Emergency Action Plan
On‑Field & Event Emergency Procedures
1. Purpose
The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) provides clear procedures for responding to medical and non‑medical emergencies during Santa Fe Braves Youth Football & Cheer practices, games, and events. This plan ensures coaches, Athletic Directors (ADs), board members, and volunteers can respond quickly, safely, and within the scope of their training.
2. Emergency Responsibilities
Coaching Staff
- Provide immediate first aid within the scope of their training.
- Stabilize the athlete without attempting advanced care beyond training.
- Activate EMS when necessary.
- Maintain calm control and communicate clearly with athletes and parents.
Athletic Directors
- Support coaches during emergencies.
- Maintain access to all athlete emergency contact information.
- Coordinate communication with parents/guardians.
- Make practice cancellation decisions related to weather or heat.
3. When to Activate the EAP
Activate the EAP and call 911 if an athlete exhibits any of the following:
- Unconsciousness
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Severe bleeding, vomiting blood, or passing blood
- Seizure related to a diabetic emergency
- Suspected broken bones
- Any condition that appears life‑threatening or rapidly worsening
4. Calling Emergency Services
When calling 911, provide the dispatcher with:
- Your name and callback number
- Exact location of the field or facility
- Nature of the emergency (medical or non‑medical)
- Number of athletes involved
- Current condition of the athlete(s)
- Clear directions to the scene
- Any additional information requested by the dispatcher
5. Non‑Medical Emergencies
Non‑medical emergencies include severe weather and heat‑related risks. Protecting athletes and spectators is the top priority in all situations.
6. Severe Weather Guidelines
Lightning
- If thunder is heard, practice or game must be suspended immediately.
- Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm.
- Move all athletes and spectators to safe shelter: vehicles, bathrooms, concession stand overhang, board room, or equipment room.
- Avoid open fields, metal fences, goal posts, and bleachers.
- Resume activity 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
Hail
- Suspend activity and follow lightning procedures.
- Move everyone to safe shelter immediately.
Tornadoes
- Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable. Coaches must remain alert.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted.
- Stop all activity immediately.
- Move all athletes and spectators to the nearest solid structure.
- If no building is available, lie flat in a ditch or low area.
Shelter Locations at Braves Fields
Because the fields do not have secure storm shelters, coaches must gather athletes at the nearest available structure for parent pickup:
- Concession stand (under front entrance overhang)
- Restrooms
- Vehicles (parents may escort their child after checking out with a coach)
7. Practice Cancellation Procedures
- The AD may cancel practices when severe weather is anticipated or imminent.
- Communication must be sent through the SportsYou app.
- The Braves will always err on the side of caution.
8. Heat Guidelines
The Braves use the Heat Index to determine practice modifications. All ADs, Assistant ADs, and executive board members should use the OSHA‑NIOSH Heat Safety Tool app for real‑time conditions.
| Heat Index | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| < 95°F | Standard USA Football hydration and practice guidelines. |
| 95–99°F | Helmets removed when not in contact drills; increase frequency and duration of water breaks; recheck heat index every 30 minutes. |
| 100–104°F+ | No helmets or shoulder pads; increase water breaks; recheck heat index every 30 minutes; consider modifying or cancelling activity. |
9. Heat‑Related Emergencies
Heat emergencies are progressive conditions caused by overexposure to heat. Early recognition and intervention can prevent life‑threatening heatstroke.
Early Symptoms (Heat Cramps)
- Profuse sweating
- Fatigue
- Thirst
- Muscle cramps
Heat Exhaustion
- Headache
- Dizziness or light‑headedness
- Weakness
- Cool, moist skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark yellow urine
Heatstroke (Life‑Threatening)
- Body temperature above 104°F
- Extreme confusion
- Hot, dry, red skin
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
10. First Aid Response for Heat Illness
Initial Actions
- Move athlete to a cool, shaded area.
- Loosen tight or excess clothing.
- Fan the athlete to promote cooling.
- If conscious, provide cool water to drink.
If the athlete refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness
- Activate the EAP and call EMS.
- Contact parent/guardian immediately.
- Place athlete on their side.
- Rapidly cool the athlete by hosing with cold water or placing in an ice bath.
- Apply ice packs to wrists, ankles, groin, neck, and armpits.
- Monitor breathing and pulse until EMS arrives.
11. Emergency Communication
- Coaches, ADs, and EMS must work together for rapid response.
- ADs must maintain updated emergency contact information for all athletes.
- The EAP must be reviewed annually with all coaching personnel.
- CPR and First Aid refresher training is required each year.
12. Emergency Contacts
Emergency: 911
Santa Fe Police Department Dispatch: 409‑925‑2000
Coaches notify AD(s) immediately when a parent/guardian must be contacted.
AD(s) maintain all parent phone numbers for rapid contact at all times.