Health and  Safety in Walking Football

YOUR health and YOUR safety are our top priorities.

We will do everything we can to make sure that walking football sessions are safe and that everyone has fun but it is important to remember that accidents happen.  There may be strains and sprains, muscle and tendon ‘pops’, bumps and falls. These things could happen anywhere and at any time but we are particularly aware of them in walking football and we know that it can be scary to experience, or to see. 

 Keeping everyone safe is all of our responsibilities.  We are people ‘of a certain age’ and need to be that little bit more careful.

Here are some things we can do to minimise the risks and deal with accidents if (and when) they happen:

1. Chris and Sarah are both trained First Aiders and Chris has FA accredited first aid.
2. We always have a first aid kit at sessions
3. We will not hesitate to call an ambulance if there is any doubt about an injury.  We may not ask your permission to do this.
4. We will give the form you filled out on joining to paramedic crews so that they know the medical conditions you have told us about...so have YOU told us everything the hospital will need to know?.
5. If we call an ambulance, the training session ends.  Help if you feel you can, or are trained to do so, otherwise please help with tidying things away as our focus is now on the casualty only.
6. If you are hurt, we will call the emergency contact person you told us about on the form you filled in and let them know what’s happening.  We may not ask your permission before doing this. Have YOU given us the correct contact information?  
7. We will always give you time to warm up at the start of a session but only you know your niggly aches and pains,,, so do you take steps to warm up in a way that suits you?  Do you use muscle supports or deep heat type sprays or creams to keep you moving?
8. Only you can know which movements ar skills cause you discomfort.  Listen to your body and try not to get over excited in a match and make a movement you know will hurt you.
9. Stop as soon as you feel a twinge or a pain .... leave the match or team.  Carrying on when you are in pain is not bravery. Give yourself a moment...most little twinges will pass.  
10. Ask for an ice pack if you need one
11. If you fall, try not to land on elbows, wrists or knees.  Landing on your side or rolling as you fall will help. Falling is frightening, both for the one who falls and those around.  Take a moment. Catch your breath. Try moving gently. Ask for help if you need it, whether it’s first aid or just a hand up.

And finally, as they say on Crimewatch, don’t let these things scare you.  Most of the time there are no accidents or injuries. Let’s all just be careful, thoughtful and have fun with walking football.