For Additional Information

Leonard K. Lucenko, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus/Adjunct Professor Montclair State University PO BOX 70, LAKE ARIEL, PA 18436 (570) 698-1161; OR (973) 655-7094 OR (239) 992-0119;

Email: lucenkol@mail.montclair.edu

RISK MANAGEMENT IN SPORT AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN SPORT AND RECREATION:Programming, Equipment and RECREATION:Programming, Equipment and

Facility SafetyFacility SafetyPresented At:Presented At:

NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION FOR HEALTH, PHYSICAL NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION FOR HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, RECREATION AND DANCEEDUCATION, RECREATION AND DANCE

February 9, 2004February 9, 2004

Presented By:Presented By:Leonard K. Lucenko, Ph.D.Leonard K. Lucenko, Ph.D.

Our Litigious SocietyOur Litigious Society We Do Live In A litigious We Do Live In A litigious

SocietySociety Consumer Product Safety Consumer Product Safety

Commission Injury StatisticsCommission Injury Statistics Teachers, Coaches Being SuedTeachers, Coaches Being Sued Large Monetary AwardsLarge Monetary Awards Devastating Effects on Devastating Effects on

ProgramsPrograms

Risk Risk ManagementManagement-Your Legal Duty of -Your Legal Duty of CareCare

There Are Certain Duties Imposed by Society and Courts

You Must Know and Understand These Legal Duties

Priority One: Safety of the Participants

Your Role in Risk ManagementYour Role in Risk Management

Understand Reasonable and Prudent Doctrine

“In Loco Parentis”

Prevent Unreasonable Risks

Anticipate Problems and Protect Players from Foreseeable Dangers

The Results of a Lack of Risk The Results of a Lack of Risk Management Mind SetManagement Mind Set

Exposure to Risk of Injury and Exposure to Risk of Injury and LitigationLitigation

Physical and Emotional InjuriesPhysical and Emotional Injuries

Catastrophic Injuries - Fatal, Life Catastrophic Injuries - Fatal, Life Threatening or Life AlteringThreatening or Life Altering

US. Consumer Product Safety US. Consumer Product Safety CommissionCommission National Electronic Injury National Electronic Injury

Surveillance SystemSurveillance SystemSports Injuries Compiled by Sports Injuries Compiled by

National Youth Sports Safety National Youth Sports Safety FoundationFoundation

Other OrganizationsOther Organizations

I n j u r i e s I n c u r r e d b y H i g h - S c h o o l A t h l e t e sl e a d t o M o r e L a w s u i t s A g a i n s t C o a c h e s

B y M IL O G E Y E L i nS t a f f R e p o r t e r o f IM E W A L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L

H i g h - s c h o o l c o a c h e s a r e c a l l i n g l a w y e r s i n t o t h e h u d d l e t o h e l p h e m f a c e o f f

a g a i n s t i n c r e a s e d l i a b i l i t y f o r s p o r t s i n j u r i e s .In j u r i e s a n d l a w s u t s h a v e a l w a y s b e e n p a r t o f h i g h - s c h o o l a t h l e t c s . p a r t i c u l a r l y

c o n t a c t s p o r t s . a n d c o a c h e s h a v e n e v e r b e e n i m m u n e . 3 u t u n t i l r e c e n t l y g r o u n d sw e r e u s u a l l y l i m i t e d t o c l a i m s o f i n a d e t u a t e s u p e r v i s i o n o r d e f e c t i v e e q u i p m e n t .

T h e s e d a y s , h o w e v e r , p a r e n t s a n d s t u d e n t s a r e m o r e w i l l i n g t o s u e c o a c h e s o v e rs p o r t s i n j u r i e s , a n d l a w y e r s a r e r i s i n g t o t h e o c c a s i o n w i t h c r e a t i v e n e w a p p l i c a t i o n so f l i a b i l i t y l a w . T h e y a r e s u i n g l ) v e r e v e r y t h i n g f r o m i n f r a c t i o n s o f r u l e s b yo p p o s i n g t e a m s t o a l l e g e d v i o l a t i o n s o f a t h l e t e s ' c o n s t i t u t i o n a l r i g h t s .

