“That one’s juicy,” I thought, as my opponent lobbed cross-court right into the purview of my forehand sweet spot. It’s a shot I don’t miss, and without even thinking, paddle cocked in the perfect position for an overhead slam, I yelled, “Mine!” and crushed the juicy fruit into the back corner just out of my opponent’s reach. Within milliseconds, on the follow-through from the overhead, I felt and heard the loudest ‘thud’! My paddle somehow came crashing down into my doubles partner’s face.
I couldn’t recreate it if I tried, but my partner and I were too close together, and the next thing I knew, she was on the ground, blood pouring from her nose. A fluke injury, and my initial thrill of winning the point quickly turned into concern.
Where was the medic? How to stop the bleeding? “Good God in heaven, please don’t let her teeth fall out,” I thought. No one seemed to know what to do or where to seek supplies. Thankfully, we found another player who was a nurse and knew the proper protocols, but it was clear there wasn’t a plan in place to deal with injuries.
This incident was a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies. As Tournament Directors, we must ensure that we are equipped to handle such situations promptly and efficiently. Here are six essential tips to help you prepare for any injury-related scenarios that may arise:
By following these recommendations, you can help ensure that your tournament runs smoothly, even when the unexpected happens. It’s not just about winning; it’s about ensuring everyone leaves the court safely.
Stay prepared, stay safe, and enjoy the game!
P.S.: In case anyone is wondering, my partner is A-OK! She left a lot of blood on the court that day, but thankfully her teeth are still intact!