School & Education
Sports Day Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for school sports day events.
Free to use
Instant PDF download
Updated February 2026
The essential guide to sports day safety
Sports day is a highlight of the school calendar, bringing together pupils, staff, and families for a celebration of athletic achievement. From track events to field activities, these large-scale events require comprehensive planning to ensure everyone's safety.
This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough sports day risk assessment—from weather considerations and event zones to spectator management, first aid provision, and emergency procedures.
Educational
Activity Benefits
Why sports day is worth the investment
Celebrates Achievement
Celebrates effort and achievement, building school spirit and pride.
Builds Resilience
Encourages resilience by learning from both success and disappointment.
Community Engagement
Strengthens family and community engagement with the school.
Healthy Competition
Promotes healthy competition and respect for rules and opponents.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Heat & Sun ExposureHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Heatstroke, sunburn, dehydration affecting pupils, staff, and spectators.
Control Measures
- Weather forecast monitored - postpone if extreme
- Shaded rest areas provided
- Water stations throughout venue
- Sun protection reminders to parents
Throwing EventsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Struck by javelin, shot put, discus, or other thrown objects.
Control Measures
- Designated throwing zones with barriers
- Spectators kept well clear of landing areas
- Trained staff supervising throwing events
- Clear signals before each throw
Track CongestionMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Collisions, trips, baton-related injuries during races.
Control Measures
- Lane assignments for all runners
- Clear start and finish line protocols
- Track marshals positioned along route
- Adequate spacing between races
Spectator ManagementMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Spectator injuries, intrusion onto track, crowding at finish line.
Control Measures
- Clear perimeter marking for spectators
- PA announcements for safety reminders
- Staff positioned at key access points
- Emergency access routes maintained
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 20 hazards and 62+ control measures for Sports Day, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Event day checklist
Weather & Venue
- Weather forecast checked
- Field inspected for hazards
- Shaded areas available
- Event zones marked
Equipment
- All equipment checked
- Barriers in place
- PA system tested
- Gazebos secured
Medical
- First aiders positioned
- First aid station ready
- Water stations stocked
- Medical info accessible
Staffing
- All staff briefed
- Marshals in position
- Communication devices working
- Emergency procedures known
Create your sports day risk assessment now
Use our free template builder to create a comprehensive risk assessment in minutes.