Safety & Risk Management Policies
These safety policies are reviewed annually and are mandatory for all coaches, team personnel, volunteers, players, and families. Bradford Wolves FC is committed to continuous improvement in safety standards and risk management.
This document outlines the club’s Emergency Action Plan, Concussion Protocol, Facility Safety Standards, and Weather Safety Plan. These policies align with Canada Soccer’s Guide to Safety and reflect Bradford Wolves FC’s commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and well-managed environment for all participants.
Emergency Action Plan
The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) ensures a coordinated and efficient response to medical or safety emergencies during all Bradford Wolves FC activities. All coaches and team personnel must be familiar with this plan prior to the season.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Person in Charge (typically the Head Coach) maintains control of the scene, ensures athlete safety, and delegates tasks.
- Call Person contacts emergency services, provides clear directions to the facility, and communicates with parents or guardians.
Emergency Equipment
A fully stocked first aid kit, emergency contact information, and a charged mobile phone must be present at every training session and match.
Emergency Procedure
- Stop play immediately
- Secure the area
- Assess the injured individual
- Call emergency services when required
- Complete an incident report following the event
Concussion Protocol
Bradford Wolves FC follows a strict “Recognize and Remove” concussion protocol as set by Canada Soccer. Player safety takes precedence over competition at all times.
- Any player suspected of sustaining a concussion must be immediately removed from training or match play.
- Coaches and staff are not permitted to diagnose a concussion but must act when symptoms are observed or reported.
- A player diagnosed with a concussion may not return to soccer activities until all symptoms have resolved and written medical clearance has been provided by a licensed healthcare professional.
- Return to play must follow a gradual, step-wise progression that prioritizes return to school or daily activities before full participation in sport.
Facility Safety Standards
- All training and competition facilities must be inspected prior to use.
- Coaches are responsible for identifying hazards such as uneven surfaces, damaged goals, debris, or unsafe weather conditions.
- Portable goals must be properly anchored at all times.
- Players may not wear jewelry unless required for medical reasons and properly secured.
- Any athlete with a bleeding injury must be removed from play immediately and may only return once bleeding is controlled and the wound is securely covered.
- Equipment must be age-appropriate, properly fitted, and well maintained to reduce injury risk.
Weather & Environmental Safety
Bradford Wolves FC prioritizes player safety in all weather-related decisions. Coaches must actively monitor environmental conditions before and during activities. The referee always has the final decision on match delays or suspensions due to weather conditions, focusing on player, coach, and spectator safety.
Lightning
- Immediate Action: Stop play and go to safe shelter (building with wiring/plumbing, metal-roofed vehicle) as soon as thunder is heard or lightning seen.
- 30-Minute Rule: Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder/lightning before resuming.
- “Flash-to-Bang”: Use the seconds between flash and thunder to estimate distance (divide seconds by 5 for miles).
Heat
Additional hydration breaks are mandatory during hot conditions. Activities may be modified, shortened, or cancelled to prevent heat-related illness. Guidelines often involve humidex (heat index) thresholds, such as U10/U12 stopping at 37+ or U14+ at 40+, though these can vary slightly by league.
Cold, Air Quality, and Other Conditions
Sessions may be shortened or cancelled when conditions pose a risk to participant health or safety. High winds (>60 km/hr), significant standing water, and poor visibility can also trigger suspensions.
What to Do
- Listen to Officials: Trust the referee or designated official’s call.
- Seek Shelter: Get indoors or into a vehicle during lightning.
- Check Club Channels: Look for updates from your specific club (website, app, coach) for local cancellations.
