Event Operations Manual
Software for Club Treasurers

Risks associated with events

All recreation organisations should engage in a continual process of examination and review of their existing events to ensure that the environment is safe for participants, officials, volunteers and spectators. (See spectator safety checklist)

This process of examination becomes even more important in the planning process for new events. A failure to assess the risks involved in events can be disastrous as a result of:

The first step in planning any new event is to conduct a feasibility study. The purpose of such a study is to identify and assess the benefits and risks of the event, and to identify what problems need to be solved in order to successfully stage the event.

The feasibility analysis should aim to identify any risks such as:

In addition to the above, there needs also to be a thorough examination of risks to human safety as sporting events are inherently risky. It is the first and foremost duty of all event directors to implement strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of all event go-ers. This responsibility even extends to a consideration of the risks involved if parents who are spectating fail to keep control of small children. For example, small children may be injured in the spectator stands by running and jumping from aisle to aisle, step to step and seat to seat.

Risks to health and safety associated with events include:

Accidents resulting in injury are frequent in events, and event organising committees will not be held responsible provided that a reasonable attempt to identify risks has been made, and strategies have been put in place to mitigate these risks. In short, the event organising committee needs to be seen to have done a reasonable job in risk management.

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