For Families

Safety & Injury Policy.

Protocols and guidelines to keep every athlete safe on and off the court.

Concussion Protocol

  • Any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion must be immediately removed from play and evaluated by a qualified medical professional.
  • No athlete may return to play on the same day a concussion is suspected, regardless of symptom resolution.
  • Return to play requires written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider trained in concussion management.
  • Return must follow a gradual, step-wise progression: light aerobic activity → sport-specific exercise → non-contact training drills → full-contact practice → game play, with at least 24 hours between each step and immediate shutdown if symptoms recur.
  • Parents must inform coaches of any prior concussions or head injuries before the season begins.

Return-to-Play Procedures

  • After any injury, athletes must be medically cleared before returning to practice or competition.
  • A graduated return is required for musculoskeletal injuries: pain-free range of motion → strength and conditioning → sport-specific drills → full practice → unrestricted competition.
  • Coaches reserve the right to hold an athlete out of activity pending evaluation if they observe limping, guarding, or signs of distress.
  • Communication between the athlete, parent, coach, and medical provider is required throughout the return-to-play process.

Emergency Action Plan

  • In the event of a serious injury, 911 will be called immediately and the athlete will not be moved unless absolutely necessary.
  • A coach will remain with the injured athlete at all times while another contacts the parent/guardian and facility staff.
  • The nearest hospital or urgent care location is identified and communicated to all families before every away tournament.
  • An automated external defibrillator (AED) location is confirmed at every venue before competition begins.
  • All coaches maintain current First Aid and CPR/AED certification.

Travel-Specific Safety

  • Athletes should arrive at the tournament venue well-rested. Sleep deprivation increases injury risk.
  • Warm-up routines are mandatory before every match, even if the schedule is compressed due to travel delays.
  • Athletes must maintain hydration throughout travel days—dehydration contributes to cramps, dizziness, and soft-tissue injuries.
  • Players should wear supportive footwear during travel and between matches; flip-flops and unsupportive shoes increase ankle and foot injury risk.

Heat & Hydration Guidelines

  • Athletes must bring a filled water bottle to every practice and tournament.
  • Signs of heat illness (excessive fatigue, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or cessation of sweating) require immediate cessation of activity, cooling, and evaluation.
  • Coaches monitor conditions and adjust practice intensity, duration, or rest intervals as needed.

General Safety Expectations

  • All athletes must wear appropriate protective gear: knee pads, athletic shoes with non-marking soles, and any required braces or supports.
  • Courts must be inspected before play for wet spots, debris, or equipment hazards.
  • Athletes are expected to treat teammates, opponents, officials, and coaches with respect at all times—unsportsmanlike conduct is a safety and culture issue.

Parent & Guardian Responsibilities

  • Ensure your athlete gets adequate sleep, nutrition, and hydration—especially during tournament weekends.
  • Report all medical conditions, medications, and allergies to the coaching staff before the season.
  • Provide timely updates if your athlete is recovering from illness, injury, or any condition that may affect participation.
  • Support the coach's decision to hold an athlete out of play when health or safety is in question.
  • Be reachable by phone during all practices and tournaments.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about this policy, your athlete's specific situation, or an injury that occurred at an SVC event, contact your team's head coach or the club director directly. We are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of every player.