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Danvers Youth Football

Danvers Youth Football

Safety

Message From the DYF president:

Danvers Youth Football recognizes that elementary and middle school students have many options when it comes to participation in sports and other activities.  We also understand that many of you have safety concerns relative to your child’s involvement in youth football.  However, we do feel very strongly that there are many compelling benefits to participating in our program.  These include:

·         Excellent development of physical and mental fitness.
·         Instills values of commitment, discipline, leadership, sportsmanship, and delayed gratification.
·         Emphasizes the importance of teamwork.
·         Development of lifelong friendships.

I would strongly encourage you to read this thoughtful and comprehensive article:

                       http://www.winningyouthfootball.com/wp-blog/defending-youth-football-the-benefits/

Danvers Youth Football has been continuously improving its focus and attention on player safety during the past few years.  Significant among our recent endeavors in this area are:

1)       All coaches are must be certified in the USA Football Heads Up program, which includes mandatory training in concussion recognition and awareness, safe tackling technique, equipment fitting, proper hydration, and more.

2)       DYF has designated a Safety Officer, whose specific role is to educate and recommend safety measures to coaches, players, and parents.

3)       DYF will adhere to the USA Football National Practice Guidelines for Youth Tackle Football, which sets parameters for heat acclimatization, levels of contact, and open field contact (no more than 25% of practice time).  The majority of practices will consist of instruction on technique and assignment.

4)       We continue to upgrade our helmet and shoulder pad inventory, retiring older equipment and purchasing newer and safer models.

5)       Any player diagnosed with a concussion will not be allowed to return to the field for practices or games without a written note from a physician clearing him to play.
 

Football seems to have gained a lot recent notoriety related to head injuries, but research shows that other activities carry greater risk for children under 14 years old.  For example, a recent study by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons showed that bicycle accidents were the leading cause of head injuries for children under 14, more than double that of football.  Skateboard and roller blade accidents were similarly higher.  More locally, in 2012 Hamilton-Wenham Youth Football reported no concussions in tackle football but eight in the town’s flag football program, as the latter does not provide protective helmets.

 I would also urge you to read the following study by the Mayo Clinic, in which the findings showed there were no greater occurrences of long term brain disorders in football players compared to non-players in 1946-1956, a period of high contact and much less protective head gear:  http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2812%2900264-9/fulltext

 Finally, we are excited about the future of our program, including the first class turf field at Danvers HS and the expansion of the league to include Gloucester and Swampscott the past couple of years.  We are asking you to consider giving your child an opportunity to play Danvers Youth Football.  We think that the benefits described above, and the enjoyment and comradery of being part of a football team, far outweigh the associated risks.


Sincerely,
Tom Ladd, DYF President


Message From the Safety Director to all DYF Parents:


Our coaches and their assistants take all precautions to assure the safety and well being of all their players. Every team has at least one member of their staff that has been trained and certified in First Aid and CPR, but as hard as they try the coaching staffs can only do so much. This is where you as parents can also help. With a few small precautions unnecessary injuries and illnesses can be prevented.

  • Make sure all your player’s equipment fits properly, cleats, pants, padding, etc. Improper fitted equipment can result in painful blisters or on field injuries.
  • Clothing, dress them properly in the warm and hot days as well as the much colder autumn days. Heat stroke and hypothermia can be very serious.
  • Make sure all their equipment and clothing is properly cleaned, dirty sweaty clothing and equipment can harbor bacteria which my result in staff infections if your child has any small abrasions.
  • Make sure they have water, and plenty of it, especially on the hot days of August and early September.
  • Monitor any cuts, abrasions and bruises very closely. Be sure to apply insect repellant as needed.
  • Most of all talk to your player, ask them questions about any and all injuries they may have even if they seem very minor.


Taking these small precautions can go a long way in having a healthy productive season for your player and his teammates. 



DYF Sports Safety Information Injury Reporting

When an injury occurs during any DYF game or practice, which results in a player missing practice or playing time, an Injury Report Form must be filled out by the head coach of that team and sent to the Safety Officer within 72 hours.  The information will be used to track trends, common injuries, types of drills where most injuries occur, etc.  

     Injury Report Form (PDF)


Other Important Safety Information

      Infections
      Mosquitos / EEE

Contact

Danvers Youth Football
P.O. Box 2143 
Danvers, Massachusetts 01923

Phone: 978-766-1274
Email: [email protected]

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