Soccer Coaching
'7 Tips for Handling Game or
Practice Injuries'

TIP 1 -- BE PREPARED. Put together a first-aid kit with What you're likely to need. That means fewer band aids and mostly REAL ICE, including a way to wrap a player in that ice with compression. Don't use refreezeable gel, blue ice, or chemical cold packs. They do not work and they are dangerous! Use only REAL ICE.

TIP 2 -- BE FIRST ON THE SCENE. Part of your obligation as coach is to control what happens on the field, so it's in your best interest to take charge. There should be only ONE decision maker.

TIP 3-- YOUR ONLY DECISION IS TO EITHER MOVE THEM or NOT. This is really instinct. Apply the "Oh No" test. 99.9% of the time you will move them. If in doubt DON'T MOVE. The injury which creates the greatest anxiety for coaches is a possible broken bone. Here's a general test. A break will create a sharp pain at a POINT, while a sprain or strain produces pain over a larger area. You can move a break if you keep it immobile.

TIP 4-- IF YOU MOVE THEM ALWAYS "I.C.E.M.". Again, don't use chemicals or refreezeable cold packs. Use only REAL ICE. You can use ice in a plastic bag with an ace wrap, or you can use a new product called "WET ICE", which is what the CYSA recommends.

TIP 5 -- ACT QUICKLY. SPEED IS ESSENTIAL. The application of ice will only STOP swelling and inflammation. It will NOT reverse it. Because the majority of swelling and inflammation occurs within 5 minutes of the injury, it is recommended that you apply ice on the field, before you move the player.

TIP 6-- KEEP THEM MOVING WITH THE ICE IN PLACE, that's why the new rule adds an "M" for movement --- "I.C.E.M." Light movement only, to maintain RANGE OF MOTION. If it causes pain, STOP! And elevate if possible. Ideally, keep the ice on for at least 25 minutes. Then make the decision about their return to play.

TIP 7-- In rehab, remember "C.H.l.P.S." If there is Color, Heat, Inflamation, Pain or Swelling, use ice, not heat. And exercise the injured area lightily with the ice in place. Healing will progress significantly faster. If you are applying the ice for pain reduction only, don't exercise.