Health and Safety Policy – Netball Kids UK

Purpose and Scope

This policy ensures the health, safety and welfare of all participants, staff, volunteers and visitors involved in Netball Kids activities throughout the United Kingdom.

General Statement

Netball Kids is committed to:

  • Providing a safe environment for children to learn and enjoy netball
  • Preventing accidents and cases of sport-related ill health
  • Managing health and safety risks during all activities
  • Complying with all relevant UK health and safety regulations

Responsibilities

Management shall:

  • Maintain safe equipment and facilities
  • Provide appropriate insurance coverage
  • Ensure all coaches hold current DBS checks
  • Regularly review and update safety procedures
  • Provide first aid equipment and trained personnel

Coaches shall:

  • Conduct proper warm-up and cool-down sessions
  • Inspect playing areas before use
  • Maintain appropriate player-to-coach ratios
  • Hold valid first aid certificates
  • Report any safety concerns immediately

Parents/Guardians shall:

  • Provide emergency contact information
  • Inform staff of any medical conditions
  • Ensure children wear appropriate clothing and footwear
  • Collect children promptly after sessions

Risk Assessment

  • Regular assessments of playing surfaces
  • Weather condition monitoring
  • Equipment safety checks
  • Participant ability evaluation
  • Emergency procedure reviews

First Aid and Accidents

  • First aid kits available at all venues
  • Accident report forms must be completed
  • Emergency contact procedures in place
  • Clear evacuation routes identified
  • Local emergency services numbers readily available

Equipment Safety

  • Regular inspection of all netball equipment
  • Proper storage procedures
  • Height-appropriate post padding
  • Court surface maintenance
  • Appropriate ball pressure checks

Safeguarding

  • Adherence to UK safeguarding regulations
  • Photography and social media guidelines
  • Clear reporting procedures
  • Designated safeguarding officer appointed
  • Regular staff training

Environmental Considerations

  • Weather protocol for outdoor courts
  • Adequate lighting requirements
  • Appropriate ventilation in indoor facilities
  • Surface water management
  • Temperature monitoring

Emergency Procedures

  • Clear evacuation routes
  • Assembly points identified
  • Emergency contact numbers displayed
  • Regular emergency drills
  • Incident reporting system

Training and Communication

  • Regular staff safety briefings
  • Parent/guardian information sessions
  • Updated safety notices displayed
  • Annual policy review
  • Feedback mechanism for safety concerns

Special Requirements

  • Provisions for participants with disabilities
  • Medical condition management
  • Dietary considerations
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Language support if needed

Documentation

  • Registration forms
  • Medical consent forms
  • Accident reports
  • Risk assessments
  • Insurance certificates

Review and Updates

This policy shall be reviewed annually or when:

  • New legislation is introduced
  • Significant incidents occur
  • Operational changes are made
  • New activities are introduced

Implementation

This policy takes immediate effect and applies to all Netball Kids activities across the UK.