Procedures for inspection of facilities and equipment

Documented policies and procedures are critical components of a sporting organisation‘s risk management program, with checklists forming an integral part of the procedures. Often numerous individual risks can be addressed via one policy statement or checklist.

For example, a documented coaching policy may outline clearly the expectations of all coaches and outline exactly what is considered to be safe coaching practice, a first aid policy would do likewise in relation to first aid. If a facility checklist is completed prior to each competition, it would address many physical risk exposures.

Preparing a risk management manual (or policies and procedures manual) may appear to be a daunting prospect, but it is invaluable to an organisation, particularly in these litigious times. Many of the organisations that have embarked on implementing a risk management program will agree that the biggest hurdle is taking the first step. It is likely that once existing resources have been consolidated your manual will be taking shape.

A policies and procedures manual for a hockey club will address numerous risk exposures, however an obvious area for attention is safety in regard to facilities and equipment. The aim must be for all involved to take reasonable action to make hockey as safe as it possibly can be. It is appropriate that this site provides some information in this regard. Whilst every club needs to consider what policies and procedures are necessary and tailor them to fit their particular needs, the following will provide some guidance.

Every hockey club has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for players, coaches, umpires, other officials, spectators and the public in general. Creating a safe environment is not hard, it‘s common sense, but again it is necessary to develop a plan. Safety is not a one-off event, but a cycle of continuous review and improvement.

A common method of identifying risks emanating from facilities and equipment is via physical inspection aided by the use of checklists. The following pages contain checklist examples for facilities and equipment. One of these checklists relates to a monthly inspection, and one relates to a pre-game inspection. Obviously facilities are going to vary from club to club. These checklists are not intended to identify all risks for all situations they are a guide only.

Administrators should undertake an extensive risk identification program on their own facilities and design appropriate checklists. The important points are that there needs to be a planned approach, and facility and equipment inspections need to be carried out on a regular basis. It goes without saying that it is critical to the value of these inspections that identified risks are addressed with appropriate action and follow-up.