~ 'In j u n e s a n d l i t i g a t i o n a r e o n t h e i n c r e a s e , " s a y s C o o p e r M e a n s . h i g h - s c h o o la t h l e t i c d i r e c t o r i n O r a n g e C o u n t y , F l a . " In O r a n g e C o u n t y , t h a t 's N o . 1 o n o u rt h o u g h t s — l i t i g a t i o n . "

W o m e d O f f i c i a l s

S o m e s u i t s b r o u g h t b y i n j u r e d a t h l e t e s a g a i n s t w o e f u M i y n e g l i g e n t s c h o o lo f f i c i a l s a r e w e l l - d e s e r v e d . B u t m a n y s c h o o l o f f i c i a l s w o r r y t b a $ r i s i n g l i t i g a t i o nc o s t s w i l l u n d e r m i n e s p o r t s p r o g r a r n s . A n d t h e

X s w h o c o u r t s i n j u r y b y p u s h i n g s t u d e n t a t h l e t e s b e y o n d t h e i r l i m . . ~ . n a y s o o nb e c o m e a t h i n g o f t h e p a s t .

" T h e o l d l i n e w a s y o u h a v e t o s a c r i f i c e , y o u h a v e t o p l a y w i t h p a i n . " s a y sd e f e n s el i t i g a t o r K e v i nL . S t i l l e r i n

d r o p t h e b a l l . T h a t 's a c o m m o n p r a c t i c e i n t h e m a j o r l e a g u e s . b u t a l i t t l e - k n o w n r u l ei n N o r t h C a r o l i n a h i g h s c h o o l s r e q u i r e s r u n n e r s i n a c l o s e p l a y t o s l i d e h o m e .

T h e i n j u r e d c a t c h e r s u e d t h e o p p o s i n g t e a m 's c o a c h . s c h o o l p r i n c i p a l a n da t h l e t i c d i r e c t o r o n t h e g r o u n d t h a t t h e s t a t e r u l e s h o u l d h a v e b e e n t a u g h t , T h e c a s er e c e n t i y w a s s e t U e d o u t o f c o u r t f o r S 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 .

S u i n g a n o p p o s i n g c o a c h o v e r a r u l e i n f r a c t i o n t h a t r e s u l t s i n a n i n j u r y i s t h el a t e s t d e v e l o p m e n t i n h i g h - s c h o o l s p o r t s l i t i g a t i o n . s a y s S t e t s o n " R i c k " B a l i , a

s p o r t s - s a f e t y a n d n s k - m a n a g e m e n t c o n s u l t a n t i n P h o e n i x , A r i z . b l o r e c o m m o n h a v eb e e n s u i t s o v e r p o o r e q u i p m e n t o r l a c k o f s u p e r v i s i o n . B r o k e n E y e S o c k e t

W h e n 1 3 - y e a r - o l d L o r i A . P a r i s i w - a s h i t i n t h e e y e w i t h a s o f t b a l l w h i l ep l a y i n g c a t c h e r d u r i n g p r a c t i c e i n H a r p u r s v i l l e , N . Y . , s h e a n d h e r p a r e n t s s u e d t h ec o a c h . T h e p i t c h . t h r o w n 'w i n d m i l l " s t y l e , b r o k e h e r e y e s o c k e t ; M s . P a r i s i , w h ou s u a l l y p l a y e d s e c o n d b a s e , w a s n t w e a r i n g a c a t c h e r 's m a s t A n a p p e a l s c o u r ta l l o w e d t h e s u i t t o g o f o r w a r d t w o y e a r s a g o o n t h e g r o u n d t h a t t h e c o a c h s h o u l dh a v e m a d e s u r e t h e m a s k w a s o n .

T h e c a s e w a s s e t t l e d o u t o f c o u r t , b u t j u s t h o w c a r e f u l c o a c h e s n e e d t o b er e m a i n s u n d e c i d e d . S o m e s t a t e c o u r t s i n F l o r i d a a n d e l s e w h e r e h a v e r e q u i r e d o fc o a c h e s t h e s a m e s t a n d a r d o f c a r e t h a t w o u l d b e r e q u i r e d o f a * * p r u d e n t p a r e n t . "B u t o t h e r c o u r t s , m o s t r e c e n t l y i n

.d

Your Legal Duties: A Growing List Your Legal Duties: A Growing List

SupervisionSupervisionInstructionInstruction

Safe FacilitiesSafe FacilitiesSafe EquipmentSafe Equipment

Warning and CautionWarning and CautionCoaching/Management ExpertiseCoaching/Management Expertise

Your Legal Duties Your Legal Duties

Competitive MatchingCompetitive Matching

(Example: Coed Wrestling; Coach Wrestling)(Example: Coed Wrestling; Coach Wrestling)Emergency Action PlanEmergency Action Plan

First Aid and CPRFirst Aid and CPRRecord KeepingRecord KeepingSpectator SafetySpectator Safety

