RISK  ASSESSMENT 

AT NORTHGATE SPORTS CENTRE, IPSWICH

GENERIC

ATHLETICS EQUIPMENT 

The equipment must be stored away from the main area used for activities.

It should only be handled by athletes under the direction of qualified coaches.

It should be carried with an awareness of safety – correct lifting procedure, not running, not too heavy.

It should be checked for ‘wear and tear’.

Nobody should be throwing equipment until directed by a coach.

ATHLETES’ CLOTHING                                 

All participants must wear recognised sports clothing –

Shorts or track bottoms, athletics T-shirt, sweatshirt, socks and trainers.

Hair must be tied back to avoid restricting sight.

REFRESHMENTS      

All athletes should bring a non-carbonated drink with them, but these must be drunk when sitting down – to prevent spillage on the floor which will become slippery.  

ATHLETE’S BEHAVIOUR  

This is covered by our rules which are handed out to each participant on joining the club.

If it is felt a person’s behaviour or attitude is detrimental to the other athletes and coaches, they can be asked to leave immediately.

CONTACT         

There should always be a list of participants and their contact for emergency available with the coaches.  Next of kin must be available to collect their offspring immediately either to take them home or to go to hospital if needed.

ACCIDENTS     

If there is an accident, a first aider may be used from the club or from Northgate Sports Centre – but each accident must be recorded in the Accident book – in case there is a follow up from a doctor.

 INSIDE – IN THE GYM

SPACE         

There is a small space for activities which need to be utilised by athletes.

Extra adults will be detrimental to the participants and coaches because of risk of:

            Accidents from throwing events

            Tripping over people when running or jumping

            Lack of concentration from extra noise and movement.  

PARENTS / CARERS

Are allowed to sit quietly in the viewing gallery above the main sports hall but are requested to be outside the Gym by 7.40 p.m. to meet the athlete at the end of training.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS

At times of severe weather athletes should always check with the stadium to see if training is going ahead. On such days Parents / Carers are asked to STAY at Northgate, in case training is curtailed early because of the worsening weather.

The Panther web site will try to post information as well.

 SAFETY OUTSIDE

TRACK     

Not to be used if wet as the athletes do not have spikes and are often less steady on their feet.

Care taken when crossing to the field in case others are running.

Only qualified or trained adults allowed on the track.

FIELD       

Not to be used if wet because of risk of sliding with equipment.

No-one is allowed to throw an implement until directed by a qualified coach.

Athletes must be taught how to carry athletics equipment.

Only qualified or trained adults allowed on the field.

No-one should be in the throwing area when it is being used. Athletes must remain behind the throwing line at all times.

JUMPING PITS

Nobody allowed to jump until directed by a qualified coach.

In horizontal jumps, nobody allowed to jump until the pit has been raked.

Only qualified or trained adults allowed in the jumping area.

This is to be read in conjunction with Risk Assessment held by the Sports Centre and is in addition to UK Athletics Approved Codes of Practice for the safe conduct of Track and Field Events.