Emergency Preparedness for Sports Teams

Emergency preparedness for sports teams is important to ensure the safety of athletes, staff, and spectators.

With a good plan in place, teams can respond effectively in the event of an injury, weather-related, or other active crisis. Below are the key elements to build an emergency action plan (EAP). 

Related: From Accident to Ambulance: Emergency Action Plans for the Injured Athlete 

Create a written Emergency Action Plan 

The first step to preparedness is to develop an EAP. To get an idea of where to start and what the plan should include, access this guide from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association.  

Keep in mind that any EAP should cover prevention and specific action plans if an emergency occurs. Some of the elements to an EAP will be geography and institution specific.  

EAPs should also include a description of key staff roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency. The best practice is to take inventory of staff before starting an EAP and during development assign specific emergency roles to team members and medical personnel. 

Communicating an emergency action plan for sports 

Once roles are determined, establish communication protocols in advance. Decide and secure methods of communication, for example, walkie-talkies and phones, and make sure everyone knows where they are located and how to use them. Post emergency contacts and numbers like ambulance, fire department, and the local hospital, in a visible place where they are easily accessible by all team members. 

During EAP development review venue safety and accessibility. Ensure unobstructed emergency evacuation routes and entry access for medical personnel. Carefully inspect for easy access to and from the fields, courts, or arenas, as well as parking lots. Make sure to designate evacuation locations. Post evacuation sites with names and addresses and verify cooperation in advance from any third-party site where team members, players, or spectators might be asked to assemble.  

Related: Emergency Management in Athletics 

First aid practice and game readiness 

Licensed medical personnel such as athletic trainers and paramedics should be present during all games and practices. During EAP development, staff trained in basic first aid and CPR were identified.  

These staff members should be equipped with basic first aid kits that contain bandages, ice packs, splints, etc. and have access to AEDs. They should know where these items are located and how to use them. Have in place and posted procedures for the identification and management of common injuries, including concussions, sprains, and fractures.  

Severe weather readiness 

Weather affects outdoor events, and even indoor events on occasion. Depending on geography, weather can be a serious issue facing athletic teams. Weather changes rapidly, creating dangerous conditions in some areas. Monitor weather conditions before and during practices and games, especially in regions prone to severe weather like thunderstorms or extreme heat. 

Lightning is a critical concern for outdoor events. Develop a lightning specific protocol, and when lightning is detected within a pre-determined radius, the game or practice should be stopped, and players and staff should seek shelter.  

Heat illness is another significant weather threat to athletes who practice or play outdoors. Heat illness is preventable; however, when it does occur it can be deadly. Make sure to establish and follow protocols for extreme heat, including to establish and follow a firm upper temperature limit for outdoor events and practices, use regular hydration breaks and cooling stations, and know the early signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion to prevent a tragedy. 

Emergency evacuation plans 

In the case of an emergency, have an evacuation plan for athletes, staff, and spectators. Rehearse evacuation procedures with site personnel so that everyone knows where to go and how to help others evacuate. 

Emergency transportation plans 

If an emergency occurs, injuries may happen that require medical transport. Clearly indicate entry, exit points for ambulances, and post the nearest hospital address and phone number in a visible location.  

Post-emergency analysis 

After any emergency, conduct an interview with affected parties: coaches, staff, athletes, families, and medical personnel. Ask what went well and what needs improvement. Use the feedback received to continuously improve the EAP. 

Drills and training 

Practice eases panic. Practice emergency drills by simulating real world events, including fire, lightning, medical, and other institution or geography specific situations. Drills should be routine and involve everyone in the EAP. 

Emergencies will happen in athletics. The potential to reduce risks, maintain a safe environment, and act quickly in the event of an emergency to reduce its impact is achievable with a thoughtful emergency action plan for sports.