Risk Management

Club Risk Management

Risk management is a mitigation and management process that should be applied to all of a club’s activities, operations, policies, procedures and practices.

Risk management is one of the most important responsibilities of running a club and involves simply identifying, analysing and minimizing risks and developing cost-effective methods to treat or prevent risks. It may not be possible to have a totally risk free environment but it is possible to manage the risks that exist.

Benefits of Risk Management

• Improved safety for participants, officials, volunteers and spectators.
• Better sporting outcomes.
• Effective management of assets, events, activities and club programs.
• Improved compliance with legal requirements and regulations. I.e. WWCC, Safeguarding, Workplace health & safety.
• Enhanced reputation and image of the club.

Managing Risk

The generic risk management process is not complicated.

Clubs simply need to have processes in place to:

• Identify potential risks and hazards
• Rectify or prevent the problems, on a prioritised basis
• Provide assistance with managing incidents when they occur
• Ensure a system of follow up occurs
• Ensure this process is continuous

Identify Risk – Identify what, why and how hazards and risks can arise.

Analyse Risk – Analyse risks in terms of consequence and likelihood and what existing controls are in place.  Consider the range of potential consequences and the likelihood of them occurring.  Consequence and likelihood combined produces an estimated level of risk.   Use a Risk Analysis Matrix and Risk Register to analyse and record risks

Evaluate Risk – Identify, rank and prioritise risks.   If the levels of risk are low, then risks may fall into an acceptable level and treatment may not be required.

Treat Risk – Record and monitor low-priority risks.  For other risks, develop and implement a management plan, including budget considerations.   A club risk management plan should be documented, remembering that risk management is an ongoing process that will involve continuous monitoring and review.

Best practice risk management includes:

1. The Committee regularly discussing and managing identified risks  and identifying any other potential risks.
2. Depending on the size of the club – appointing a club Risk & Safety Officer or establishing a Risk Management Committee to monitor, manage and report on risks.
3. Putting sufficient policies and procedures in place to mitigate risks and taking steps to minimise the impact and / or likelihood of a risk. )
4. Allocating personnel to conduct risk assessments by identifying, analysing and mitigating risks.
5. Educating and increasing awareness of safety and risk mitigation based on the various stakeholder categories i.e. player, team official, club official and volunteer safety, canteen & BBQ safety, spectator and visitor safety.
6. Reviewing risk management documents, policies, practices and procedures. 

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 Capital Benefits, non-Medicare medical expenses, Physiotherapy, Ambulance, loss of income benefit, Student tutoring benefit.  Note this is provided as general information only. Some exclusions apply, benefits noted 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 participating in Football NSW Men’s & Women’s National Premier Leagues, State Leagues and Youth League.
  • Registered 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

For further information visit the Football NSW Insurance website