FOOTBALL SAFETY GUIDELINES
This
school strives to protect each student from possible injury while engaging in school
activities. The guidelines and information identified below have been
established for this activity in order to protect the student and others from
injury and/or illness. Participants and their parents should recognize that
conditioning, nutrition, proper techniques, safety procedures, and well-fitting
equipment are important aspects of this training program. Each participant is
expected to follow the directions/standards of the coach and must understand
that failure to follow such directions or adhere to standards may place the
participant at risk
Travel
to and from off-campus facilities shall be in accordance with the directions of
the activity coach.
Guidelines
are as follows:
1. Make certain that you wear all equipment that is
issued by the coach. Advise the coach of any poorly-fitted or defective
equipment.
2. Advise the coach if you are ill or have any prolonged
symptoms of illness.
3. Advise the coach if you have been injured.
4. Engage in warm-up activities prior to strenuous
participation.
5. Be alert for any physical hazards in the locker room
or in or around the participation area. Advise coach of any hazard.
TACKLING, BLOCKING, AND
RUNNING THE BALL
Tackling
and blocking techniques are basically the same. Contact is to be made above the
belt, but not initially with the helmet The player should always be in a
position of balance, knees bent, back straight, body slightly bent forward,
head up and the target area as near to the body as possible with the main
contact being made with the shoulder. When properly blocking or tackling an
opponent, contact with your helmet will naturally result. Therefore, technique
is most important in order to prevent or reduce the likelihood of injury.
Blocking
and tackling by not keeping the helmet as close to the body as possible may
result in a shoulder injury and a separation or a pinched nerve in the neck
area. Injuries as a result of improper techniques can range from minor to
disabling or even death. Improper body alignment can put the spinal column in a
vulnerable position for injury. The development of strength in the neck muscles
through isometric-type exercises will enable the participant to hold his/her
head up even after getting tired during a workout or contest.
BASIC HITTING (CONTACT)
POSITION AND FUNDAMENTAL TECHNIQUE
Strained
muscle injuries can range from ankle injuries to serious knee injuries
requiring surgery. The rules have made blocking below the waist (outside a
two-yard by four-yard area next to the football) illegal.
Cleats
are restricted to no more than one-half inch to further help prevent knee
injuries. A runner with the ball, however, may be tackled around the legs.
In
tackling, the rules prohibit initial contact with the helmet or grabbing the face
mask on the edge of the helmet. Initial helmet contact may result in a bruise;
dislocation; broken bone; head injury; or internal injury such as kidneys,
spleen, bladder, etc. Grabbing the face mask or helmet edge may result in a
neck injury which could result in injuries ranging from a muscle strain to a
dislocation, nerve injury, or spinal column damage which could cause paralysis
or death.
EQUIPMENT
An
athlete is required to wear all issued equipment. If equipment is damaged or
does not fit correctly, the athlete must inform his coach immediately before
use. Shoulder pads, helmets, hip pads, and pants (including thigh pads and knee
pads) must have proper fitting and use.
A shoulder pad which is too small will leave the
shoulder point vulnerable to bruises or separations. A shoulder pad that is too
tight in the neck area may result in a possible pinched nerve. A shoulder pad
which is too large will leave the neck area poorly protected and will slide on
the shoulders making them vulnerable to bruises or separations. Helmets must
fit snugly at the contact points: front, back, and top of head. The helmet must
be safety "NOCSAE" branded, the chin straps must be fastened, and the
cheek pads must be of the proper thickness. A fit which is too loose could
result in headaches, a concussion, a face injury such as a broken nose or
cheekbone, or a neck injury that is possibly quite serious such as paralysis or
even death.
The
above information has been explained to me and l understand the list of rules
and procedures. I also understand the necessity of using the proper techniques
while participating in the football program.
I am
aware that tackle football is a high-risk sport and that practicing or
competing in tackle football will be a dangerous activity involving MANY
RISKS OF INJURY. I understand that the dangers and risks of practicing
and competing in tackle football include, but are not limited to, death,
serious neck and spinal injuries which may result in complete or partial
paralysis, brain damage, serious injury to virtually all internal organs,
serious injury to virtually all bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and
other aspects of my body, general health and well-being. I understand that the
dangers and risks of practicing or competing in tackle football may result not
only in serious injury, but in a serious impairment of my future abilities to
earn a living, to engage in other business, social and recreational activities
and generally to enjoy life.
Because
of the dangers of tackle football, I recognize the importance of following
coaches' instructions regarding techniques, training and other team rules,
etc., and to agree to obey such instructions.
I, __________________________
am the parent/legal guardian of ________________________ (student). I have read
the above warning and release and understand its terms. I understand that
tackle football is a HIGH-RISK SPORT involving many RISKS
OF INJURY, including but not limited to those risks outlined above.
In
consideration of the ______________________________ School District permitting
my child/ward to try out for the ______________________________ School tackle
football team and to engage in all activities related to the team, including,
but not limited to, trying out, practicing or competing in, tackle football, I
hereby assume all the risks normally associated with tackle football and agree
to hold the School District, its employees, agents, representatives, coaches
and volunteers harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of action,
debts, claims or demands of every kind and nature whatsoever which may arise
from such risks. The terms hereof shall serve as a release for my heirs,
estate, executor, administrator, assignees, and for all members of my family
We
agree that neither the school district, nor the staff of the school district,
nor the student organization of the school district shall .in any way be held
liable for any accident or injury in any way received on account of or while
engaged in any athletic activity sponsored by the district. We further agree
that neither the district nor any of their staff or student organizations shall
be responsible for the payment of any bills rendered for medical services as a
result of such accidents or injuries. We also acknowledge that it is our
responsibility to provide for any medical, disability or other insurance to
mitigate any costs that may be unfortunately incurred as a result of
participation in this activity.
By signing below, I certify
that I have read the above, understand its content, and agree to its terms.
__________________________________
____________________
Athlete's Signature Date
__________________________________
____________________
Parent's/Guardian's Signature Date