Sports Day Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Finish line and podium crowding — Create barriered finish chutes and a separate medals area with stewarded one-way flow. Post timekeepers and marshals to move participants through promptly, keep spectators back, and prevent re-entry. Provide seating for faintness and space for medical access near the line.
• Electrical and PA equipment outdoors — Use PAT-tested kit, RCD-protected power and weather-rated leads. Route cables via overhead or covered mats to prevent trips; keep sockets off the ground and away from water points. Assign a competent person to control volume and power down rapidly during rain or faults.
• 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.
• Third-party providers and contractors — Pre-check insurance, risk assessments, appropriate vetting, and competence of timing firms, photographers, or stallholders. Induct them on site rules, exclusion zones and emergency plans; assign a school liaison, and deny setup if documentation or safety standards lapse.
• Manual handling during setup and packdown — Use trolleys for hurdles, mats and gazebos; lift as teams with agreed commands and neutral spine. Keep routes clear and avoid carrying in crowds. Store heavy items at waist height and pause work in high winds or rain. Stop any lift that feels unstable and reassess method.