Should coaches be immunized? First aid training?

[Query]

Many figure and hockey skating coaches work with children and college age students. These guidelines (intended for U.S. residents) suggest that adults who work with kids and college students should get certain immunizations, presumably so they don't get and pass on various diseases.

I've also wondered about the possibility that coaches should get First Aid training and certification, because skating students sometimes get hurt while skating. I do know figure and hockey skating coaches who made a point of getting such training. I know some rinks already keep first aid supplies on hand. But it might be appropriate for some coaches to at least carry first aid tape and a first aid or antibiotic cream - though in some states you can't administer the creams without more serious certification and perhaps insurance.

Or would these things be massive overkill? The training and certifications requirements that already exist for coaches already create some economic and time hardship, especially for very part-time coaches. Please don't get upset at me for suggesting it. But it might at least be worth thinking about, by coaches, parents and by skating program directors. Should finding out what you've had be part of the background check? Or be noted on the card that certifies you to coach, though I admit almost no students ask to see that...

I guess there are some potential freedom of religious issues, and some people don't believe in immunizations for other reasons.

[nicklaszlo]

Everyone who can be immunised safely (no egg allergies and so forth) should get immunised.  People who are not immunised are a danger to others.

Rinks should have a first-aid trained staff member on duty at all times.  I would guess insurance would require this.  Having a coach trained is good but not sufficient because the coach often does not work for the rink.  Coaches should be trained on what not to do.  For example, they should know not to move someone with a neck injury.

[amy1984]

All coaches in Canada have their first aid.  It's not the same in the US?  You'd think it'd be a no brainer to require a coach to have at least basic first aid.  I don't think you can coach without it here.  All my coaches have been diligent about making sure to re-certify.

[Query]

Everyone who can be immunised safely (no egg allergies and so forth) should get immunised.  People who are not immunised are a danger to others.

AFAIK, PSA, ISI and USFSA do not require it. Does anyone know if it is common for rink managers or skating program directors to require it? I've never heard a parent ask about it, but I've never been a professional coach, so perhaps some do.

I know many people who routinely get flu vaccinations. Not so many who routinely get other vaccinations.

Rinks should have a first-aid trained staff member on duty at all times.  I would guess insurance would require this.

Some rinks here (in Maryland) do not, so I assume some insurance companies don't require it. It would be interesting to know if the big rink insurers (e.g., the ones used by ISI, USFSA) do.

All coaches in Canada have their first aid.  It's not the same in the US?

No. Rinks are largely unregulated. There may be some location-specific laws about having electricians, firemen/women and/or medical personnel on hand during major public events such as big ice shows, that apply to any public facility, but I don't know of anyone who regulates the presence of first aid personnel the rest of the time. One rink did not used to allow personnel to offer first aid help or advice - nominally for liability reasons.

[Leif]

Coaches and first aiders certainly need hygiene training. When I fell and left blood on the ice from a head wound, the first aider and another person who helped got my blood on their unprotected hands. Now as far as I know I have no communicable diseases, but I could have had hepatitis or even aids. And of course it works the other way, as I could have caught something had they had an open cut on a finger. I suspect that Americans would have been far more careful, and that we Brits are somewhat lapse.

[dlbritton]

At my ski resort all employees are required to attend a short "blood borne pathogens" awareness session. It focuses on protective equipment, avoiding blood and other "bodily fluids", and on HIV and Hepatitis. However, we are all W2 employees (US centric wording) and not independent contractors like many skating coaches are, so there may be OSHA regulations at play.