CASCADE MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL SAFETY GUIDELINES
Cascade Middle School strives to protect each student from possible injury while engaging in school activities. The guidelines and/or practices 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.
Travel to and from off-campus facilities shall be in accordance with directions of the activity coach.
Guidelines are as follows:
Make certain that you wear all equipment that is issued by the coach. Advise the coach of any poorly-fitted or defective equipment.
Advise the coach if you are ill or have prolonged symptoms of illness.
Advise the coach if you have been injured.
Engage in warm-up activities prior to strenuous participation.
Be alert for any physical hazards in the locker room or in or around the participation area. Advise the 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 position of balance, knees bent straightly, 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 to prevent or 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 disabling or even death. Improper body alignment can put the spinal column in a vulnerable position for injury. Cascade's daily workout includes neck exercises. The development of strength in the neck muscles is one of the best methods of preventing head injury and enables an individual to hold his 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 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 or 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 protective equipment. If equipment is damaged or does not fit correctly, the athlete must inform his coach immediately before use. Should 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 separation. 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 poorly protected and will slide on the shoulders making them vulnerable to bruises and separation. 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 id possibly quite serious such as paralysis or even death. The above information has been explained to me and I 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 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 or 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 bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and other aspect 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 injury but 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 obey such instructions.
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Athlete's Signature Date
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Parent's/Guardian's Signature Date
Please sign, date and return one copy to the main office, please keep a copy for your records.