American
Youth Soccer Organization National Support
Center
Play it Safe
Field Safety
Obstacles and hazards on and around
game and practice fields can lead to serious injuries.
Take your field inspections seriously!
Here is a checklist of just some of the things
you should look for on your fields before any play or practice begins. Your own
fields may have other dangerous items.
- Holes - Fill 'em!
- Bumps - Level 'em!
- Rocks, debris, trash - Get rid of it!
| One Quick Tip: Establish a "police-line"
with all the players and volunteers lining up at arm's length and moving forward across
the field, picking up any broken bottles, wrappers, rocks, etc. they can find. Do this
every time you get to the field and you'll be sure not to have any injuries caused by
garbage on the field. |
- Moveable goals? - Anchor 'em! (See Play
It Safe, February Issue)
- Replace net hooks - on those goals with Velcro©-like
hook-and-loop tape. Metal hooks are dangerous and need to be removed.
- Sprinkler heads - Locate your playing area away from permanent sprinklers and
landscaping hardware, etc.
- Have a designated area for bicycles - Don't let kids park their bikes on the
sidelines.
- Make bleachers safe - Take care of protruding bolts or any loose or broken
boards.
- Make sure kids can be seen - Play in well-lighted areas if practicing or
playing at night or, if not possible, then make certain kids put reflective tape on their
bicycles and clothing.
|
