Who is responsible for ensuring the safety and conditioning of athletes during practices?

The responsibility for ensuring the safety and conditioning of athletes during practices primarily falls to coaches. Coaches play a crucial role in developing training programs that not only enhance athletic performance but also prioritize the physical safety of their athletes. They are trained to recognize signs of overtraining, fatigue, and injuries, making them essential in monitoring athletes' conditioning levels and making necessary adjustments to practices. Coaches also instill proper techniques and enforce safety protocols during training sessions to minimize the risk of injury. While parents, officials, and athletic trainers hold important roles in the sports environment, coaches are directly involved in the day-to-day management and oversight of athletes during practices. Athletic trainers, while they contribute significantly to injury prevention and rehabilitation, typically focus on addressing injuries and providing support rather than overseeing conditioning during practices.