Coaching football for Neurodiverse players is incredibly rewarding. On occasions where a player becomes dysregulated or experiences a meltdown it is important that there are clear guidelines in place which ensure player and coach safety and also implement boundaries in how best to deal with a potentially challenging situation.
It is the policy of our club that our players should always have a parent or caregiver present during our sessions at all times so that:
- In instances of dysregulation or meltdown, the player has their parent or caregiver is on hand to take the lead in helping the player
- In instances where a player may be injured or hurt the parent or caregiver is available to assist the coach in what to do next
- In extreme circumstances where a player may become physical, the parent or caregiver is available to step in immediately with coaches assisting where possible
- If a player needs to be physically moved, the parent or caregiver takes the lead with the coach assisting if where possible
1. Recognizing Triggers
- Sudden changes in routine (e.g., schedule changes, unexpected drills) - Wherever possible coaches will look to minimize triggers, some may be out of our control however (gates being locked, parking changing)
- Sensory overload (crowds, whistles, loud noises) - Coaches will look to avoid these during our sessions
- Frustration from mistakes or social difficulties – This is very common with our players and our coaches will always take a supportive stance through praise and encouragement of the player in order to help them
- Physical discomfort (tight clothing, heat, cold) - Our coaches understand these challenges and will work with parents to manage them during the session (removal of jumpers or gloves during cold weather for example)
2. Preventative Strategies
- Structured Routine: Coaches will keep sessions predictable and changes managed well in advance to be communicated with parents and caregivers
- Clear Instructions: Coaches to use short, direct sentences and demonstrate what is being asked
- Sensory Considerations: A good example may be noise-cancelling headphones or players taking time out. Often our players like to go in goal for a period of time as they still remain involved in the session, but in a more calm capacity than a game or drill
- Break Options: Space permitting, coaches will try to create a designated safe space for calming down, but we ask that the parent or caregiver oversee this to ensure the player needs are met, while the coach can focus on keeping the session running
3. Handling a Meltdown or dysregulation during our sessions
Most of our coaches have children at Autistic FC and have experienced this first hand, therefore we understand a) how challenging this can be and b) how important it is to have protocols in place which ensure players and coach safety at all times.
- Stay Calm: We know our reaction will influence the players. Keeping our voice steady and calm is important, and we ask the same of the parents or caregivers
- Give Space (if needed): Some players prefer to be left alone to self-regulate, we feel the safest way to do this is to have them leave the session and take some time on the sidelines with supervision from their parent or caregiver to help work on regulating themselves.
Our coaches look to the parents or caregivers to take the lead on this so they can return to supervising the session as soon as possible.
To be clear is not a permanent exclusion from the session or Autistic FC - but required to keep the player safe from balls being kicked, equipment that may be in use or other players carrying on with the session and prevent any injury or harm.
- Use Known Coping Tools: Parents or caregivers are more than welcome to use strategies to help the player. No one knows the player better than a parent or caregiver
- Validate Feelings: Coaches will always look to acknowledge the player frustration without adding pressure
4. Post-Meltdown Support
- Debrief Later: Once they’re calm, parents and caregivers talk through what happened with coaches to help identify future strategies and raise awareness
- Reinforce Positives: Praise the player efforts, even if things didn’t go smoothly. Autistic FC is an inclusive club, our players are wanted and welcome here regardless of where they may be from a Neurodiverse perspective
- Adjust for Future: Coaches will always try their best to work with feedback from the parent or caregiver for future sessions to help the player