The Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic
Sports Awareness for Educating Today's Youth
Introduction
On May 12, 1986, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to pass legislation which protects volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and officials from lawsuits. Commonly referred to as the "Little League Law" (2A:62A-6 et. seq.), this legislation extends partial civil immunity to volunteers who have attended a "safety orientation and training skills program."
Since 1986, the Youth Sports Research Council, in cooperation with the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) has trained more than 140,000 volunteer coaches in New Jersey.
Objectives
In accordance with the stipulations in the Little League Law, the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic:
- helps coaches minimize the risk of injury to young athletes
- provides information about fundamental coaching concepts which enhances volunteer coaches' effectiveness
- protects volunteer coaches from civil lawsuits
Topics
The curriculum for the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic is based upon the Minimum Standards for Volunteer Coaches' Safety Orientation and Training Skills Programs (N.J.A.C. 5:52).
The topics include:
- Legal Aspects of Coaching
- Psychological Aspects of Coaching
- General Coaching Concepts
- Training and Conditioning Athletes
- Medical/First Aid Aspects of Coaching
Highlights
Individuals attending the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic receive:
- Way to Go, Coach! (pp. 200) custom edition text
- The Coaches' Reference Manual (3rd edition)
- The Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Certification Card
- The Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Patch
- Permanent registration with YSRC (.3 CEU)