Sports Day Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Traffic, parking and vehicle movements — Create a traffic management plan: stewards in high-viz, separated drop-off and pedestrian routes, speed limits, and coned crossings. Reserve ambulance access and fire lanes; close internal service roads during peak times. Use signage and pre-event parent briefings.
• Inadequate event planning and site layout — Complete a documented event plan and site map with marked competition zones, buffer areas and pedestrian routes. Brief all staff on roles and radio channels, display signage, and control entry points. Review plan with SLT and premises before setup, then adjust after a walk-through.
• Slips, trips and uneven ground — Inspect tracks and fields for holes, divots, debris and hidden sprinkler heads. Mark hazards, sweep paths, adjust lane lines to avoid defects, and set clear run-offs. Require suitable footwear, ban running in wet stands, and keep equipment trolleys off athlete routes.
• Cold, wind and rain exposure — Set go/no-go criteria for wind chill, rain and ground saturation. Shorten exposure, provide layers and waterproofs, rotate groups to indoor waiting, and dry wet surfaces promptly. Stop activities if hypothermia cues appear or lightning is within 10 miles; resume only after safe interval.
• Missing child or separation — Operate entry wristbands or class lanyards, agreed rendezvous points, and frequent headcounts at transitions. Brief pupils to approach stewards if separated. On activation, lock down exits, broadcast discreetly on radios, and deploy a sweep team with a logged search grid.