Millions of Australians participate in sport at various levels on a regular basis.  Sporting activities range from the purely amateur recreational level to high profile professional sport.  No matter where on the scale a sporting organisation or individual is placed, they are exposed to risk that has the potential to cause severe physical, financial or legal disaster. Therefore the effective management of risk is a vital requirement of everyone involved in sport.  Coaches have a vital role to play in this regard.

Coaches are in a position of expertise and knowledge.  The law imposes a duty to take all reasonable care having regard for the circumstances.  They must properly instruct, supervise and warn.  As a sporting supervisor their behaviour will be judged according to what is the reasonable level of proficiency among experts or specialists in that field.  Coaches must balance the objective of winning against the welfare and safety of all participants.  It must be remembered the younger the participants the greater the responsibility placed on a coach.

Prime areas for coaches to address are as follows:-

1. Adequate Supervision

• General Supervision e.g. supervising playground
• Specific Supervision e.g. coach in high risk activity
• Transitional Supervision - a mix of the two

2. Properly Instruct (including demonstration) on
     techniques of the sport

• Teach any activity which requires an increase in skill level, strength or condition progressively

3. Sound Planning

• Documented plans or action for supervising activities and emergency situations
• Records of practice

4. Warning of Inherent Dangers

• The athlete must know, understand and appreciate the risks involved
• Proper instructions and demonstration skills

5. A Safe Environment

• Detect and foresee any dangerous situations
• - inspection of facilities, equipment
• - removal of dangerous items from playing
     arena
• - climatic conditions

6. Teach the rules of the sport, especially those
     necessary for safety

7. Evaluation of Athletes for injuries or limitations

• How injuries may limit the athletes ability to participate - doctors / trainers clearance for athletes to compete after injury

                                                                    Continued.....