Before you allow an injured player to return
to practice, make sure they have a doctor's
clearance.
As a coach, you are liable if an injured player
returns to action before they are healthy. Don't
accept the player's word, or for that matter
the parent's word that they are OK to continue
playing. Many players, and parents, can't wait
to return to the field, so their judgment may
not be clear. It is your responsibility to ensure
that the player has been cleared by a physician.
Recently, a coach allowed a football player
to return to practice after suffering a mild
a concussion. The player said he was cleared
by a doctor and the coach took his word for
it. In practice, the player was hit and suffered
brain damage. The coach and league are now being
sued for negligence.
Require written clearance from a physician
before you allow your injured players back on
the field.
