The number one priority for coaches is to ensure the safety and well being of the students/athletes. Coaches have a number of responsibiliites or duties that help to accomplish this. These duties include, but are not limited to, the following items.

As a coach, I would hold a meeting at the beginning of the season, inviting all the athletes and their parents. We would discuss the goals and objectives of the team, and present the rules and regulations of the sport and the team. All would sign a contract, comfirming their comittment to follow the rules. We would also cover the need for physical exams and the disclosure of any medical conditions requiring special consideration, such as asthma. The parents could sign forms for the consent to treat, or clearance to play at that time. We would answer all pertinent questions.

The following duties of the coach help manage or minimize risk:

1. The duty to plan: The coach must have a plan that is suitable to the age, and physical readiness of the students.

2. The duty to supervise: The coach must be present at practice, and at competitions to provide structure and instruction appropriately. He/She ensures that no student is unsupervised. This will minimize reckless behavior and injury.

3. The facilities need to be safe: Possible hazards should be identified, avoided and, when possible, removed.

4. The responsibility to evaluate injury: Training practices that may endanger students need evaluation.

5. Duty to provide appropriate equipment: Equipment must fit, be used as intended, and be inspected often for defects. I f it can't be repaired for safe usage, it should be discarded.

6. The duty to teach appropriately: Skills should be taught in a logical and safe manner, to allow progress in knowledge and capacity.

7. Teach proper conditioning: Coaches need to teach the proper body system conditioning allowing students to compete at increasingly strenuous levels.

8. The duty to warn: Coaches have a duty to warn their students of practices or conditions that may result in injury and possible death. Students and parents should sign a document indicating that they understand and accept such risk.

9. The duty to provide emergency care: Coaches are required to be trained in first-aid, and should be the first responder in an emergency.

10. Coaches have the responsibility and duty to provide an emergency response plan: This plan must be in place to secure the services of emergency medical services when required.

11. The duty to select, teach, train, and supervise additional support staff: The administration and head coaches ensure that the entire coaching staff possesses adequate skills and knowledge.

12. The duty to match/equate athletes: During practice or training, risk can be minimized when students are matched according to size, strength, agility, age, and experience.

13. Appropriate transport: Coaches must follow the school district's policies on transporting students to and from sporting events.

14. Coaches have the duty to provide appropriate insurance disclosure: Students' insurance coverage information must be clear and accurate, whether they have it or not.

In addition to these duties, the coach has the responsibility to lead by example. Many mistakes or unfortunate events can be avoided when the coach lives the rules that he /she teaches. This includes proper nutrition, hydration, and the avoidance of harmful products.