One of the biggest challenges when coaching a youth football team is dealing with player injuries. I’m not talking about the player who break a bone. I’m referring to the player that rolls around on the ground every game crying in pain. This is common at the very young levels and especially with the first year tackle players. At this young age kids have a hard time distinguishing the difference between pain ans being hurt.
Over my entire coaching career I have been consistent in this one area and I will continue to act this way. If a player says he’s hurt, then he is hurt. I’m not a doctor, nor am I looking to become one, and I’m sure the fastest way to a lawsuit is ignoring a player’s actions. If a player is lying on the ground crying in pain, I will treat it with the up most care and attention. I do not know what is serious and what isn’t and I’m just not willing to take any chances.
Just last year during a seven year old game I watched an opposing youth football coach walk away when the referee advised him he had a player down. I watch the coach turn around approach the player and yell at him “Get the f**k up, your not hurt. You’re just pissed that you f**cked up the play.” My jaw hit the ground. Deep inside I was thinking “wow, what guts to tell how you were feeling”, but on the outside I was shocked.
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