Reporting, Injuries & Insurance

Coaches are the primary point of contact for safety issues. All significant events must be reported promptly.

1. Medical Injuries

If a player is injured to the point where they cannot continue to participate or the injury is deemed severe enough to see a doctor:

• Coach Action: Complete an Incident Report Form.
• Timeline: Send to the Safety Director and Regional Commissioner within 24 hours. The form must be submitted within one week.
• Return to Play: If a player misses time due to a major injury, a doctor's note is required to return. For concussions, a signed Participation Return to Play Release is mandatory.

2. Behavioral & Other Incidents

Incidents include events outside of normal behavior, such as threatening/violent behavior, fighting, property damage, or calls to the police. Although rare in Cypress, these events must be reported using the same Incident Report Form.

Soccer Accident Insurance (SAI)

AYSO offers SAI that can be used in addition to a player's existing coverage. Claims must be submitted within 90 days of the injury.

Concussion Protocols

We take head injuries seriously. Please review the following resources for recognizing and managing concussions.

Heading the Ball Policy

Consistent with US Soccer mandates to protect player health:

• Violation: An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the infraction.
• Goal Area: If committed inside the goal area, the kick is taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line.
• No Cards: Players will not be cautioned/sent off for persistent heading infractions.

U14 Division

Practice: Limited to max 30 minutes per week, 15-20 headers per player.
Games: No restrictions on heading in matches.

General Safety Guidelines

Supervision & Release

Coaches remain responsible for players until a designated adult takes charge. No child shall be left unsupervised.

If a child must walk/bike home, coaches must secure a General Release Form from parents.

Field & Equipment Safety

• Field Inspection: Everyone (Coaches, Referees, Volunteers) should inspect fields for hazards before play.
• Goal Safety: Portable goals can tip over. Ensure they are secured with sandbags. Never let children climb on goals.

Severe Weather

Please review our policy on play during severe weather conditions.

Health, Nutrition & Hydration

Hydration & Heat Safety

Heat Cramps: Move to shade, sip cool water, massage muscles.
Heat Exhaustion: Cool/moist skin, heavy sweating, nausea. Lie down in shade, elevate feet, remove shoes/socks, apply cold packs, drink water.
Heat Stroke: Hot/dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion. Call 911 Immediately. Do not give liquids.

Nutrition Tips

• Pre-Game: Eat a healthy meal 3-4 hours before. Snack lightly on complex carbs (toast, fruit) if needed.
• Hydrate: Drink water 3 hours before, 1 hour before, and sip during the game.
• Recovery: Eat high-carb food (to restore glycogen) and drink water 30 mins after playing.