Profiles of Some Litigation CasesProfiles of Some Litigation Cases

The Goal PostsThe Goal Posts Javelin - Two in NJJavelin - Two in NJ The Gymnasium Floor ConditionThe Gymnasium Floor Condition Baseball on March 1st: Head First Sliding on Baseball on March 1st: Head First Sliding on

Frozen FieldFrozen Field Improper Placement of BullpenImproper Placement of Bullpen Track and Field: Hammer ThrowTrack and Field: Hammer Throw Lack of Buffer ZonesLack of Buffer Zones

Profiles of Litigation Cases

Indoor Practice Configuration

Defective Mask & Other Equipment

Neglect of Rules: No Mask Warm-Up; No Exam

Rotten or Lack of Supervision

Lack of Shin Guards; Goggles; Chest Protector

Applicability to All Facilities and Equipment

Lack of Protective Netting in Hockey, Baseball

Profiles of Litigation CasesProfiles of Litigation Cases

Coercion to Practice Before Medical Exam: Coercion to Practice Before Medical Exam: FatalityFatality

Early Return to Practice Despite Doctor’s Early Return to Practice Despite Doctor’s ProhibitionProhibition

Refusal to Provide Safety EquipmentRefusal to Provide Safety Equipment And Many MoreAnd Many More

What You Need To DoWhat You Need To Do

Know How Do To Prevent Injuries? Know How Do To Prevent Injuries? Prevent LitigationPrevent Litigation Review Tips for Risk ManagementReview Tips for Risk Management Professional LiteratureProfessional Literature JOHPER; Reporter, etcJOHPER; Reporter, etc NJAHPERD, NJRPANJAHPERD, NJRPA AAHPERD, NRPA, NFSHAA, NJSIAAAAHPERD, NRPA, NFSHAA, NJSIAA

ADDITIONAL SOURCESADDITIONAL SOURCES

Internet: Sports Safety GroupInternet: Sports Safety Group Recreation Safety GroupRecreation Safety Group Amusement Safety GroupAmusement Safety Group Other Sources on the InternetOther Sources on the Internet Invited to Join Sports Safety GroupInvited to Join Sports Safety Group

Football Safety Video TapeFootball Safety Video Tape

Prevent ParalysisPrevent Paralysis Dr. Joseph TorgDr. Joseph Torg Dick VermielDick Vermiel INJURIES CAN BE PREVENTEDINJURIES CAN BE PREVENTED Safety EquipmentSafety Equipment FacilitiesFacilities Instruction and Supervision Instruction and Supervision Available NFSHAAAvailable NFSHAA

What is Risk Management?What is Risk Management?

Understanding Defects and Understanding Defects and Conditions Which May Cause Conditions Which May Cause Accidents and InjuriesAccidents and Injuries

Elimination of the Hazardous Elimination of the Hazardous ConditionsConditions

Do Not Minimize any Hazards Do Not Minimize any Hazards

RISK MANAGEMENT: How To RISK MANAGEMENT: How To Prevent Unreasonable RiskPrevent Unreasonable Risk Inspect and Maintain Safe Facility Inspect and Maintain Safe Facility Detect Obvious and Hidden HazardsDetect Obvious and Hidden Hazards Eliminate Hazards; Warn of PresenceEliminate Hazards; Warn of Presence Evaluate Equipment and Facility Use Evaluate Equipment and Facility Use

and Anticipate and Protect From and Anticipate and Protect From Foreseeable DangersForeseeable Dangers

Do Not Create HazardsDo Not Create Hazards

Equipment and Facility Safety Equipment and Facility Safety InspectionInspection

Annual, SeasonalAnnual, Seasonal Daily Prior To The Arrival of The Daily Prior To The Arrival of The

ParticipantsParticipants Reasonable and Prudent Reasonable and Prudent

EQUIPMENT/FACILITY DEFECTS:

Gymnasium Glass in Door

Field Conditions: Holes, Ruts, Grass

Buffer Zone for Soccer/Football Field

Padding of Protrusions Secure the Attractive NuisanceComodio Cordis: Dangerous Machines

SupervisionSupervision

This is the “Number One” issue in This is the “Number One” issue in Equipment/Facility litigation in Equipment/Facility litigation in Recreation and SportsRecreation and Sports

Provide General and Specific SupervisionProvide General and Specific Supervision

Actively Supervise Equipment/FacilityActively Supervise Equipment/Facility

SupervisionSupervision

Is this the teacher in the office? Is this the teacher in the office?

