A working template covering common risks at EKRR FC matches and training across all three Sections. Review before the season and update for your specific venue. Rate each risk Low / Medium / High after controls, and assign an owner for any action. Youth Section-specific risks are set out in their own block.
Section (AFC / Youth / Over 35)
Venue
Assessed by
Date
Review date
| Hazard | Who is at risk | Risk level (L/M/H) | Control measures | Action by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General – all Sections | ||||
| Poor pitch surface (holes, glass, debris, frozen/waterlogged) | Players | Pitch inspected before play; debris removed; play called off if unsafe. | ||
| Goalposts (unsecured / damaged) | Players, bystanders | Posts checked and anchored before use; damaged posts not used. | ||
| Collisions / tackles / sprains & strains | Players | Warm-up; refereed game; fair-play codes; first aider on site. | ||
| Head injury / concussion | Players | ‘If in doubt, sit them out’; remove from play; adult return-to-play min 21 days; U18 min 23 days per Wellbeing Policy s.6.2. | ||
| Cardiac event | Players, officials | Know nearest AED; first aider trained in CPR; EAP in place; call 999. | ||
| Adverse weather (heat, cold, lightning, ice) | All | Monitor conditions; hydration; postpone for lightning/ice; appropriate kit. | ||
| Slips, trips & falls (touchline, dugouts, paths) | All | Keep areas clear; report defects to facility; suitable footwear. | ||
| Manual handling (goals, equipment) | Officials, players | Team lifts; correct technique; don’t overload. | ||
| Crowd / spectator behaviour | All | Spectator code displayed; committee presence; report serious incidents. | ||
| Hygiene / blood injuries | Players | Stop play for bleeding; clean and cover; gloves in first aid kit. | ||
| Fire / building evacuation | All | Know assembly point; follow facility procedures; head count. | ||
| Adult Sections – EKRR AFC and EKRR Over 35 | ||||
| Alcohol at socials, tours or before matches | Players | Wellbeing Policy s.8.1; no play under the influence; social sanctions. | ||
| Lone working / late finishes | Officials | Avoid lone working with any under-18s; let someone know plans; lit areas. | ||
| Reduced fitness or age-related conditions (Over 35) | Players | Encourage medical check before season; be alert to warning signs; access to AED. | ||
| EKRR Youth – children and young people | ||||
| Safeguarding – inappropriate one-to-one contact between adult and child | Children | Two-deep principle where practical; open, observable environments; PVG for all Officials; Codes of Conduct. | ||
| Safeguarding – changing arrangements | Children | Age-appropriate arrangements; separate changing for adults/children; no photography in changing areas. | ||
| Safeguarding – online / group chat conduct | Children | Youth channels moderated; parents included in group chats; Social Media Guidelines. | ||
| Photography / images posted without consent | Children | Consent register checked before posting; parental consent for U18s; refer concerns to Youth CWPO. | ||
| Transport of children by Officials | Children, Officials | Avoid transport by lone Official; prefer parents; where necessary, parent agreement and two adults or open communication. | ||
| Bullying (in person or online) | Children | Codes of Conduct; report to CWPO; treated as safeguarding matter. | ||
| Emotional wellbeing / anxiety / low mood | Children | Coach awareness; support routes in Wellbeing Policy Part 2B (Kooth, Childline, YoungMinds). | ||
| Child released to unauthorised adult | Children | Registration form lists authorised adults; check ID / phone parent if unsure; never release to an unknown adult. | ||
| Missing child at fixture / event | Children | Head count on arrival and departure; buddy system; escalate quickly to parents and, if needed, police. | ||
| Weather / pitch too cold for young children | Children | Additional layers; shorten sessions; call off in extreme conditions; hot drinks after. | ||
