Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta

FOOTBALL
(TACKLE)
All Physical
Activities
pg. 1l-17
Outdoor Activities
pg. 23-24
Off-site Activities
pg. 33-35
Football (Tackle)
Higher Risk Sport
The following sections must also be consulted: All Interschool Activities,
Outdoor Activities, Off-site Activities.
Supervision
• Constant visual supervision is recommended during initial practice of contact
skills.
• On-site supervision is recommended following initial practice of contact skills
and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• In-the-area supervision is recommended for practice of non-contact skills.
Instructional Considerations
• Student athletes should receive instruction on how to properly adjust and
maintain equipment prior to wearing football gear.
• Safe blocking and tackling techniques should be taught and reinforced
throughout the season.
• Each student athlete should have actively participated in at least eight practice
days before playing in first league game.
• When not in use, practice equipment such as blocking sleds and bags, should be
kept at a safe distance from practicing student athletes.
• There should be a minimum of 72 hours between games.
• Teachers/coaches should assess heat, humidity and physical condition of student
athletes when planning practices.
• Down-marker personnel should be trained in safe use of equipment.
Equipment/Facilities
• When issuing equipment, all gear should be fitted properly.
• Football helmets must have the National Operating Committee on Standards for
Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) approval seal and warning label.
• Football helmets and shoulder pads should be inspected annually and
reconditioned as determined by the manufacturer’s requirements and warranties
through an accredited equipment reconditioner (NOCSAE, NAERA).
• Football helmets should be replaced no later than 10 years from date of
manufacture.
• For all contact situations, the minimum protective equipment that should be
worn includes: full fit interior mouth guard, properly fitted helmet, suitable
position-specific facemask, shoulder pads, hip-tailbone pads, thigh pads and
knee protection.
• Full padding, in good condition, should be provided on blocking equipment.
• Goalposts must be properly padded.
• Boundary lines should be clearly indicated.
• Suitable clothing and footwear that satisfies football regulations should be
worn.
Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta - February 2012 47