COACHES HUB

Training & Safety

Creating a safe environment for our athletes is one of the most important responsibilities of every Little Miami Youth Basketball coach.

Before the season begins, coaches are responsible for completing required safety education and understanding how to respond when an athlete may be injured or experiencing a medical emergency.

Required Coach Training

Concussion Training

Ohio youth sports coaches are required to complete concussion education. Coaches should understand:

Common signs and symptoms of a concussion
When an athlete must be removed from participation
Why an athlete should never "play through" a suspected concussion
Return-to-play requirements
When medical evaluation and clearance are required

If a player shows signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a possible concussion during a practice or game, remove the athlete from participation.

Concussion Awareness

Lindsay's Law — Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Lindsay's Law is designed to educate youth athletes, parents, and coaches about sudden cardiac arrest.

Coaches should become familiar with potential warning signs and understand what to do if an athlete experiences symptoms associated with sudden cardiac arrest.

Required materials and current training information are available through the State of Ohio.

Lindsay's Law Resources

Lindsay's Law Training

Basketball is competitive. Player safety is not.

Coaches should never encourage an athlete to continue participating when an injury or medical condition may put them at risk.

Players should be encouraged to tell their coach immediately when something doesn't feel right.

Coaches should communicate injuries or health concerns to the player's parent or guardian and follow applicable LMYBA, league, facility, and state safety procedures.

Player Safety Comes First

Before the season begins:

Complete all required training.
Know how to contact each player's parent or guardian.
Understand where emergency exits and AEDs are located at your practice or game facility.
Keep emergency contact information accessible.
Know who to contact within LMYBA.
Review concussion and cardiac arrest warning signs.
Establish expectations with players that injuries and symptoms should always be reported.

Be Prepared Before Your First Practice

Coaches should maintain a safe environment by:

Making sure the playing area is clear of hazards.
Providing appropriate water and rest opportunities.
Never using physical activity as excessive punishment.
Teaching age-appropriate drills and skills.
Monitoring players for injury, illness, or unusual behavior.
Stopping participation when there is a safety concern.
Following league and facility emergency procedures.

During Practices & Games

For a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 immediately and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

Player health and safety always take priority over a practice, game, or competition.