2025 Soccer Safety Plan
The purpose of this document is to emphasize the importance of safety in Pend Oreille Sports Association (POSA) and to identify important safety issues of which all individuals involved should be aware. League officers, coaches, parents and players will take safety issues very seriously.
The safety plan herein refers to playing at any POSA facility.
Further information beyond this document regarding the safety program is available by contacting the POSA Safety Officer listed below. Paper copies will be distributed to each coach.
Any questions, comments or suggestions for improvements can be made by contacting the Safety Officer directly.
1.1. POSA has an active Safety Officer. The Safety Officer for the 2025 season is Kristen Hunt, 509-554-6219 (cell).
1.2. Any questions regarding this plan and POSA safety can be directed to the Safety Officer.
Emergency
• Police/Fire/Ambulance - 911
• Poison Control Center - 800-222-1222 2023
Non-Emergency
• City of Newport Police - 509-447-3151
• City of Newport Fire Department - 911
Please reach out to tim@posasports.org for specific officer contact information if needed.
President: Tim Chilcott
Vice President: Michael Nice
Treasurer: Carmen Crabtree
Secretary: Nicole Woitel
Safety Officer: Kristen Hunt
Director of Fundraising: Nick Tucker
Registrar: Kamille Bennett
Director of Fields: Gerald Steeno
School Liaison: Honey Smith
Director of Officiating: Megan Moore
Coach Coordinator: Taylor Sanchez
Volleyball Commissioner: Jamie Peone
Director of Concessions: Dawn Skiles
4.1. One coach/representative from each team will attend basic CPR training as well as annual first aid training or provide POSA with a current copy of CPR certification.
4.2. All equipment will be inspected prior to the seasons use and periodically throughout the season.
4.3. All volunteers that have contact with children will have a government backed background check prior to first practice.
4.4. Any concession foods served during 2025 will follow standard safety procedures, including proper dating and temperature monitoring. All such procedures will be documented and posted in the concession stand.
4.5. Each team will have a basic first aid kit.
Any person coming into contact with children through POSA during the 2025 season, whether as a coach or volunteer, is required to register with the POSA and submit a background check. At the beginning of the 2025 season, POSA will conduct background checks. Any person refusing to submit the required application and submit to the background check will not be allowed to participate as a coach or volunteer within POSA.
6.1. First Aid Training. For all coaches, it is required by POSA that each team have a minimum of one coach or manager participate in and complete first aid training before the start of the 2025 season. First aid and emergency training will be given to at least one team representative from each team. The first aid training will be scheduled and documented at the coaches meeting. Periodic updates on safety will also be given at the regular informal coaches’ meetings throughout the season.
6.2. Coaches Training. All coaches are required to review the training materials provided by POSA. It is mandated that each coach shall attend annually. All coaches should be familiar with the POSA safety plans, rules, and procedures. These are distributed to all coaches at the beginning of the season.
7.1. Everyone.
7.1.1. During practice sessions and games, all players should be alert at all times.
7.1.2. Only players, managers, coaches, and referees will be permitted on the field during play. All coaches, managers, and referees must have completed a background check conducted by POSA.
7.2. Coaches.
7.2.1. At least one manager or coach is to remain on the field with their team at all times.
7.2.3. During warm-up drills, players should be spaced so that no one is endangered by soccer balls.
7.2.4. At no time during practices or games should “horseplay” be permitted on the field.
7.3. Spectators.
7.4.1. At no time should children not playing in the game or practice be permitted to be on the field.
7.4.2. All spectators should have good sportsmanship and refrain from using abusive/vulgar language towards the opposing team players or coach or towards the referees. This will help set a good example for the players and help prevent a hostile environment. Anyone not following this will be kicked out immediately.
8.1. POSA will require regular inspection of equipment. Replacement of defective equipment must be done immediately by contacting any league official. The equipment checks will be done by three sources:
8.1.2 Equipment Manager at the beginning of the season;
8.1.3. Coaches at the beginning of each game or practice; and
8.1.4. Referees prior to and during the course of games.
Fully stocked first aid kits will be available in each coach’s possession. There will also be travel safety kits available for each team in the team’s respective equipment bag for the season. Once the first aid kit is handed over to the head coach of a team, it will then be the responsibility of the head coach to ensure that the first aid box is stocked at all times. The first aid box must be present at all practices and games. Coaches can refill the kit by contacting the Safety Officer.
