Org Practice Call to Action
Highlight Liability Considerations
Coach education has an important and often overlooked role to play in protecting young athletes and the people and organizations that serve them. When coaches aren’t properly trained, the risk of harm increases. Clear, consistent training can help prevent injuries, improve safety, and reduce legal and reputational risks.
→What this looks like when we get it right: Trained coaches prevent injuries, respond in emergencies, and meet insurance standards. Sport providers embrace coach training to protect kids, reduce risk, and strengthen organizational trust and safety.
→Who’s driving this change? Sport Governance; Government; Insurance; Program Operators
Why This Issue
When organizations fail to offer coach training, they’re making a choice that comes with serious risks to their athletes, their coaches, and the organization itself.
Organizations are responsible for the physical, emotional, and social safety of every athlete participating under the guidance of their coaches. Without the right training, coaches may not be equipped to prevent injuries, respond in emergencies, or recognize risks as they arise. That can lead to real harm – and real liability.
Getting Started
Mandate core safety training. To reduce risk, all youth sport organizations should offer training in core safety and protection areas. These include CPR, First Aid, Mandated Reporter protocols, and, if relevant, Concussion Management. For suggestions on trainings to include, consult the MCC Continuum of Coach Qualifications.
Assess the need for sport-specific safety training. Additional training may also be needed based on the specific risks of a sport, and organizations should seek expert input to make those decisions.
Review insurance requirements and incentives. Insurance providers understand the dangers of skipping training. In fact, many require a baseline level of coach education to be eligible for coverage. Organizations should regularly review their policies and stay up to date on what’s required and what’s recommended.
Communicate requirements and potential insurance implications. Organizations should openly communicate the liability risks of untrained coaching. Many insurance providers now require or reward coach training as a way to manage risk. Players Health recently rolled out their Safety Hub for clients and have built incentives around organizational usage. By highlighting these requirements and incentives, programs can strengthen their case for training and create a safer, more accountable environment for everyone.
Insurance companies should consider incentives. Coaches who are well-trained reduce risk. That means fewer claims, safer programs, and more trust from parents. Insurance providers, national governing bodies, and league operators can help by offering incentives like reduced premiums or rebates when organizations prioritize coach training in areas tied to athlete well-being and safety.
Game Changing Content
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| The Future of Sports Injury and Athlete Healthcare | Panel discussion from the 2025 Project Play Summit exploring the intersection of sports injury, insurance and athlete healthcare. |