1. Purpose

This policy sets out how Knox United Soccer Club prepares for and responds to first aid and medical needs during Club activities, with the aim of protecting player welfare and supporting coaches, team managers and volunteers.

2. Pre-season Preparation

• The Club will seek medical information from players, parents and guardians before the season where reasonably practicable.
• Players, parents and guardians must advise the coach and team manager of any medical condition that may require action at training or matches, including asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, epilepsy, allergies or injury limitations.
• Team managers should maintain access to relevant medical information securely and only share it where needed for player safety.
• Each team should have access to a first aid kit and know where venue first aid equipment and AEDs are located.

3. First Aid Volunteers and Duty of Care

Where possible, teams should identify a first aid volunteer or suitably responsible adult. The Club encourages first aid training and may support training where budget permits.

When a person provides first aid, they should act within their training, seek consent where possible, call emergency services where required and hand over care to a parent, guardian, paramedic or medical professional.

4. Consent and Emergency Treatment

Parents and guardians of junior players are expected to provide consent for basic first aid and emergency medical assistance where required. If a parent or guardian is not present and urgent care is needed, Club officials may seek medical assistance in the best interests of the player.

Medical and ambulance costs remain the responsibility of the player or family unless covered by applicable insurance.

5. Match Day and Pitch Entry

Only authorised persons may enter the field of play during matches, and only when permitted by the referee or match official. Team managers should record first aid or team officials on team sheets where required by competition rules.

6. Blood, Serious Injury and Immobilising Injury

• Any player with bleeding must leave the field immediately and may only return once the wound is covered and blood is contained. Blood on a uniform may require the player to change before returning.
• If a player cannot get up, has a suspected spinal, neck, head or serious limb injury, they must not be moved unless there is immediate danger. Call 000 if required.
• Use a stretcher only where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

7. Head Injuries and Concussion

If a player receives a knock to the head, play or training must stop and the player must be checked. Where concussion is suspected, the player must be removed from play and must not return that day.

The Club supports the principle: "If in doubt, sit them out." A medical clearance may be required before returning to training or matches.

8. Asthma and Anaphylaxis

Players with asthma or anaphylaxis should bring their prescribed medication, such as puffers or EpiPens, to training and matches. Coaches and team managers should be aware of action plans provided to the Club.

In suspected anaphylaxis, call 000 immediately.

9. Incident Reporting

Significant injuries, head injuries, ambulance attendance, hospital referrals, suspected concussion or any incident requiring follow-up should be recorded and reported to the Club as soon as practical.