Risk Assessment - Castle Drive

Hazard Who might be affected and how? What are you already doing?  What further action is necessary?
Debris / Rubbish on pitches Players, coaches and officials could be injured falling as a result of slipping or tripping on foreign objects on the pitches.

Injuries can also be sustained by coming into contact with foreign objects, whilst falling, tackling etc.

Of particular concern is: –

  • Broken glass
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Animal foul
  • Discarded plastic litter
  • Etc.
  • Pitches are regularly inspected by venue operators.
  • Match officials and team coaches or managers inspect pitches prior to kick-off.
  • Access to the pitches is restricted when not in use.
  • Bins are provided and emptied regularly
 ·        N/A
Goal post movement or collapse Venue staff, players, volunteers, officials are exposed to the risk of injury arising out of collision with moving, collapsing or over-turning goal posts.
  • Those involved in the movement of goal posts are trained in the safe movement of goal posts to and from the pitches, include the use of anchor weights, brakes, support pegs etc.
  • Match officials pre-start checks include inspecting goalposts are secured.
 Ensure all involved in moving goal posts have been correctly trained.
Pitch side flags Players or officials are exposed to the risk of injury arising out of collision with purely secured or poor condition flag along the touchlines.
  • Managers & volunteers pre-start checks include inspecting flag posts are fit for purpose and properly set out.
 ·        N/A
Pitch surrounds and run-offs Players, officials and supporters could be injured as a result of collisions between people, barriers or other immoveable obstructions, ditches, walls or hand-standing paths etc.
  • Pitch selection and pre-start checks include the surrounds of the pitch.
  • The FA recommends that run-off‘s for natural grass pitches should be a minimum of 3 yards (or 3 metres) all around the pitch. For those clubs playing in the football pyramid the minimum safety run off is 1.83 metres (6 feet) but ideally at least 2 metres. If a new ground is to be constructed at least 3m should be provided.
  • The run-off must be of natural grass and must not be of tarmac or concrete construction, with no barriers or obstructions evident within the run-off area. If Football Turf (3G) is to be used as a run-off, this should be constructed to meet the performance standards of full size pitches and be green in colour.
  • Where pitches neighbour others within a confined area, the minimum run-off between both pitches should ideally be 6 yards to allow for spectators watching either match.
 ·        N/A
Manual handling – movement of goal posts Venue staff, players, volunteers, officials are exposed to the risk of injury or back pain through inappropriate handling of heavy or bulky objects, such as movement of goal posts.
  • Those involved in the movement of goal posts are trained in the safe movement of goal posts to and from the pitches.
  • More than 1 person is required to move goal posts.
Wet or wintery weather Players, coaches and officials could be injured falling as a result of slipping on frozen or unduly wet pitches.

 
  • Match officials or appropriate persons inspect pitches, prior to kick-off, and cancel matches if the ground is considered unsafe for play.
  • Games are cancelled if the condition of the pitch makes them unduly hard or slippery.
  • Match officials continually monitor the weather and pitch conditions and will suspend or abandon play if necessary.
  • Procedures are in place to ensure that contact details of coaches/managers are are available on site.
  • Ensure all new managers and coaches are aware of the procedures for pitch inspections and abandonments
Sporting injury Injuries could be sustained by players as a result of taking part in a contact sport.
  • Players understand the concept of risk associated with playing a contact sport.
  • Match officials are appointed for all league fixtures, whose responsibilities include the need for the game to be played fairly and safely.
  • Disciplinary procedures are in place.
 ·        N/A
Lack of First Aid Sustained injuries should be dealt with, cleaned and dressed as soon as possible, to prevent further infection etc.
  • All teams are required to provide their own First Aid kit.
  • All teams should have a FA Emergency Aid qualified coach present at matches
 ·        N/A
Lack of Emergency Access Injuries to players, coaches and officials could be exacerbated by movement.
  • Emergency access for ambulances is available to all pitches in use.
  • Coaches are aware of the need to phone 999 and details of the location (postcode, address etc.)
 ·        N/A
Changing facilities The risk to players and their safe-guarding must be considered, especially when operating junior sports.
  • Changing facilities are routinely monitored by venue operators and regularly inspected by club officials & volunteers.
  • Where changing facilities are provided, access is restricted to players and team coaches.  Signs should be displayed to this effect.
  • Separate changing facilities are provided for match officials.
 ·        N/A
Toilet facilities The risk to players and their safe-guarding must be considered when operating junior sports.
  • Toilets are available in changing rooms, to which access is restricted.
  • Public toilets are available and maintained by venue operators.
  • Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
 ·        N/A
Lack of access to drinking water Players, coaches and officials could suffer illness arising from lack of fluids, food etc.
  • Teams and match officials are expected to bring their own drinks.

 

 ·        N/A
Violence Players, coaches and officials could be subject to verbal or physical abuse.
  • Disciplinary processes are prescribed to deal with any poor behavior by players, coaches or supporters.
  • Match officials report all such incidents to league / competition organizers and the County FA.
 ·        N/A