Is This the Coach in the OfficeIs This the Coach in the Office

Any Supervisor of ChildrenAny Supervisor of Children

SupervisionSupervision

Presence and Active Control of Presence and Active Control of Participants and EnvironmentParticipants and Environment Constant and intensive monitoringConstant and intensive monitoring Passive presence is not Passive presence is not

supervisionsupervision Practice preventive supervisionPractice preventive supervision

Legal DutiesLegal Duties Safe Facilities and EquipmentSafe Facilities and Equipment Risk Prevention Mentality Risk Prevention Mentality

Inspect and eliminate hazardsInspect and eliminate hazards MSU Brookdale Park; Hockey RinkMSU Brookdale Park; Hockey Rink Monmouth Drain; Football/Softball FieldsMonmouth Drain; Football/Softball Fields

Do not practice or play on defective Do not practice or play on defective fieldsfields

Report/Write to authorities and insist Report/Write to authorities and insist that corrective measures are takenthat corrective measures are taken

Check equipment before each Check equipment before each practice, game and usepractice, game and use

The Goal Posts - Secure, The Goal Posts - Secure, Attached and Unusable for ChinsAttached and Unusable for ChinsThe Catcher’s MaskThe Catcher’s MaskWear The Required HelmetWear The Required HelmetIndoor Baseball NetsIndoor Baseball NetsReplace and Remove Worn Replace and Remove Worn EquipmentEquipment

All required/recommended safety All required/recommended safety equipment must be wornequipment must be worn

Helmets, Chest ProtectorsHelmets, Chest ProtectorsShin Guards, Goggles, Flak JacketsShin Guards, Goggles, Flak Jackets

Do not permit misuse of Do not permit misuse of equipmentequipment

Do not alter the integrity of Do not alter the integrity of equipment; No Home Made Equipt.equipment; No Home Made Equipt.Protrusions, ObstructionsProtrusions, ObstructionsHockey Nets Encircling RinkHockey Nets Encircling Rink

Cautions and WarningsCautions and Warnings Verbal Cautions about Potential of Verbal Cautions about Potential of

Injury Every Session: Written Injury Every Session: Written Signage and PostersSignage and Posters Video and Film ViewingVideo and Film Viewing

ParalysisParalysis Irvine CaliforniaIrvine California Warning it Could Happen To YouWarning it Could Happen To You

Cautions and WarningsCautions and Warnings Print, Distribute and Enforce Safety Print, Distribute and Enforce Safety

Rules for Equipment/FacilityRules for Equipment/Facility Do not Encourage or Permit Improper Do not Encourage or Permit Improper

Use of Equipment/FacilityUse of Equipment/Facility Ongoing Discussion of Safety Rules Ongoing Discussion of Safety Rules

and Issuesand Issues Strict Adherence to Safety PracticesStrict Adherence to Safety Practices Do not Close one or Both EyesDo not Close one or Both Eyes

Emergency Medical PlanEmergency Medical Plan

Certified in First Aid and CPRCertified in First Aid and CPR Develop an Emergency PlanDevelop an Emergency Plan Practice and Rehearse the PlanPractice and Rehearse the Plan Emergency Communication Emergency Communication

System; Cellular PhoneSystem; Cellular Phone

Record KeepingRecord Keeping Statute of Limitations for LitigationStatute of Limitations for Litigation

18 Yrs. plus two Yrs.18 Yrs. plus two Yrs. Steps taken to Prevent Injury-Risk Steps taken to Prevent Injury-Risk

ManagementManagement Why Injury Occurred; Do not Admit Why Injury Occurred; Do not Admit

Wrong DoingWrong Doing Witness Statements with Complete Witness Statements with Complete

DocumentationDocumentation Photographs or VideosPhotographs or Videos File in Safe PlaceFile in Safe Place

Record KeepingRecord Keeping

Complete RecordsComplete Records Accurate Description of EventsAccurate Description of Events Conditions which led to InjuryConditions which led to Injury Do not Discard Annually; Keep in Do not Discard Annually; Keep in

