As coaches and former athletes, we know injuries are an unfortunate part of sports. Handling a client’s injury during a training session requires a calm, professional, and decisive manner. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to take:

Assess the Situation and Provide Immediate Care:

First, assess the severity of the injury. If it’s a minor injury, provide basic first aid on-site. For serious injuries, do not attempt to adjust the client. Get in touch with their emergency contact – usually a parent or guardian – immediately. Prioritize the client’s safety and well-being above all else.

Communicate with the Client and Parent/Guardian:

Inform the client and their parent/guardian about the injury and the steps you’ve taken. Maintain open and transparent communication throughout the process. Provide them with any necessary follow-up information, such as medical advice or rehabilitation recommendations.

Review and Adjust Training Protocols:

After the incident, review your training protocols and safety measures. Identify any potential areas for improvement and implement necessary changes to prevent similar injuries in the future. This demonstrates your commitment to athlete safety and continuous improvement.

In the event of an emergency during your session, which would include a severe injury, here is how to handle the situation: What if there’s an emergency during my lesson?

To communicate with your client or their parents regarding the injury and any necessary follow-up, here is how you can directly contact them: How do I contact a client?