Level 1-2 Field Lacrosse Referee Clinic

Module #5

Risk Management

What We Will Cover in This Module

LiabilitySafety Issues

Field ConditionsWeather ConditionsEquipment

HarassmentSexualRacial

Injury Management

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Risk ManagementEach Provincial Lacrosse Association has a Risk Management Policy which you are asked to review prior to each season.Not reporting incidents that contravene the risk management policy could make you just as responsible as the act itself.Due to the nature of the game of lacrosse you will never totally eliminate risk. However, the actions that you take could help limit that risk.

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LiabilityAs referees we are responsible to ensure that we make every reasonable effort to manage risk. We do this by:

Ensuring that playing conditions meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the rulebook and are safe to play on.Ensuring that participants are not playing with equipment that is dangerous to themselves, or others in the game.2013 Slide 5

LiabilityAs Referee’s, we are responsible to ensure that we make every reasonable effort to manage risk. We do this by:

Ensuring that players are playing within the rules of the game, and that dangerous play does not go unpenalized.

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Safety IssuesPlaying Conditions

Inspect the field for; pot-holes, foreign objects, football/soccer posts, pitchers mounds, man-hole covers, sprinkler heads.Do not play the game if these conditions cannot be made safe.Ensure that weather conditions are safe to play in. If inclement weather is forecasted, determine in advance how you will handle it during the game.

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Safety IssuesEquipment

While most equipment calls must come from the team, the referee must take a proactive role with regards to dangerous equipment – If you see it, call itDo not confuse with equipment that is used to gain an advantage:

Goalkeepers sweater too longGoalie Hand ProtectorIllegal sticks that are not dangerous

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Safety IssuesEquipmentOther dangerous equipment to look for:

Illegal helmets & cagesBroken stick – They should take it off the fieldMetal cleats – All metal cleats are illegal!!!!Hands/fingers not covered by the gloveChin straps - undone, too loose, non-existent

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Safety IssuesEquipment

Some Provinces and leagues enforce separate rules.You need to be aware of these local equipment regulations. Make sure that you contact your local lacrosse office for the local regulations.

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Safety IssuesDo not let a player continue to play until you are satisfied that the equipment is safe to play with. No exceptions!Do not allow a coach to convince you by saying, “He was allowed to play with it last week”, or “Don’t worry, we will fix it for next week if you let him play today”.Remember, you could be held liable if a player gets hurt and you did not rectify an unsafe situation.

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HarassmentHarassment includes:

VerbalPhysicalSexualRacial

All forms of harassment must be dealt with immediately and decisively.You not only have an obligation to deal with this under the rules, but also by law.

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HarassmentAny occurrence requires some form of action to be taken. Failure to do this, and you can be held responsible for not dealing with the problem

Do Not Become Part of the Problem!!

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HarassmentVerbal:

Profane and threatening behavior from any participant, fan, or fellow referee. Remain calm and composed when dealing with any irate person. Do not inflame the situation.

Physical:Be careful that you do not use undue force when breaking up fights.

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HarassmentSexual:

When breaking up fights, be careful of where you place your hands.Never be left alone with someone of the opposite sex in a room. Always have someone else there.Never dress in front of someone of the opposite sex.Do not make any sexual jokes or innuendos.

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HarassmentRacial:

There is a Zero Tolerance policy for any remarks of a racial nature.Remarks could also come from someone of a visible minority directed at another person. Must take some sort of immediate action and the reason for the penalty must be spelled out on the game sheet.

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HarassmentA report on all forms of harassment must be immediately made in writing to the appropriate authorities.These are to be written on the game sheet and a separate Special Incident Report must be completed.

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Injury ManagementPlayer safety is our primary concern and as a referee you should always err on the side of caution.If a player’s injury appears not to be serious, let the current play finish naturally, or if the ball is loose, wait for player possession to stop play.If the injury appears serious, stop the play immediately!

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Injury ManagementUnder no circumstances should you touch the player or attempt to physically help.Immediately call for the coach and training staff to come and attend to the injured player.If the player will be down for an extended time, send the teams to the bench.For serious injuries, a Special Injury Report should be filed with the appropriate authorities.

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