Risk Management is a fundamental responsibility of youth sports clubs. It is essential in preventing incidents that could cause serious harm and close down your organization for good. Risk management is not just faulty equipment or a physical accident, but could include things like financial losses or losing important records. Here are several tips to help you mitigate risk for your youth organization.
1. Make sure you have the proper insurance policies and liability waivers in place to protect your staff, board members, volunteers, facility, and participants.
2. Have administration aspects of your program in order (including finances, registrations, contracts, bylaws, procedure manuals, etc.) and ensure those documents are reviewed by multiple people in the organization for proper accountability.
3. Complete routine facility and equipment inspections to identify liabilities and hazards and maintain documentation of these inspections.
4. Ensure all equipment provided is safe and require that coaches inspect their equipment before all games.
5. Put a Child Abuse Prevention Program in place with clear expectations on maintaining background clearances and mandatory reporting responsibilities.
6. Train your staff, board members and volunteers on safety such as concussion training, first aid, and CPR.
7. Train your staff, board members and volunteers on reporting and documenting incidents and complaints.
8. Have emergency action plans. Plan and train for risk scenarios making certain your staff and volunteers are prepared to handle any situation.
9. Have adequate adult supervision during practices, games and events.
10. Have written policies in place regarding expected conduct, prohibited conduct, discipline procedures, incident reporting, and mandated reporting.
With increased pressure on sports organizations to adapt to new and growing expectations, it is imperative that your organization is compliant with the latest standards. A good risk management program strengthens your ability to respond to claims and mitigate losses if and when they occur.