File 13 Years File 13 Years

OUTDOOR FACILITIESOUTDOOR FACILITIES

COW PASTURES AS FIELDS; COW PASTURES AS FIELDS; INJURIES WAITING TO HAPPENINJURIES WAITING TO HAPPEN

HOLES, RUTS, STONES, ROCKSHOLES, RUTS, STONES, ROCKS NO BUFFERS; OBJECTS TOO NO BUFFERS; OBJECTS TOO

CLOSE; TALL GRASS; NO GRASS; CLOSE; TALL GRASS; NO GRASS; LACK OF ANNUAL, SEASONAL AND LACK OF ANNUAL, SEASONAL AND

DAILY INSPECTION; MAINTENANCEDAILY INSPECTION; MAINTENANCE

OUTDOOR FACILITY SAFETYOUTDOOR FACILITY SAFETY

LACK OF SPECTATOR PROTECTIONLACK OF SPECTATOR PROTECTION NETTING ALONG FIRST/THIRD NETTING ALONG FIRST/THIRD

LINESLINES NETTING BEHIND HOME PLATENETTING BEHIND HOME PLATE WHERE IS THE MOST DANGEROUS WHERE IS THE MOST DANGEROUS

AREA?AREA?

OUTDOOR FACILITY SAFETYOUTDOOR FACILITY SAFETY

DANGEROUS SURFACEDANGEROUS SURFACE LACK INSPECTION, MAINTENANCELACK INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE DANGEROUS BUFFERS?DANGEROUS BUFFERS? DETERIORATED AND DELAPIDATED DETERIORATED AND DELAPIDATED

CONDITIONCONDITION

BASKETBALL RISK MANAGEMENTBASKETBALL RISK MANAGEMENTOUTDOOR PADDINGOUTDOOR PADDING

PADDINGPADDING

BLEACHERSBLEACHERS

BASKETSBASKETS

OUTDOOR PADDINGOUTDOOR PADDING

BASEBALL FACILITY AND EQUIPMENTBASEBALL FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT

NETTING AND FENCINGNETTING AND FENCING PLAYER EQUIPMENT; ANNUAL AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT; ANNUAL AND

DAILY CHECKDAILY CHECK BASES: HOLLYWOOD; MOVEABLEBASES: HOLLYWOOD; MOVEABLE WALL PADDINGWALL PADDING WARNING TRACKWARNING TRACK COW PASTURE IN OUTFIELDCOW PASTURE IN OUTFIELD

Baseball Equipment/FacilityBaseball Equipment/Facility

On Deck CircleOn Deck Circle Ticket Booth/Entry GateTicket Booth/Entry Gate Back Stop Space RequirementsBack Stop Space Requirements Practice Configuration: Keep out of Line Practice Configuration: Keep out of Line

of Throwsof Throws Applicability and SupervisionApplicability and Supervision

Boy Killed In Baseball Mishap

By RICHARD PEREZ-PENA

A 12 -year-old boy taking batting practice with his Little League team in Brooklyn was killed yesterday by a baseball fired from a pitching machine, the police said.Michael Marano, a member of the St. Athanaslus Bantam Outside team, went into cardiac arrest when hit him in the chest at about 7:16 P.M., said Detective Robert Mladinich.

GYMNASTICS SAFETYGYMNASTICS SAFETY

Equipment/Facility in LitigationEquipment/Facility in Litigation InspectInspect Instruct: ProgressionInstruct: Progression Performer ReadinessPerformer Readiness SpottingSpotting SupervisionSupervision Prevent Catastrophic InjuriesPrevent Catastrophic Injuries

SOCCER RISK MANAGEMENTSOCCER RISK MANAGEMENT

MOVEABLE GOAL SAFETYMOVEABLE GOAL SAFETY ANCHOR SYSTEMANCHOR SYSTEM THE COW PASTURETHE COW PASTURE THE CEMENT FIELDTHE CEMENT FIELD MANDATORY SAFETY EQUIPMENTMANDATORY SAFETY EQUIPMENT INDOOR RISK MANAGEMENTINDOOR RISK MANAGEMENT

SOCCER RISK MANAGEMENTSOCCER RISK MANAGEMENT

Consumer Product Safety CommissionConsumer Product Safety Commission NewspapersNewspapers The InternetThe Internet

Moveable Goal AlertMoveable Goal Alert Proper SignageProper Signage

By Rick Berk

WHO'LL FOOT THE BILL IN SOCCER GOAL DEATH?

The Timberlane Regional School District in Plaistow N.H. may be off the hook for roughly $350 000 because of a liability cap Imposed by state law but someone may have to make up the difference. The state Supreme Court apparently will decide who and how much.

jury s distribution decision based on that law.

Presumably that would shift more of the damage award to the other two defendants but both have challenged the judge s ruling arguing that the liability cap Is unconstitutional. The Marcotte family s attorney is also challenging the constitutionality of the cap and all three defendants are appealing the original verdict.

