RISK ASSESSMENTAmerican Football September 2017Assessed by: Daf Matheson & Linda Farrall

Activities usually carried out by American Football:

Training: Oxstalls AWP / grass. Park lawn (tbc)

Matches: The Folley / Oxstalls Astro plus away fixtures

Tour: Spain, Sportsvest

Hazard Description / Persons exposed / Risk Control Measures Currently in Place / Risk Level / Action Required / Action complete
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Road traffic incident / Students / See generic ‘SU General Sports Fixtures Travel risk assessment’ / Low
Unsuitable grass pitch conditions e.g. uneven ground, potholes, ice
and extreme cold, pitch flooding etc,
which could lead to a greater chance of injury / Students / Speak to the resident groundsperson prior to training or matches. If necessary, cancel or find alternate venue. If the groundsperson passes the pitch fit for play on the morning of the game, the final decision rests with the referee should weather conditions worsen.
Ensure the correct footwear is used for the conditions & the ground being played upon, Each player will have different boots for each different surface – Captain to check.
No metal cleats on astro.
The referee will check the pitch before each game for animal faeces, sharp objects and other litter. Referee also checks players’ boots.
Captains to check the state of training ground before commencement of training. / Low
Goalposts: danger of goals collapsing or injuries from
implements used to secure goals / Students / Goalposts on pitch should be checked by refereesbefore each match. Post protectors provided by the University will also be placed on them. / Low
Conduct of players e.g.
dangerous tackling leading to injuries / Students / Players should follow the rules of the game and play ‘in the spirit of the game’. Captains should be responsible for the actions of the players. Abide by the referee’s decisions. Captains to communicate with any player who appears to be behaving in a manner that puts others at risk. / Low - Med / Ensure that players adhere to
BAFA guidelines

Ill-fitting / damaged kit leading to bruising, injuries to head, broken bones / Students / All players are checked over by coach / senior members to check for damage to protective equipment and a good fit. Equipment is also checked by each player.
Replacements purchased for unfixable damage.
Gumshields are mandatory in contact training and play. / Low
Jewellery – causing injury to others or the wearer. / Students / Insist all jewellery is taped over or removed.
Referees will check this before each game. / Low / Players responsible for removing sharp jewellery.
Spectators encroaching onto the field of play and collision with officials and players. / Students, officials & spectators / Referee to keep spectators outside touchlines and dead ball line / Low
Anti-Social Behaviour / Students / All players have agreed to the code of conduct at membership purchase / Low
Injury associated with normal play / training / Students / Players warm up and cool down properly before matches and training.
Correct tackling technique is taught before a member plays / trains.
A first aid kit is taken to each match (and restocked regularly).
Two Sports Therapists are present at all training sessions (first aid qualified).
Coverage by SU insurance.
Only players that have attended 60% of training sessions may take part in a game. Any percentage less than this is deemed dangerous. A register is taken before each session by either the Club Captain or the coaches to ensure attendance.
The qualified coaches check if players are deemed safe to tackle/participate once the above criteria is met. / Low - Med / Ensure that players adhere to
BAFA guidelines
All players must be members of the club
Concussion during play/ training / Students / Correct tackling technique is taught. Anyone seen to be playing/training dangerously will be removed from the match/practice.
Professional Medic/Doctor/Physiotherapist must be on sight during a competitive match adhering to BAFA rules and regs. This does not have to be St Johns and is booked by the Students Union.
Only players that have attended 60% of training sessions may take part in a game. Any Percentage less than this is deemed dangerous. A register is taken before each session by either the Club Captain or the coaches to ensure attendance.
The qualified coaches check if players are deemed safe to tackle/participate once the above criteria is met. / Low - Med / Ensure that players adhere to
BAFA guidelines
All players must be members of the club
There is always a therapist present at training (Katie Eyre)
Assault / medical emergency / Students / All players have been asked to declare medical conditions when joining club. Captain is provided with accident report forms and have been instructed on what to do with these forms. Club Captains have security’s main telephone number in case of emergencies / Low / All students must be members of the Club (those who are not are not insured)
Specific to Tours: / Students / All the control measures mentioned above should apply but a clear ‘safety plan’ regarding procedures to follow in the case of emergencies abroad should be in place. Emergency Contact Numbers, First Aiders and First Aid kits etc should be known and in the possession of the Tour leader / Low / All tour participants must be insured.

For the purpose of this risk assessment, the following definitions shall be used:

Hazard – The potential for harm or injury arising from an activity including the use of tools or methods needed to carry out that activity

Risk – The likelihood of harm or injury occurring due to that hazard

*RISK LEVEL

LowCan be performed unsupervised following basic training

MediumCan be performed with supervision following training

HighMust be qualified and trained; special supervision arrangements must be made

Very HighRequires specialist expertise, do not proceed with activity

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