Aber Valley Wolves Junior Rugby League Club has a duty to eliminate or minimise any actual or perceived risks to all its members. This club is strongly committed to encouraging our members to train hard and compete, but the health, wellbeing and safety of each individual is always our paramount concern.
To support our Health, Safety and Risk Management Policy we are committed to the following duties:
- Undertake regular, recorded risk assessment of the club premises and all activities undertaken by the club.
- Create a safe environment by putting health and safety measures in place as identified by the assessment.
- Ensure all members are given the appropriate level of training and competition by regularly assessing individuals’ ability dependent on age, maturity and development.
- Ensure that all members are aware of, understand and follow the club’s Health, Safety and Risk Management Policy.
- Ensure that normal operating procedures and emergency operating procedures are in place and known to all members.
- Provide adequate first aid facilities, telephone and qualified first aider at all times.
- Report any injuries or accidents sustained during any club activity or whilst on the club premises.
- Ensure the policy is reviewed regularly and monitored for effectiveness.
All club members and coaches have a duty to:
- Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or not do.
- Cooperate with the club on health and safety issues.
- Correctly use all equipment provided by the club.
- Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety and welfare.
This includes:
Playing and Training Areas
Ensure that all areas used for playing/training etc are safe and free from dangers and hazards, i.e. pot holes, sharp objects (stones glass), animal waste, uneven surfaces, puddles of water etc.
Medical Facilities
First aid facilities and first aid boxes/packs will be provided to all age group coaches. Free access to these facilities and the playing area will be available at all times.
Ensure qualified first aid/medical personnel will be available during training/playing of games.
Ensure that access for ambulances is available at all times.
Ensure that access to a telephone (land line and/or mobile) is available at all times.
Playing Equipment
Ensure that all training/playing equipment is fit for purpose and does not constitute a danger to anyone using it, ie tackle bags/contact pads, post protectors are all in good condition and must be suited to a player’s size and ability. Marker flag poles should flex on impact with no sharp edges, goal posts should be padded. All equipment must be checked prior to training sessions and matches.
Playing Development
Ensure that the teaching/coaching or the playing development of players as well as the refereeing of the game of Rugby League is carried out under all WRL rules, regulations and directives.
Use careful consideration as to the age and ability of players when introducing or developing any contact skill or situation.
The Risk Assessment Form and Procedure
A Risk Assessment Form is available from the Club’s General Manager/Welfare Officer (Helen Treherne).
The completed form is to be passed to the Club’s Welfare Officer who will keep it on file for 12 months. These forms will be analysed by the Club Welfare Officer who will identify and address any trends in conjunction with the club committee.
General Conclusion
It is the responsibility of every coach, volunteer and club member who becomes aware of any possible activity or areas of risk or danger inside the curtilage of the club’s facility to resolve the risk if possible, suspend the activity, training or match if it is not and, in all cases, bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate authority for urgent action.