Risk management is the course of action your club takes to reduce the likelihood of injury, damage or loss to person or property and to reduce potential legal liability. Risk management aims to be pro-active rather than reactive by taking steps to identify, measure and control risks before something occurs.
A common mistake clubs make is to view risk management as a one-off as Risk Management is an ongoing process that should be applied to all of your club’s policies, procedures, practices, events, game days, club activities and operations.
Club Risk Management
The Club Committee is ultimately responsible for the club’s risk management and is one of the most important responsibilities of running a club.
The Committee itself doesn’t necessarily go around sweeping the stairs and completing the canteen safety checklist on game days, but the Committee does need to be satisfied that there is a good understanding of the importance of risk management amongst its club officials, members and volunteers, and that there are procedures in place for identifying and minimising risk which are effective in keeping people and property safe and managing the club’s risk exposure.
Insurance
Every Club, Association (and their affiliated clubs), Regional Branches and Referee Branches affiliated to Football NSW are provided with a range of insurances under the Football NSW Insurance Scheme, which provides cover for:
- Personal Accident Insurance – covers participant and volunteer injury. Benefits include non-Medicare medical expenses, Physiotherapy, Ambulance, loss of income benefit (max. $250 week), Student tutoring benefit. Note some exclusions apply, benefits are subject to policy terms.
- Public and Product liability insurance
- Professional Indemnity insurance
- Club Management Liability Insurance, including Directors and Officers insurance
Football NSW also provides:
- NSW Sporting Injuries Insurance (Capital Benefits) for Football NSW registered:
- Players and Coaches while participating in Football NSW Men’s & Women’s National Premier Leagues, State Leagues and Youth Leagues.
- Referees and Assistant Referees officiating in Football NSW sanctioned competitions, tournaments and events.
- Optional Top Up cover for increased loss of income benefit (on application, fee applies)
Additional Insurances
Other insurances not provided by Football NSW, but which your club may need to consider:
- Worker’s compensation – if your club employs paid staff,
- Comprehensive vehicle and Third Party insurance – if your club owns any vehicles
- Property Insurance –
- clubhouses, storage containers, equipment sheds, grandstands
- goals, training equipment and sporting apparel
- stock & inventory including canteen supplies, playing strips etc.
- Electronic Equipment & defibrillators
- Travel Insurance
FNSW Insurer’s Risk Management Information
- FNSW Insurer Risk Management Information & Resources
- FNSW Association & Club Insurance Summary
- FNSW Insurance website
Risk Management Resources
- Risk Management Club Help
- Match Day Inspection Form
- Safe Football Club Risk Management Poster
- Serious Injury Report Form
- Risk Analysis Matrix
Risk Management Templates
- Sample Risk Management Policy
- Sample Risk Analysis Matrix, Risk Register and Risk Action Plan
- Sample Event Risk Management Plan
- Risk Management for Club Treasurers
- Risk Management Toolkit for Not-for-profit organisations
Further Assistance
For further assistance please contact your local Association or refer to the resources provided on this page.
