Every player and adult participant is valued and we encourage leagues and clubs to familiarize themselves with our Athlete and Participant Safety Policy. In addition, leagues and clubs are responsible for ensuring that they adhere to all applicable state and federal laws, and US Soccer and US Youth Soccer compliance requirements, and policies.
On February 14, 2018, the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017 was signed into federal law and became effective immediately.
The law has a three-pronged approach:
Youth sports organizations are also required to put in place policies and procedures to prevent abuse.
Find out more about Cal North's SafeSport policy and what we do to keep our youth participants safe.
Parent and Athlete Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information Fact Sheet (pdf)
For additional information visit:
Just because the sky is blue, doesn’t mean the air is clean.
Know what you’re breathing every day by getting the air quality forecast. Use precaution when exercising outdoors, especially on a Spare The Air day. Check the local air quality index in your area by going to the AirNow.gov website and entering your zip code, and always check with your local league or club for additional guidelines and updates they may have for your area.
Some general recommendations include:
| Air Quality Index | Who Needs to be Concerned? | What Should I Do? |
|---|---|---|
| Good 0-50 |
It’s a great day to be active outside. | |
| Moderate 51-100 |
Some people may be unusually sensitive to particle pollution. | Unusually sensitive people: Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier.
Everyone else: It’s a good day to be active outside. |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101-150 |
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers. | Sensitive groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. It’s OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. If you have heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your heath care provider. |
| Unhealthy 151 to 200 |
Everyone | Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when the air quality is better.
Everyone else: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities. |
| Very Unhealthy 201-300 |
Everyone | Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when air quality is better.
Everyone else: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling to a time when air quality is better. |
| Hazardous 301-500 |
Everyone | Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors. |
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Note: Values above 500 are considered Beyond the AQI. Follow recommendations for the Hazardous category. Based on the index above, the following should be considered: |
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All suspected head injuries and concussions must be taken with the utmost seriousness.
In the event of a possible head injury or concussion, the player must removed from play immediately and may not return to play until they are medically cleared by a trained and licensed health provider or physician who is skilled in the evaluation and management of head injuries and concussions and is acting within the scope of their practice. The player's pass is collected by the team official and is not returned until the following checklist is completed.
Below is the procedure that must be followed:
1. The team official must sign and complete the concussion notification form. The document must be emailed to MedicalClaims@calnorth.org. You can find a copy of the Concussion Notification Form below under Available Resources.
2. If a parent/legal guardian of the player is present, have the parent/legal guardian sign and date the form, and give the parent/legal guardian one copy of the completed form. If the parent/legal guardian is not present, then the team official is responsible for notifying the parent/legal guardian as soon as possible by phone or email and then submitting the form to the parent/legal guardian by email or mail.
3. If and when the parent/guardian is not present, the team official must make a record of how and when the parent/legal guardian was notified. The notification will include a request for the parent/legal guardian to provide confirmation and completion of the Concussion Notification Form whether in writing or electronically.
4. The team official, parent/guardian and player must know that the player suspected of a head injury or concussion may not return to the field of play until a Medical Release has been received by Cal North and approval has been granted by our team of administrators.
Please submit your Concussion Return to Play form by clicking here
Players may wear their jersey, but must not be in full uniform until the League has received the Medical Release and the player has been cleared by Cal North administrators to return to play.
Available Resources:
Concussion Notification Form - Must be used by the team official, parent, and medical doctor as part of our return to play protocol.
Concussion Info Fact Sheet (pdf)- Parents and players are required to review the info fact sheet. When players are registered online through our approved registration platform, this info fact sheet is provided to them via a link, and waiver which requires the acknowledgment that they have received the document.
Intro to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments - All adult administrators (coaches, managers, assistant coaches, etc...) are required to complete the Intro course. The course is offered through the US Soccer Digital Learning Center free of charge and takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. Parents and Players are encouraged to also take the training.
Our policy can be broken into two parts: (1) during play and (2) during practice.
During Play:
During Practice:
Available Resources:
Heading Policy Chart (pdf) - A visual guide that illustrates our policy.
In accordance with U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover program guidelines and recommendations, we encourage leagues and clubs to take the utmost caution in regards to heat and hydration as well as cold temperatures. California has a diverse range of climates, and an understanding of the environmental conditions' impact on player safety and health is critical in the prevention of serious injuries and illnesses, from muscle cramps to heat stroke.
Below are topics provided by U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover website.