The death of Nicholas Marcotte was not an isolated incident. In 1992 the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning about soccer goals after reporting that at least 17 people had died since 1979 as a result of soccer goals t ipping over on them. (See Safety is Goai of Soccer CoaiiUon " December 1992 p. 18.) Joined by a coaiiUon of soccer goal manufacturers the CPSC issued a set of safety guidelines. Among those guidelines:

Consumer Product SAFETY ALERT FROM TH E US. CONSUM ER PRODUCT SAFETY COM MISSIO N, WASH IN GTON, D.C . 20207

SEVENTEEN DEATHS PROMPT WARNING:

Movable Soccer Goals Can Tip Over On Children Movable soccer goals can tip over and kill children who climb on them or jump up on the crossbar. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reports of 5 deaths in 1990 alone and a total of 17 deaths and 2 serious injuries since 1979 resulting from soccer goal tipovers.

In one case, a child climbed the netting to get to the top crossbar, causing the goal to tip over. In another case, a student did chin-ups on the crossbar which caused the goal to tip over on him. In a third case, an adult lifted the back of the soccer goal which fell forward on the child in front of it. High winds can also cause movable soccer goals to tip over.

The Commission is working with manufacturers and others to address risks presented by these soccer goals and to make movable soccer goals more stable. The Commission also suggests that coaches and other school officials prevent tip over by anchoring goals to the ground and by warning students not to climb on goals.

Warning RNING

• Securely anchor or counter-weight portable goals at all times (SEE ILLUSTRATION BELOW).

• Never climb on the net or goal framework.

• Remove nets when goals are not In use.

• Tip unused goals onto their goal face or chain goals to nearby fence posts, dug-outs, or any other similar sturdy fixture.

• Check all connecting hardware before every use. Replace damaged or missing fasteners immediately.

• Ensure safety labels are clearly visible.

• Fully disassemble goals for seasonal storage.

To get free safety labels, write to SAFE GOALS c/o SICA, 200 Castlewood Dr., North Palm Beach, FL 33408, or call any of these soccer goal manufacturers: BSN Sports (1-800-527-7510); Jayfro Corp. (1-800-243-0533); Goal! Sporting Goods Inc. (1-800334-4625); or Kwik Goal Ltd. (1-800-531-4252).

Use stake sandbag or auger anchor

Never climb on Goal.

009204

Always anchor goal.

,~,

/ Stake

Sandbag

GYMNASIUM RISK MANAGEMENTGYMNASIUM RISK MANAGEMENT

PLAYERS WILL RUN INTO GLASS PLAYERS WILL RUN INTO GLASS

BALLS WILL HIT GLASSBALLS WILL HIT GLASS

ALL GLASS AREAS-SAFETY GLASSALL GLASS AREAS-SAFETY GLASS

GYMNASIUM AND BASKETBALL GYMNASIUM AND BASKETBALL RISK MANAGEMENTRISK MANAGEMENT

PADDINGPADDING BLEACHERSBLEACHERS BASKETSBASKETS DOORSDOORS

Indoor Baseball PracticeIndoor Baseball Practice

Station ConfigurationStation Configuration Don’t Throw Ball Into PedestriansDon’t Throw Ball Into Pedestrians Unsuspecting Team MatesUnsuspecting Team Mates Glass Doors or WindowsGlass Doors or Windows Plan the Practice OrganizationPlan the Practice Organization

FACILITY CLUTTERFACILITY CLUTTER

STORE AND LOCK EQUIPMENT STORE AND LOCK EQUIPMENT ATTRACTIVE NUISANCEATTRACTIVE NUISANCE ELIMINATE CLUTTER IN WALKWAYSELIMINATE CLUTTER IN WALKWAYS ELIMINATE CLUTTER IN GYMNASIAELIMINATE CLUTTER IN GYMNASIA

PLAYGROUND SAFETYPLAYGROUND SAFETY

AGE APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENTAGE APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT HEIGHT OF APPARATUS STRUCTUREHEIGHT OF APPARATUS STRUCTURE SURFACE MATERIAL; CONCRETE SURFACE MATERIAL; CONCRETE

JUNGLE; PACKED EARTHJUNGLE; PACKED EARTH INSPECT AND MAINTAININSPECT AND MAINTAIN SUPERVISE: ENFORCE RULES; SUPERVISE: ENFORCE RULES; CONTROL ACTIVITIESCONTROL ACTIVITIES

