Parents · Players · Coaches · Health and emergency readiness

Know the safety plan before somebody needs it.

A field-side checklist for concussion response, cardiac readiness, heat, lightning, and emergency planning.

Soccer Guide NW editorial deskChecklist · 7 min read

Before training or a match

Know the field address, who can call 911, who meets responders, and who takes charge of the group.
Locate the nearest accessible AED and confirm that trained adults know the emergency plan.
Name the safe indoor or hard-topped-vehicle shelter and assign someone to monitor weather.
Share relevant medical needs through the club’s approved, private process.

Remove the player from participation immediately.
Do not return the player that day, and do not try to judge the injury’s severity yourself.
Check for danger signs, seek emergency care when indicated, and arrange evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Return to sport only through the plan and clearance provided by a qualified healthcare professional.

If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as it is available, following your training and the device prompts.
Stop activity for heat-illness symptoms. For confusion, collapse, loss of consciousness, or suspected heat stroke, call 911 and begin the venue’s trained rapid-cooling emergency plan immediately.
When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, leave the field for a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle. Follow the venue plan and wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming.

Official sources

Reviewed September 11, 2026

Rules, programs, and health guidance can change. Confirm the details that apply to your player with these primary sources.