Legal Responsibilities

Coaches Legal Responsibilities

Under the Australian Sports Commission’s National Coach Accreditation Scheme, coaches are required by law to undertake the following responsibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of their players:

Provide a Safe Environment

• Ensure that facilities and equipment are safe for use by all participants and others involved in the competition.
• Take adverse weather conditions into account during both competition and practice sessions to maintain safety.

Activities Must Be Adequately Planned

• Poorly planned practice sessions can lead to inadequate learning and injuries.
• Use appropriate teaching methods for new skills, particularly those that are potentially dangerous.

Players Must Be Evaluated for Injury and Incapacity

• Players with injuries or incapacities should not be required to perform any activity that could be harmful.
• No player should be forced to participate in any activity.

Young Players Should Not Be Mismatched

• Match young players not only according to age but also height, weight, and maturity.
• Consider skill levels and experience to ensure fair and safe competition.

Safe and Proper Equipment Should Be Provided

• Ensure that all equipment meets existing codes and standards and is maintained in good order to remain safe for use at all times.

Players Must Be Warned of the Inherent Risk of the Sport

• Players can only legally accept the inherent risks of the sport if they are fully aware of, understand, and appreciate those risks.

Activities Must Be Closely Supervised

• Provide adequate supervision to maintain a safe practice environment.

Coaches Should Know First Aid

• Have a knowledge of current basic emergency procedures, including STOP (Stop, Talk, Observe, Prevent further injury) and RICER (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, and Referral) for managing injuries.
• Develop a written emergency plan and ensure that medical assistance is available.
• Follow the NRL Concussion policy and ensure that no action aggravates any injury.

Develop Clear, Written Rules for Training and General Conduct

• Establish clear written rules for general conduct and behavior to prevent injuries caused by inappropriate actions in training venues and change rooms.

Coaches Should Keep Accurate Records

• Maintain accurate records for all players, including relevant general and medical information, progress reports, and accident reports.
• Record cards and accident reports are essential for planning and managing cases of injury.

Negligence occurs when a coach fails to perform a legally-owed duty considered reasonable and prudent under the circumstances. Negligence can result from either an error or an omission and represents a breach of the required standard of care.