Health and Safety

      We are committed to creating an environment that promotes health and safety.

      Every player and adult participant is valued and we encourage leagues and clubs to familiarize themselves with our Athlete and Participant Safety Policy. In addition, leagues and clubs are responsible for ensuring that they adhere to all applicable state and federal laws,  and US Soccer and US Youth Soccer compliance requirements, and policies.

      Below are resources to help you navigate compliance with Cal North Health and Safety requirements.  

      SafeSport

      On February 14, 2018, the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017 was signed into federal law and became effective immediately.

      The law has a three-pronged approach:

      1. Any adult interacting with amateur athletes in the program has a duty to report abuse and or suspected abuse within a 24 hour period. EVERY adult is a mandatory reporter.
      2. The statute of limitations is extended for up to 10 years after a victim realizes he or she was abused.
      3. It limits an athlete under the age of 18 from being alone with an adult who is not their parent.

      Youth sports organizations are also required to put in place policies and procedures to prevent abuse.

      Find out more about Cal North's SafeSport policy and what we do to keep our youth participants safe. 

      Airquality

      Just because the sky is blue, doesn’t mean the air is clean.

      Know what you’re breathing every day by getting the air quality forecast. Use precaution when exercising outdoors, especially on a Spare The Air day.  Check the local air quality index in your area by going to the AirNow.gov website and entering your zip code, and always check with your local league or club for additional guidelines and updates they may have for your area.

      Some general recommendations include:

      • Exercise in the morning when ground-level ozone pollution is low
      • Avoid running near roads and freeways because air pollution can be elevated near them
      • Reschedule afternoon practice or do indoor activities when a Spare The Air alert has been issued

       

      Air Quality Index Who Needs to be Concerned? What Should I Do?
      Good
      0-50
      It’s a great day to be active outside.
      Moderate
      51-100
      Some people may be unusually sensitive to particle pollution. Unusually sensitive people: Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier.

       

      Everyone else: It’s a good day to be active outside.

      Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
      101-150
      Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers. Sensitive groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. It’s OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

       

      People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy.

      If you have heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your heath care provider.

      Unhealthy
      151 to 200
      Everyone Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when the air quality is better.

       

      Everyone else: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.

      Very Unhealthy
      201-300
      Everyone Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when air quality is better.

       

      Everyone else: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling to a time when air quality is better.

      Hazardous
      301-500
      Everyone Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.

       

      Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors.

      Note: Values above 500 are considered Beyond the AQI. Follow recommendations for the Hazardous category. 

      Based on the index above, the following should be considered:
      Air Quality Index Guidelines

      100 – 150

      Add one hydration break per half to be taken at the 30’ and 75’ or at a natural break close to the
      times
      Players with underlying health conditions (Asthma or Respiratory Conditions) should use caution
      and will communicate with local coach/club and each team to monitor players with complicating
      health issues. To make decisions in the players best interests and risk category
      If Athletic Trainers on-site make them aware of any players and or coach or referee with potential
      risk factors

      > 150

      Four hydration breaks will be taken at the 15’, 30’, 60’, and 75’ or at a natural break close to the
      times
      Team coaches have awareness and start communicating regarding any at-risk players and how
      to best continue forward for the health of the players
      Should coordinate with local public health officials and be in line with local and or regional
      restrictions if in place- this should take into account players, coaches, referees and spectators
      If Medical on-site (Athletic Trainers) consider having oxygen ore Emergency
      Medical Services available if any acute respiratory conditions arise
      If possible move trainings to indoors when available

      AQI approaching
      180-200

      Consideration for postponing or canceling training and or Match
      If possible move trainings indoors
      Should coordinate with local public health officials and be in line with local and or regional
      restrictions if in place- this should take into account players and spectators

      > 200 Cancel or postpone all outdoor trainings and or Match play

      If you want to get more information, go to: https://www.airnow.gov/publications/air-quality-index/air-quality-index-a-
      guide-to-air-quality-and-your-health/

      At all times adhere to and collaborate with local and state public health department guidelines.
      References
      United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2014). Air Quality Index - A guide to air quality and your health.
      https://www.airnow.gov/publications/air-quality-index/air-quality-index-a-guide-to-air-quality-and-your-health/

      Head Injury & Concussion

      All suspected head injuries and concussions must be taken with the utmost seriousness.