All accidents and safety violations must be reported to the Safety Officer within 24-48 hours of the incident. Timely reporting of safety violations is a key factor in properly dealing with safety issues. A report will be generated and filed by POSA. POSA is constantly looking for ways to improve the safety of everyone. A copy of the Incident Reporting Form is attached.
10.1. In any type of emergency it is important to remain calm but this is especially true when the emergency involves a child or someone you care for. In this section you will find some simple but sometimes forgotten information regarding emergencies. Coaches are required to have at least one charged cell phone at all practices and games in case of an emergency with a designated person at each team activity that will make calls in an emergency. The team(s) Head Coach will be the designated individual absent any agreed upon change.
10.1.1. In case of a minor injury:
10.1.1.1. Use the first aid box as needed to attend to the injury.
10.1.1.2. If blood is present, make sure to wear gloves for your protection as well as the injured party. Use antiseptic wipes and apply pressure to the injury to stop the bleeding. Once bleeding has stopped use a suitable bandage to cover the injured area
10.1.1.3. Notify the Safety Officer of the injury. No matter how minor.
10.1.2. In case of a major injury:
10.1.2.1. Clear the court of play. Have all players return to bench area. Keep spectators away from the scene.
10.1.2.2. DO NOT move the injured player especially in cases where a possible head injury is suspected.
10.1.2.3. Have someone call 911. Give the operator your name and phone number. Also let them know what court the injured player is on. Advise the operator what happened. How did the injury take place? Inform the operator of the condition of the injured party. Be sure to include whether or not there was loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, or exposed bone. Inform 911 dispatch of current help being given (i.e., first aid, CPR) Answer any questions the operator may have. DO NOT hang up until the dispatcher instructs you to do so.
10.1.2.4. Continue to administer first aid to the injured party until professional help arrives.
10.1.2.5. Assign someone to go to the street to wait for the emergency vehicles and to guide them to the injured party.
10.1.2.6. Assist the emergency medical personnel as requested.
10.1.2.7. Notify the parents or guardian, if not already present.
10.1.2.8. Notify the Safety Officer immediately following the incident.
10.1.3. As the manager or coach of the team, it is your responsibility to determine if any player should continue to practice or play in a game. If you feel that a player needs to get medical attention under any circumstance, then:
10.1.3.1. If emergency personnel are present, then allow them to provide directions.
10.1.3.2. Consult with the player’s parents for doctor or hospital information. Ask the parent or guardian if they wish to take the player themselves.
10.1.3.3. Check the player’s medical release information provided by POSA. This information must be with the team at all POSA events (practices, games, picnic, etc.). If the parents or guardians are absent, then refer to the medical release information. If there is a doctor, medical clinic, or hospital listed, then this should be your first choice. Provide this information to the emergency personnel on scene.
10.2. Injury Notification/Reporting Procedure.
As stated above, in order to help POSA in this effort, you will be required to provide detailed reports of all accidents and/or injuries. POSA will provide you with an accident/injury reporting form to complete. Within 24-48 hours of any injury, regardless of how minor, the coach must contact the Safety Officer so that a report can be filed. You can contact Kristen Hunt at 509-554-6219 or email kristen@posasports.org. Contacting the Safety Officer sooner than later will prevent you from forgetting details. If needed, the Safety Officer will follow up with the coach and/or player guardian for further information.
POSA takes player safety and well-being very seriously. One area we are striving to improve in is the awareness, prevention, and treatment of concussions. It should be known that in the event a player is suspected of suffering a concussion that the player will be removed from play and will not be allowed to return to play until a medical professional provides written clearance to return to play. We ask for everyone’s cooperation in regard to this policy.
POSA exists to promote the development of youth in our community through participation in athletic competition.
