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Safety & Safe Haven



  • Safe Haven Program
    AYSO Safe Haven is designed to address the growing need for child and volunteer protection through volunteer training, certification and continuing education policies.

  • The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997
    In order to receive the maximum protection provided under this law, AYSO volunteers must:
    1. be properly trained and certified (Safe Haven plus job specific),
    2. be properely authorized to do their job,
    3. be performing their duties as laid out in their job description,
    4. act within the scope of Bylaws, Policy Statements and Rules & Regulations.
    AYSO provides a continuing training program for all jobs at all levels. Our region's volunteers are 99% AYSO certified.

  • Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA)
    The AYSO volunteer position of Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA) supports the Regional Commisioner (RC) with the promotion and implementation of the AYSO Safe Haven program, including the 4 main elements of volunteer protection. The CVPA is familiar with the Child Protection Act of 1993, the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, "the Good Samaritan Laws of New York State" (Section 3000-a.1.), and New York State's provisions for reporting of child abuse and maltreatment (Section 413: Volunteers in New York State are not required to report suspected child abuse).
    AYSO recoginizes five types of abusive behavior: emotional, physical, sexual (Megan's Law), neglect and ethical.

  • Soccer Accident Insurance (S.A.I.)
    Players, Coaches, Referees and other volunteers are only insured when registered with the national office! (Note, this is a supplementary insurance only, with a $200 deductible). An AYSO S.A.I. claim form may be obtained from the Regional Safety Coordinator or the Commissioner and a claim must be made within 90 days of the date of injury.
    On June 15, 2004 the 2004 AYSO Incident Report Form" was introduced, (to be used in the event of Injury, Incident or Property Damage), combining the old "Accident Report Form" and two "Incident Report Forms".
    (More information; Seguro de Accidente).

  • Injury prevention:
    - Proper warm-up (create good habits for younger players) and stretching
    - Sufficient physical conditioning (especially over age 11)
    - Correct soccer techniques (e.g. tackling and heading)
    - Knowledge and proper application of the Laws of the Game and the spirit of the Game: Fun, Fair, Safe
    - Sufficient rest and plenty of fluids
    - Equipment (shin-guards are mandatory for practices and games (inside the socks), soft-cleated soccer shoes are recommended (or sneakers; no baseball or metal cleates)
    - Players should not wear anything that can be dangerous to themselves or other players: cast, splint, any kind of jewelry, ornamental hairstuff (tape a medical bracelet).
    - Maintained facilities (check the field for debris, holes, rocks etc.; don't allow playing with/on goals; report problems to the safety director)
    - Common Sense (set the example, don't be the example)

  • Reminder:
    Everyone (other than players in the game and the referee) should remain at least one yard away from the touchlines (the field boundaries running along the sides of the field), and no one is permitted to stand behind the goal lines. Any chairs, coolers and other items should remain at least several yards from the field. There are several reasons for this, including:
    1. Player safety.
    2. Assistant referee safety and function. The assistant referees (formerly known as linespersons) need to have an unobstructed view "down the line" to perform their duties during the game. Also, they need to run along the field while watching play, which could create collisions if spectators are in their way. Assistant referees should not enter the playing field.
    3. Interfering with play. The position of the ball, not of the players, determines when play stops due to the ball leaving the field. Players may be outside of the field while playing the ball. Spectators too close to the field unfairly impede or discourage players from playing the ball as it nears the boundary. And players throwing the ball in after it has left the field should be given extra room, including room to step back and run up to the field.
    4. Hindering the referee. Spectators and players not participating in the game who are too close to the field make the referee’s job harder by obscuring part of the field, blending with players and restricting the assistant referee’s movement and position. The Laws of the Game do not permit anyone other than the active players and the referee to enter the field without the referee’s permission.

  • Injury management:
    At least look competent and in control of the situation. Remain calm so that injured player and teammates are not upset. Administer first aid (only if you know how). Get help (if you're giving first aid, send someone else for help). Talk to the victim and tell him/her that help is coming.
    Care & Treatment of Injuries & Conditions:
    Heat Stroke
    Symptoms:
    • High body temperature
    • Skin hot, red and dry
    • Pulse is rapid
    • Player is unconscious
    First Aid:
    • Apply cool cloths
    • Seek medical help immediately

    Heat Exhaustion
    Symptoms:
    • Normal body temperature
    • Skin pale and clammy
    • Profuse sweating
    • Weakness, headache, nausea
    First Aid:
    • Apply cool cloths
    • Sip cool water
    • Rest
    • If vomiting seek medical attention

    Strain - Injury to a Muscle
    Symptoms:
    • Pain
    • Swelling
    • Redness
    First Aid:
    • Ice
    • Rest
    • Gradually resume use

    Sprain - Injury to a Joint or Ligament
    Symptoms:
    • Pain
    • Rapid swelling
    • Heat
    • Discoloration
    First Aid:
    • RICE
      • Rest
      • Ice
      • Compress
      • Elevate

    Heat Cramps
    Symptoms:
    • Pain in abdomen and legs
    First Aid:
    • Massage muscle
    • Sip cool water

    Laceration
    Symptoms:
    • Bleeding from skin
    First Aid:
    • Minor
      • Wash and cover with protective dressing
    • Major
      • Apply direct pressure
      • Seek medical attention

    Blisters
    Symptoms:
    • Collection of fluid within the skin
    Prevention:
    • Wear double socks
    • Apply petroleum jelly to toes and heel
    First Aid:
    • Do not break blister
    • Cover with protective dressing

    Nose Bleed
    Symptoms:
    • Bleeding from the nostrils
    First Aid:
    • Hold the fleshy part of the nose (just below the bone) with firm pressure for 15 minutes without interruption
    • If bleeding continues, repeat above for additional 15 minutes
    • Do not attempt to clear nostrils for 24 hours

    Head Injury
    Symptoms:
    • Swelling or bleeding may or may not be visible
    First Aid:
    • Apply ice to injured area
    • Rest player
    • Monitor closely for:
      • Confusion
      • Difficulty walking
      • Vomiting
      • Weakness
      If any of the above occur, seed medical help immediately.
    Caution:
    • If nose bleed occurs after a head injury, do not attempt to stop bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.
    Caution:
    • Coaches too often send players back in if they are not stumbling or incoherent. A better test is to have the player recite four digits backwards, or describe the play or action just before he/she was hurt. He should also be asked to remember four random words, and then asked what the words are five minutes later. A player who fails any of these tests is likely to have a concussion and should not return to play until seen by a doctor.


    Last updated 11/19/2004
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