In attempt to minimize my personal risks as a coach, in addition to preventing sport-related injuries and avoiding claims of negligence, I put together this list of duties I will pay attention to:

1. Providing adequate supervision: The health and safety of the team members are entrusted to my care, therefore I must provide adequate supervision to avoid foreseeable accidents and injuries. In doing so, I will never leave after a game or practice until all are safely picked up by parents or guardians.

2. Sound planning: I will carefully plan my practices and activities so players progress and learn new skills at a safe pace. I will not move too rapidly by forcing improvement. I will make written practice plans and keep them on record for the duration of the season.

3. Warning players of inherent risks: Players and parents must know, understand, and appreciate the risks they are likely to encounter in the sport. I will inform them in a meeting prior to the season. I will also warn the players about potentially dangerous techniques.

4. Provide a safe playing environment: Be certain that practice and playing fields are free of hazards (i.e. holes, rocks, broken glass or other debris) and that equipment (i.e. goal posts) is in proper condition.

5. Evaluate plavers and determine any limitation regarding participation: Be sure players are physically capable of performing the required skills. This includes mental, physical, and even child abuse situations. Evaluate old injuries as carefully as you can before letting players return to action.

6. Matching or equating opponents: Fairly match players for practices and games, giving consideration to body weight, skill level, and maturity.

7. Providing proper first aid: Have a first aid kit available along with a plan, which outlines emergency procedures. Know where to find emergency help and a telephone (put a couple of quarters in your first aid kit, in case a cell phone is not readily available). I will not attempt to provide aid beyond my qualifications. I will always have my players medical release forms with me (to provide emergency phone numbers as well as permission for me to obtain emergency medical aid in the event a parent/guardian cannot be reached).

In addition to my main list, there are a few other risk management things worth noting: being aware of problems concerning transportation, carrying out personal liability insurance, respecting the civil right of my players on and off the field, considering the factors of the game as it relates to officials and spectators, keeping good records of every event in case of injury, and having at least a second adult present in attendance at practices.