Beyond the Game - The Importance of Coach Education

A coach's number one responsibility is to protect their athletes. They are legally obligated to provide proper instruction and a safe physical environment. Coach education and training improve the athlete experience and save athletes' lives. Without it, coaches are putting their athletes at unnecessary risk.

In December 2022, a Long Island high school basketball coach performed life-saving CPR after his 17-year-old athlete collapsed. Without specific coach education, post-injury outcomes may be severe. If coaches are prepared to handle potential emergency situations during games or practices, they can help ensure their team's safety and decrease their risk of litigation. 

If coaches are provided with the opportunity to grow their skill sets, they directly impact athlete development and the athlete experience within the organization. When coaches invest in improving athlete skills, they increase player retention, esteem, and the organization's success.

Many organizations provide accessible coach education on topics such as sudden cardiac arrest, concussions, first aid, heat-related illness prevention and additional injury prevention education. The National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) also offers free concussion training online for coaches and parents. Similarly, web-based platforms like InjureFree provide a robust online coach education library for easy access and up-to-date information.

Click here to learn more about InjureFree's coach education modules.

References

1. Dasbach, M. (2021, July 1). Why providing continuing education opportunities for your coaches matters - TeamSnap blog. TeamSnap. https://www.teamsnap.com/blog/general-sports/why-providing-continuing-education-opportunities-for-your-coaches-matters
2. Sager, S. (2022, December 10). Long island basketball player alive after collapsing thanks to CPR-trained coaches. ABC7 New York. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from ABC7NY
3. https://www.injurefree.com/