What is a primary responsibility of a coach during the prevention phase of athletic health care?

The primary responsibility of a coach during the prevention phase of athletic health care is to implement safety protocols and risk management. This phase focuses on minimizing the risk of injury to athletes, and coaches play a crucial role in creating a safe training and competition environment. By developing and enforcing guidelines such as proper warm-up routines, conditioning programs, equipment checks, and appropriate playing surfaces, coaches can help prevent injuries before they occur.

Implementing safety protocols involves educating athletes about techniques to safely perform skills and ensuring that they are aware of potential risks. Additionally, risk management encompasses assessing the environment for hazards and making adjustments to reduce the likelihood of accidents.

In contrast, assessing injuries post-competition pertains to injury management rather than prevention. Determining rehabilitation protocols is focused on recovery after an injury has occurred, which is beyond the scope of the prevention phase. Performing surgeries is a medical responsibility that falls outside a coach's role, as it requires specialized medical training and certification. Therefore, focusing on implementing safety and risk management protocols is vital for preventing injuries in athletes.