REMINDER: Safe Contact Week begins in 2017

Starting in 2017, teams and clubs must now begin their respective seasons with three hours of helmet-only Safe Contact training, known as Safe Contact Week. The new measure applies to all teams or football clubs that fall under Football Canada’s umbrella. Safe Contact Week is to begin at the start of all team’s training camps to practice Safe Contact fundamentals.

“Every player on the football field needs to be able to understand and execute the football fundamentals taught in Safe Contact,” said Aaron Geisler, manager of development, Football Canada. “From day one, players and coaches from across the country will be working on developing these fundamentals.”

“We’re excited to bring teams together to take part in this nationwide initiative. It’s a great way to reinforce Safe Contact techniques and enhance player safety.”

The requirement applies to any coach of an amateur team or club that falls under Football Canada’s umbrella. As of March 31, 2017 all coaches must also be Safe Contact trained in the latest blocking and tackling techniques to begin the season. Safe Contact Week was one of 21 strategies developed from the sport’s competition review.

What Safe Contact Week means for teams:

• Must complete at least three hours of helmet ONLY training, practicing Safe Contact techniques like blocking and tackling
• Safe Contact Week is to begin at the start of teams’ respective training camps
• All players, regardless of position are expected to participate
• Suggested format:
  • Three, one hour practices
• In rare cases, due to instances such as weather, scheduling or field availability, Safe Contact Week must be completed in the first 14 days of a team’s season
  • Must comprise at least three cumulative hours of Safe Contact on-field training

Spread the word

Share photos and video of your team’s participation in Safe Contact week using the hashtag #SafeContact or #SCweek2017.

This post is also available in: French