether the player should continue or not.
STOP
Stop the player from participating or moving.
Stop the game if necessary.
Don't Panic...Stay Cool
TALK
Talk to the injured player.
What happened?
How did it happen?
What did you feel?
Where does it hurt?
Does it hurt anywhere else?
Have you injured this part before?
Provide a few words of encouragement
OBSERVE
Observe whilst talking to the player.
General
Is the player distressed?
Is the player lying in an unusual position / posture?
Injury Site
Is there any swelling?
Is there any deformity?
Is there any difference when compared to the other side/limb?
Is there tenderness when touched?
Does it hurt to move the injured part?
If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, seek an accredited sports trainer or qualified first aid support
PREVENT
Prevent further injury (3 options)
1. SEVERE
INJURY
Suspected head, facial, spinal, chest, abdomen injuries, fractures or
major bleeding.
GET HELP
Get professional help...don't move the player
2. LESS
SEVERE
Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains and muscle bruises.
RICER
REGIME
The first 48 hours are vital in the effective management of soft tissue
injuries
3. MINOR
INJURY
Bumps and bruises which do not impair performance
PLAY ON
A few words of encouragement will help
A large majority of injuries in football are soft tissue injuries. The first 48 hours are vital in the effective management of any soft tissue injury. Injuries managed effectively during this period will reduce the time spent on the sidelines.
The immediate management should follow the R.I.C.E.R. regime. This regime should be used for all ligament sprains, muscle strains and muscle bruises (corks, etc) in fact in any bumps or bruises which occur in football.
RICER with no HARM
REST
Place the player in a comfortable position, preferably lying down. The
injured part should be immobilised and supported.
Activity will promote bleeding by increasing blood flow.
ICE
The conventional methods are:
COMPRESSION
Apply a firm wide elastic bandage over a large area covering the injured
part, as well as above and below the injured part.
Compression:
ELEVATION
Raise injured area above the level of the heart at all possible times.
Elevation:
REFERRAL
Refer to a suitable qualified professional such as a Doctor or Physiotherapist
for diagnosis and ongoing care.
Early referral for a definitive diagnosis to ascertain the exact nature
of the injury and to gain expert advice on the rehabilitation program
required.
Avoid Harm
Remember, with injuries of this kind, you should avoid the HARM factors:
| H | Harm | Increases bleeding |
| A | Alcohol | Increases swelling |
| R | Running | or exercising too soon can make the injury worse |
| M | Massage | in the first 48-72 hours increases swelling and bleeding |
Summary