I'll try to list some of the dangers that are around the soccer field during games and practices. I'll start with the more severe dangers and work my way to the less severe.
Lightning: Lightning can be a killer and no game nor practice is worth the risk of tempting fate. CASL employs the 30/30 rule, if lightning is witnessed and thunder is heard within 30 seconds of the flash of lightning (it means that the strike was closer than 6 miles) then everyone should get off the field and seek shelter. People are not allowed on the field until 30 minutes after the last such occurance. You need to remember that lightning can be on the edges of a storm, so, no rain needs to accompany a lightning strike. I sometimes see players out of shelter waiting for the game to resume when it is not raining. This is very unsafe. Players, and all others, should be under shelter or in a car until it is clear to go back to play! DON'T MESS WITH LIGHTNING!
Goals: Goals need to be anchored with sand bags or some other anchoring device. All the CASL fields have sand bags or other implements to anchor goals, however, during practices, goals may be moved and the sand bags don't make the trip. All (coaches, referees, players and parents) should make sure that your goal is anchored. As a side note, the sand bag doesn't go on the net to keep it down it goes on the goal itself!
Driving: It should go without saying, but, I'll say it anyways. Our soccer parks have children engrossed in something other than looking out for cars. Please slow down and make sure that all stay safe. To our teen drivers: Please realize that you need to be extra careful around the soccer parks. Text or call before getting started and take your time while in the parks!
Sideline: Spectators have a tendency to crowd the sideline. This is unsafe for the players and the spectators. Not all spectators are paying 100% attention and chairs, stools and umbrellas are not a good way for a player to stop. I often see other smaller children playing right next to the field and not paying attention to the game, this is an accident waiting to happen. Also, please know where other (non-playing) children are during a game. It is easy to get too honed in on the action on the field and not know what another sibling might be doing. I see kids climbing on goals, fences and nets. I see others near the road or parking lot. Hopefully, we can all be vigilant!
Sun: We all should get in the habit of using sunblock. Games can last from 1 hour to 2 hours and players and spectators should get used to getting in the habit of being protected from the sun!
There are many perils that occur in a contact sport such as soccer on the field. That is why we have trained referees and why we train the coaches to teach good practices on the field. However, the dangers listed above have simple solutions, if we all pay attention and are vigilant. "HAVE FUN and REMEMBER it is JUST a GAME!"
Charlie Slagle
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