As a parent, you want your child to have fun, improve their skills, and stay healthy on the field. But before the first whistle blows, it’s important to ask a few key questions—because safety should always come first.

Here are 10 safety questions every parent should ask their child’s coach (or league) before practice, league or season gets underway:

1. Do you have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?

Every team should have a written, practiced plan for medical emergencies. Ask if it’s specific to the practice and game locations—and if staff are trained to follow it.

2. Is there a certified athletic trainer (AT) on site?

ATs are trained medical professionals who prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. Having one present is a huge advantage for your child’s safety and well-being.

3. Is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) available?

In cardiac emergencies, seconds matter. Make sure the team has an AED nearby—and that coaches know how to use it.

4. Does the staff have CPR and first aid training?

If there’s no AT, it’s critical that coaches and volunteers are trained to respond in case of injury or sudden illness.

5. How do you handle weather-related risks like lightning or extreme heat?

Ask about lightning detection systems, heat protocols, and how they monitor conditions throughout the day. How are changes communicated and who makes the final call?

6. Do you use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to monitor heat risk?

WBGT is the gold standard for assessing environmental heat stress and adjusting practices accordingly. WBGT is a measurement of air temperature, wind speed, solar radiation and humidity. Our bodies rely on the evaporation of sweat to cool down, but in extreme heat and high humidity, sweat doesn’t evaporate effectively. This is what can lead to heat-related illnesses and potentially catastrophic events, and is why a WBGT reading is a better indicator for adjustments.  

7. What happens if a child gets injured during practice or a game?

Understand their protocol for injury evaluation, parent communication, and return-to-play decisions.

8. Are players required to have a sports physical or health history form on file?

Pre-participation screenings can help identify underlying medical concerns before they become emergencies.

9. Is there a concussion protocol in place?

Make sure the team follows best practices for recognizing, removing, and managing concussions.

10. How are hydration and rest breaks handled?

Hydration isn’t optional—especially in the heat. Ask how often water breaks are offered and if athletes are encouraged to speak up when they’re overheated or fatigued.