WEIGHT ROOM SAFETYWEIGHT ROOM SAFETY

ORIENTATION AND IN SERVICE ORIENTATION AND IN SERVICE TRAINING OF STAFF AND USERSTRAINING OF STAFF AND USERS

FREE WEIGHTSFREE WEIGHTS TREADMILLSTREADMILLS RECUMBENT BIKESRECUMBENT BIKES STEPPERSSTEPPERS MACHINERY SAFETYMACHINERY SAFETY

WEIGHT ROOM SAFETYWEIGHT ROOM SAFETY

MEDICAL HISTORYMEDICAL HISTORY SPOTTINGSPOTTING SPEED OF MACHINERYSPEED OF MACHINERY CONDITION OF MACHINERYCONDITION OF MACHINERY INSPECT: SECURE IF UNUSABLEINSPECT: SECURE IF UNUSABLE WARM UP/ COOL DOWNWARM UP/ COOL DOWN CAUTION/WARN/SUPERVISECAUTION/WARN/SUPERVISE

ICE HOCKEY SAFETYICE HOCKEY SAFETY

PROTECT PLAYERS, COACHES, PROTECT PLAYERS, COACHES, REFEREESREFEREES

PLAYERS MUST WEAR ALL PLAYERS MUST WEAR ALL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTPROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

REFEREES MUST WEAR HELMET REFEREES MUST WEAR HELMET AND FACE PROTECTORAND FACE PROTECTOR

COACHES SHOULD WEAR HELMET?COACHES SHOULD WEAR HELMET?

FACILITY SAFETYFACILITY SAFETY

PADDING OR SECURING DANGEROUS PADDING OR SECURING DANGEROUS STEEL BEAMS; BENCHSTEEL BEAMS; BENCH

SPECTATOR SHIELDING ALL AROUND SPECTATOR SHIELDING ALL AROUND THE RINKTHE RINK

ROLE MODELS MUST STOP FIGHTINGROLE MODELS MUST STOP FIGHTING STOP UNNECESSARY HITS; PREVENT STOP UNNECESSARY HITS; PREVENT

CATASTROPHIC INJURIESCATASTROPHIC INJURIES

HOCKEY RINKHOCKEY RINK

Complete Lack of NettingComplete Lack of Netting Some Netting Only Behind GoalsSome Netting Only Behind Goals Very Few Completely Around RinkVery Few Completely Around Rink

Fans Will Not Like It!!Fans Will Not Like It!!

FACILITY LIABILITYFACILITY LIABILITY

Municipal and Board of Education Municipal and Board of Education Neglect and DeteriorationNeglect and Deterioration

Potential for Catastrophic InjuriesPotential for Catastrophic Injuries Foreseeabiltiy, PredictabilityForeseeabiltiy, Predictability Callous Disregard for Safety of Callous Disregard for Safety of

ParticipantsParticipants

FACILITY LIABILITYFACILITY LIABILITY

Warning Track?Warning Track?

Wall Padding at End of Track?Wall Padding at End of Track?

Condition of TrackCondition of Track

Condition of WallCondition of Wall

APPLICABILITYAPPLICABILITY

Principles Apply To All Sport and Principles Apply To All Sport and Recreation Facilities and EquipmentRecreation Facilities and Equipment

You Will Be Held To The StandardYou Will Be Held To The Standard

Injuries: HeatInjuries: HeatHeat Related Injuries and Deaths: Heat Related Injuries and Deaths: From Youth to Professionals; Recent From Youth to Professionals; Recent Horror StoriesHorror Stories

Tragedy is that Heat Injuries are Tragedy is that Heat Injuries are 100% Preventable100% Preventable

Coaches should never minimize the Coaches should never minimize the potential of heat injurypotential of heat injury

Injuries: HeatInjuries: HeatBaltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles

Steve Bechler, Died Steve Bechler, Died

Another Oriole Player FaintedAnother Oriole Player Fainted

Korey Stringer, Vikings 2002, DiedKorey Stringer, Vikings 2002, Died

Injuries: HeatInjuries: HeatHeat Acclimatization; Know the Heat Acclimatization; Know the process process

Water deprivation by coach does not Water deprivation by coach does not make the players TOUGHmake the players TOUGH

Water breaks mandatory for every Water breaks mandatory for every playerplayer

On Demand water availability On Demand water availability

Practice Time, Duration, Rest; Practice Time, Duration, Rest; Alternative ActivitiesAlternative Activities

Injuries: HeatInjuries: HeatPractice Time during hottest part of Practice Time during hottest part of day: 10 am to 2 pm, should be day: 10 am to 2 pm, should be curtailedcurtailed

