1. PURPOSE
This Emergency Action Plan (EAP) sets out the procedures to be followed in the event of an injury, medical incident, or emergency during YFLDubai Competitions.
The aim is to:
- ensure a rapid and effective response
- protect the welfare of Participants
- provide clear roles and responsibilities
- minimise risk and confusion during incidents
2. SCOPE
This plan applies to:
- all YFLDubai Competitions and events
- all Participants, staff, coaches, and spectators
- all venues used by YFLDubai
3. KEY PRINCIPLE
The safety and welfare of the Participant is the priority at all times.
4. EMERGENCY CONTACTS
- Emergency Services (UAE): 999
- Ambulance: 998
- YFLDubai Event Lead: Osama Al Bloushi (+971 50 721 5443
- Venue Contact:
- HCT Active: Sampson Griffiths (+971 50 945 4437)
- The Sevens: Simon Gondela (+971 50 950 9144)
- The Sevens: Operations Team (+971 56 999 4915)
5. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Team Organiser / Coach
- Acts as first responder
- Assesses the situation
- Provides initial care (within competence)
- Notifies YFL staff and/or parent/guardian
- Stays with injured Participant until handover
5.2 YFLDubai Staff
Point of Contact (POC)
Lead Coordinators
Salah – +971 50 687 6447 (TSS)
Omair – +971 58 838 1627 (HCT)
- Coordinate emergency response
- Contact emergency services and/or medical personnel if required
- Manage crowd and ensure safe space
- Support communication with parents/guardians
5.3 Medical Personnel
- Provide emergency medical support
- Take control of serious incidents
- Advise on next steps (hospital, rest, etc.)
5.4 Parents / Guardians
- Responsible for follow-up care
- Must be contactable during fixtures
- Attend immediately if required
6. TYPES OF INCIDENTS
6.1 Minor Injury
Examples:
- cuts, bruises, minor sprains
Action:
- treat pitch-side
- player removed if necessary
- Lead Coordinators informed
- parent/guardian informed
6.2 Moderate Injury
Examples:
- suspected sprain, minor fracture, concussion
Action:
- stop play
- assess player
- remove from play
- Lead Coordinators informed
- contact parent/guardian
- recommend medical attention
6.3 Serious / Emergency Injury
Examples:
- unconsciousness
- head/neck injury
- breathing difficulty
- severe bleeding
- suspected fracture
Action: See point 7 below
7. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURE
Step 1: STOP PLAY IMMEDIATELY
- Referee halts the match
- Medical Personnel informed immediately
- Pitch Coordinators informed immediately
- Lead Coordinators informed immediately
- Ensure area is safe
Step 2: INITIAL ASSESSMENT
- First responder/medical personnel/pitch coordinator/lead coordinator checks:
- responsiveness
- breathing
- level of injury
Step 3: CALL FOR HELP
- Alert YFL staff and/or Medical Personnel and/or immediately call emergency medical services
- Call emergency services if required
Call 999 or 998 immediately if serious
Step 4: PROTECT THE PLAYER
- Do NOT move player if:
- head, neck, or spinal injury suspected
- Keep player:
- still
- warm
- calm
Step 5: CLEAR THE AREA
- Move other players away
- Control spectators
- Maintain privacy
Step 6: PARENT / GUARDIAN CONTACT
- Contact immediately
- Provide clear information
- Arrange collection or hospital attendance
Step 7: HANDOVER
- To:
- Emergency Medical Services
- parent/guardian
8. CONCUSSION PROTOCOL
If concussion is suspected:
- player must be removed immediately
- must NOT return to play the same day
- parent/guardian must be informed
- medical clearance required before return
9. USE OF MEDICAL PROVISION
- YFLDubai medical support is for emergency use only
- Teams remain responsible for:
- minor injuries
- follow-up care
10. INCIDENT REPORTING
After any significant incident:
- a report must be completed by YFL staff and/or Medical Personnel
- details should include:
- time, location
- nature of injury
- actions taken
11. VENUE CONSIDERATIONS
- Identify:
- ambulance access points
- nearest hospital
- emergency exits
- Ensure:
- clear access routes at all times
12. WEATHER & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
In extreme conditions (heat, lightning, etc.):
YFLDubai may:
- pause matches
- provide rest/water breaks
- delay fixtures
- cancel games
Safety always overrides scheduling
13. COMMUNICATION
- Clear communication between:
- referees
- coaches
- YFL staff
- Medical Personnel
- One person should lead communication during incidents
14. TRAINING & AWARENESS
- Coaches should have basic first aid awareness
- Staff should understand this EAP
- Emergency procedures should be reviewed regularly
15. REVIEW
This plan will be reviewed periodically and updated as required.