      In the event of a possible head injury or concussion, the player must removed from play immediately and may not return to play until they are medically cleared by a trained and licensed health provider or physician who is skilled in the evaluation and management of head injuries and concussions and is acting within the scope of their practice. The player's pass is collected by the team official and is not returned until the following checklist is completed.

      Below is the procedure that must be followed:

      1. Coach/Team Official reports to club/league and turns in player pass to appropriate authority.
      2. Player/Parents/Coach told player should see medical practitioner. 
      3. Medical Practitioner sees player and determines injury. When satisfied that player ok to return to play, they notify parents.
      4. Parents give the club/league the clearance form signed by a Doctor using this head injury protocol/clearance form
      5. Club/league reviews and gives the coach/team official clearance for the player to participate again.
      6. Final step: club/league submits the medical clearance form from above to the state office via this link here.


      Players may wear their jersey, but must not be in full uniform until the Club/League has received the Medical Release and the player has been cleared by Club/League administrators to return to play. 

      Available Resources:

      Concussion Notification Form - Must be used by the team official, parent, and medical doctor as part of our return to play protocol. 

      Concussion Info Fact Sheet (pdf)- Parents and players are required to review the info fact sheet. When players are registered online through our approved registration platform, this info fact sheet is provided to them via a link, and waiver which requires the acknowledgment that they have received the document. 

      Intro to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments - All adult administrators (coaches, managers, assistant coaches, etc...) are required to complete the Intro course. The course is offered through the US Soccer Digital Learning Center free of charge and takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. Parents and Players are encouraged to also take the training.

      Heading Policy

      Our policy can be broken into two parts: (1) during play and (2) during practice. 

      During Play: 

      1. Heading the ball is prohibited in all U12 and small-sided games.
      2. Players 11 years old and younger, who are playing up in U13 and older games, are prohibited from heading and must clearly be identifiable to the match official (i.e. armband). The head coach must identify the 11-year-old-and-under player during pregame to the match official, show the identifying marker  (i.e. armband), and note that player on the game card roster.
      3. When a player, who is 11 years old and younger, deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If a deliberate header is made by a defender within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If a deliberate header is made by an attacking player within the goal area, the indirect free kick may be taken anywhere within the goal area. If a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue.
      4. All players age 11 years old and younger, who participate in events not sanctioned by Cal North with their Cal North player pass, must adhere to the Cal North heading policy and are prohibited from heading. 

      During Practice: 

      • Players 11 years old and younger are prohibited from heading.
      • It is strongly recommended for players between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, heading in practice must be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) minutes per week, with no more than fifteen (15) to twenty (20) headers per player per week.
      • In addition, Cal North recommends that standard coaching methods to instruct on how to properly head the ball be instituted by the Affiliates. Cal North will assist Affiliates, as needed, in teaching coaches the proper heading techniques as such to reduce the risk of possible concussion.

      Available Resources: 

      Heading Policy Chart (pdf) - A visual guide that illustrates our policy. 

       

       

      Heat, Hydration and Other Environmental Conditions

      In accordance with U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover program guidelines and recommendations, we encourage leagues and clubs to take the utmost caution in regards to heat and hydration as well as cold temperatures. California has a diverse range of climates, and an understanding of the environmental conditions' impact on player safety and health is critical in the prevention of serious injuries and illnesses, from muscle cramps to heat stroke.

      Learn more about Environment Conditions that impact safe play

      Below are topics provided by U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover website. 

      • Heat and Hydration
      • Heat Guidelines
      • Sun Safety Guidelines 
      • Cold Weather Guidelines
      • Lightning and Severe Weather
      • Field Conditions
      • CDC Resources for Healthy Travel

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