Coaches play a significant role in directing safe practices amongst players at both training and during competition. 

Some things for coaches to consider:

• Monitoring athletes physical wellbeing and reducing / removing training and competing accordingly
• Monitoring athlete workloads and avoiding overload.
• Managing return to play for injured or unwell athletes including ensuring a medical certificate is presented if serious.  Check with your state association or peak body if they have policies or guidelines around concussion. AFL have developed a new set of guidelines - Click Here to view.
• Developing a Management Plan for return to play in consultation with the relevant medical staff
• Providing warm up and cool down / full recovery sessions where needed
• Ensuring good hydration by directing drink breaks
• Ensuring safety equipment is worn and/or in place
• Ensuring that equipment including safety equipment is in good repair
• Ensuring training and competition surfaces are free from hazards and suitable for use
• Ensuring that training practices are suitable for the maturation of the player and modifying where necessary
• Matching players in training according to physical attributes e.g. height, weight, age, skill
• Abiding by the rules of the  competition e.g. modified tackling
• Reminding members to undertake sun protection measures between September and March
• Avoid athletes standing around in colder conditions

Useful information for coaches: 

• Australian Sports Commission's Tips and Tools 
• Smartplay