Early morning and Early evening Early morning and Early evening when it is coolerwhen it is cooler

Gradually increase durationGradually increase duration

Injuries: HeatInjuries: HeatRest in the Shade every 15-20 Rest in the Shade every 15-20 minutes minutes

Intensive monitoring of players by Intensive monitoring of players by staff staff

Learn what to do in case of heat Learn what to do in case of heat illnessillness

Immediately cool the bodyImmediately cool the body

Call 911Call 911

Heat INDEXHeat INDEXReview Heat Index for the day: Review Heat Index for the day: Newspaper, Radio, Weather ServiceNewspaper, Radio, Weather Service

Know what heat index combination Know what heat index combination can do the core temperature of the can do the core temperature of the bodybody

Heat INDEXHeat INDEXKnow the danger signs and act Know the danger signs and act

Get the player to hospitalGet the player to hospital

Weather Emergency: Weather Emergency: LightningLightningLIGHTNING:LIGHTNING:

Weather Related Safety IssuesWeather Related Safety Issues

Do not minimize danger of LightningDo not minimize danger of Lightning

LightningLightningNCAA: 1997-98 Sports Medicine NCAA: 1997-98 Sports Medicine Handbook: Excellent ReferenceHandbook: Excellent Reference

YOU have ultimate responsibility for YOU have ultimate responsibility for your players in case of injuryyour players in case of injury

Establish a clear Lightning PolicyEstablish a clear Lightning Policy

LightningLightningLearn: Flash-to-Bang method of Learn: Flash-to-Bang method of determining distancedetermining distance

Count of 30 or less Indicates Count of 30 or less Indicates immediate removal of playersimmediate removal of players

Divide count by 5 to determine actual Divide count by 5 to determine actual distancedistance

Weather Emergency: Weather Emergency: LightningLightningIf YOU believe there is a lightning If YOU believe there is a lightning emergency, pull the players off the emergency, pull the players off the field even if you need to field even if you need to countermand the umpirecountermand the umpire

First attempt to convince umpireFirst attempt to convince umpire

May be a controversial move for you May be a controversial move for you unless you have a clear policyunless you have a clear policy

LightningLightningSeveral Deaths: LKL Kentucky Female Several Deaths: LKL Kentucky Female Soccer PlayerSoccer Player

Examples of Other Sports: Examples of Other Sports: Baseball/SoftballBaseball/Softball

LightningLightningIn Case of Emergency: Get the In Case of Emergency: Get the Players to Safety ImmediatelyPlayers to Safety Immediately

Inside Building is Best LocationInside Building is Best Location

Inside a car, windows shut, will Inside a car, windows shut, will provide protectionprovide protection

Lightning EmergencyLightning EmergencyThe dugout is last resort if you have The dugout is last resort if you have no time to move players to buildingno time to move players to building

Never seek shelter under a tree, flag Never seek shelter under a tree, flag pole, open fields at high point, metal pole, open fields at high point, metal objects, bleachers, storage shedsobjects, bleachers, storage sheds

Lightning EmergencyLightning EmergencyThe dugout is last resort if you have The dugout is last resort if you have no time to move players to buildingno time to move players to building

Never seek shelter under a tree, flag Never seek shelter under a tree, flag pole, open fields at high point, metal pole, open fields at high point, metal objects, bleachers, storage shedsobjects, bleachers, storage sheds

Lightning EmergencyLightning EmergencyDo not permit players to resume Do not permit players to resume activity for 20-30 minutes after last activity for 20-30 minutes after last sign of thunder or lightningsign of thunder or lightning

Develop and Refer to your SOP for Develop and Refer to your SOP for Thunder and Lightning Storm Thunder and Lightning Storm proceduresprocedures

Summary and ConclusionSummary and Conclusion Failure to be in Risk Management Mind-Failure to be in Risk Management Mind-

Set can lead to Injury ExposureSet can lead to Injury Exposure Litigation ExposureLitigation Exposure Knowledge of Risk Management can lead Knowledge of Risk Management can lead

to safe Programto safe Program You need to develop and implement Risk You need to develop and implement Risk

Management ProgramManagement Program Always Consider Potential Consequences Always Consider Potential Consequences

and Err on the Side of Safetyand Err on the Side of Safety

For Additional Information

Leonard K. Lucenko, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus/ Adjunct Professor Montclair State University PO Box 70 Lake Ariel, PA 18436 (570) 698-1161 (973) 655-7094 (MSU) (732) 356-5932 (Fax) Email: lucenkol@mail.montclair.edu