Safety First: 3 Steps to Ensure Athlete Safety at your Sports Facility

Athlete safety is not just a ‘nice to have,’ it’s a necessity.

Prioritizing athlete safety not only protects their well-being, but it also builds trust and enhances their overall experience at your sports facility. Athlete safety is an ongoing commitment that requires thorough planning, clear communication, and regular review.

Whether you’re new to the game or have been running your facility for years, maintaining high safety standards is essential. By implementing best practices and staying up-to-date with the latest safety guidelines, you can make a real difference.

Regardless of where your business is today, here are 3 steps to ensure athlete safety at your sports facility.

1. Develop a comprehensive athlete waiver

Having an athlete waiver in place is not just a “good idea,” it’s a necessity. Athlete waivers pay a pivotal role in protecting both your athletes and your business. By clearly outlining the potential risks associated with the sport, waivers ensure that all parties are on the same page prior to participating in any kind of training session. This transparency fosters a sense of trust and responsibility, and consequently promotes a safe training environment.

A well-crafted athlete waiver serves multiple purposes. First, it acts as a legal document that can help shield your facility from liability in the event of an injury or incident. By having athletes acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of the sport, you’ve added a layer of legal protection.

Additionally, an athlete waiver adds a layer of accountability and personal responsibility for athletes in regards to their safety. When the athlete and/ or their guardians sign a waiver, they are reminded of the importance of following the safety guidelines and protocols that you’ve put in place to ensure a safe and positive training experience.

Effective communication of the waiver process is key to its success. It’s important that your athlete waiver is easily accessible and easy for athletes to sign prior to training. For example, businesses that utilize Upper Hand’s athlete registration platform are able to upload their business waiver, which athletes are prompted to sign upon creating their account and registering for programs. Additional indicators help business owners cover their bases, ensuring every athlete has completed the most up-to-date version of your athlete waiver.

Related: Upper Hand has an athlete waiver template you can steal and adapt to your business today. Click here to download your free copy!

2. Have an incident and injury response plan in place

You never want to think bad things will happen. But, when it comes to athlete safety, it’s critical that you are prepared in the event of an unexpected incident or injury. Having an incident and injury response plan is essential for all sports business owners. This plan should provide guidelines for handling an emergency situation, as well as outline a process for documenting the incidents.

A comprehensive incident and injury response plan should begin with clear, step-by-step procedures for different types of injuries or incidents. Clear communication channels should be established to ensure that you and your staff members know who to contact based on the situation, as well as what information to relay in an emergency.

Documenting incidents is another crucial aspect of your response plan. Accurate documentation helps in reviewing and improving your safety procedures, and are important in case of any legal situations.Ensure that your plan includes detailed incident report forms that capture all necessary information, such as the time, date, and location of the incident, the individuals involved, a description of the injury, and the actions taken.

If you lead a team of staff members, it’s crucial that you train them regularly on your business’s incident and injury response plan. This will ensure that everyone is familiar with the procedures and can act swiftly should an incident arise.

If you don’t already have an incident and injury response plan in place, Upper Hand can help! Download our incident and injury response plan template today as a starting point to customize to your business.

3. Maintain your facility and equipment

To encourage and prioritize athlete safety at your sports facility, it’s important that you maintain your equipment and spaces regularly. Regular maintenance not only helps prevent injuries but also ensures that your facility remains in good condition. This provides a safe and enjoyable environment for your athletes and coaches. And, it also helps you when selling new clients on the prospect of joining your community.

Daily: Start by implementing a daily inspection routine for all sports equipment. This includes checking for wear and tear, ensuring that all parts are functioning properly, and removing any damaged equipment from use until it is repaired or replaced. Simple actions like tightening bolts, checking for frayed cables, and ensuring padding is intact can make a significant difference in preventing injury.

Monthly: Monthly facility audits are another essential aspect of maintaining a safe environment. These audits should involve a thorough inspection of the entire facility, including playing surfaces, lighting, ventilation, and emergency exits. Look for potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, exposed wires, or obstructed pathways. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent incidents and injuries.

In addition to daily and monthly checks, it is a good idea to schedule annual professional assessments of your facility and equipment. Bringing in experts to evaluate the condition of your facility can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas that may require more specialized attention or upgrades. This proactive approach ensures that your facility meets the highest safety standards and is compliant with relevant regulations.

A maintenance log can be a useful tool to keep track of inspections, repairs, and replacements. Documenting these activities ensures accountability and provides a clear record of your commitment to athlete safety. Assign specific staff members to be responsible for different aspects of maintenance, ensuring that no area is overlooked.

Finally, encourage athletes and staff to report any safety concerns or equipment issues immediately. Creating a culture of safety and open communication can help identify and address potential problems before they result in injuries. Regularly remind your staff and coaches about the importance of maintenance and their role in promoting athlete safety.

Additional Resources

For more information on athlete safety and best practices, consider exploring the following resources:

• National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• Safe Kids Worldwide – Sports Safety

By leveraging these resources and staying informed about the latest safety standards and guidelines, you can ensure that your sports facility remains a safe and welcoming environment for all athletes.