SAFETY
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
BEFORE THE GAME
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Make sure you have a whistle
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Check all players are wearing mouth guards and shin pads – no mouth guard, no play.
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No peaked caps to be worn (beanies/soft hats are acceptable.
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Explain the rules to the players and coaches, especially the feet,
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3m from player at free hits and high sticks rules.
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Advise each team they are allowed one coach on the field with the team to help/coach their team/
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A player from each team will decide who will start the game (put a whistle in one hand behind your back and get a player to choose) – the team without the ball can choose which goal they want.
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Get coaches to ask team supporters (especially young children) to keep away from the goals – they could get hit and some players may be put off.
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If you want, take a stick on the field with you so when the players bunch up, hit the ball away to encourage play.
STARTING THE GAME
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Make sure all players are on their half of the field before play starts
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Blow the whistle
DURING THE GAME
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Keep up with the play – either level with or behind the ball.
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Blow the whistle so all the players can hear.
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Explain your decisions to the players
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If players are all “bunched” around the ball, blow your whistle and award a free hit to the team on attack.
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Substitutes are permitted at any time however the substituted player must come off before the new one comes on.
AT THE END OF THE GAME
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Blow your whistle
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Perhaps say a few words to the players e.g. good game, you played well today etc.
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Get the players to line up and shake hands with the opposition (watch out and stop spitting on hands or nasty comments!)
HECKLING FROM THE SIDELINE
This does happen unfortunately. If you are not happy or do not want to continue, blow the whistle to stop the game and call the two coaches on the field to explain what is happening.