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Tips for Conducting Safe Training Sessions
The most important factor in planning a training session is to provide for the safety and well-being of the athlete. Every effort must be made to prevent accidents by taking appropriate safety precautions, including providing safe conditions. Though the risks can be few, coaches have the responsibility to ensure that athletes/ parents/ guardians know and understand the inherent risks of cycling.
- Establish clear rules for behavior at the first practice, and enforce them:
- Keep your hands to yourself.
- Listen to the coach.
- When you hear the whistle or command to stop — first be sure it is safe to stop and that the riders near you are aware that YOU are stopping — NEVER STOP SUDDENLY WITH RIDERS BEHIND YOU.
- Stop, Look, and Listen.
- Ask the coach before you leave the training area.
- When the weather is poor, have a plan to immediately remove athletes from inclement weather.
- Make sure athletes bring water to every practice.
- Check your first aid kit; restock supplies as necessary.
- Make sure coaches have medical forms and emergency contact information for each athlete.
- Train all coaches on emergency procedures, and provide athletes information on emergency procedures.
- Choose a safe training area. Do not practice in areas with loose gravel, speed bumps or holes in pavement that could cause injury.
- Walk the training area and note curbs or obstacles, and mark them with safety cones. Sweep up gravel.
- If training on open roadways, pre-ride the course to ensure safe conditions.
- Review your first aid and emergency procedures. Have someone who is trained in first aid and CPR on or very near to the field during practice and games.
- Establish clear rules for behavior at your first practice.
- Warm up and stretch properly at the beginning of each practice to prevent muscle injuries.
- Train to improve the general fitness level of your cyclists. Physically fit cyclists are less likely to get injured. Make your practices active.
- Athletes must be proficient with the skills outlined in the Basic Skills section before progressing to open road riding.
- A ratio of one coach per five athletes is recommended. A ratio of 1:1 is recommended for road riding. Coaches should ride with the athletes and be available to point out all potential hazards and traffic regulations.
- Rules, such as adherence to all traffic regulations at all times, must be explained and reinforced:
- Ride on the right side of the road at all times.
- Adhere to all traffic signs.
- Yield to cross traffic.
- Use correct hand traffic signals — be sure your athletes know how to use hand signals.
- All athletes must be accounted for at the start of the period, at regular intervals during the period and at the close of training.
- All cyclists and coaches must wear helmets whenever they are on the bike and keep both hands on the handlebars.
- Coaches should conduct an equipment check prior to every practice:
- Helmets should be fitted properly and checked for cracks and working straps.
- Clothing will not interfere with riding
- Hair and/or glasses should not interfere with the athlete's line of sight
- Bicycle frame and fork are in good condition
- Bicycle seat (saddle), handlebars and stem are tight
- Accessories (such as water bottle cage, pump, saddlebag or computer) are fastened correctly
- Brakes work properly (brake pads grip the rim securely)
- Tires are properly inflated and wheels are centered properly
- Quick-release or wheel nuts are secure.
- Chain has adequate lubrication and gears are functioning correctly.
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