Abstract

Objectives: To determine if youth football officials responsible for dealing with injuries have appropriate first aid qualifications and knowledge?

Methods: Information was collected from two youth football leagues by questionnaire. First aiders were asked to provide details of their qualifications and their response from a list of alternatives to an injury scenario.

Results: Fifty two of 86 respondents did not have a current first aid qualification. Only 12% and 38% respectively gave the correct response to the injury scenarios “player choking” and “player unconscious”. Health and injury records for the players were kept by 40% and 19% of teams. Written parental consent to emergency treatment was obtained by 30%.

Conclusion: This preliminary study shows an obligation on teams who do not possess a qualified first aider to evaluate their legal and moral responsibilities to their players. The Football Association and Health and Safety Executive should produce a list of recommended equipment, facilities, and first aid qualified personnel to which teams should have access at games and training sessions. Providers of first aid training should reassess their teaching of the management of the choking and unconscious casualty.