Sports Risk Management

The threat of injury and the litigious society of today have resulted in the need for all sporting facilities to implement, maintain, and train employees on risk management. There is no possible way to cover every single issue that may occur in a sports facility even with a risk management plan. In order to offer some protection to these facilities it is the duty of all involved that a plan is put into practice.

The first order of business is to identify the problems using a risk assessment plan. The key to risk management is to understand some of the basic principles and practical methodology then apply them in a common sense manner. (Corbett, 2002) The goal of the risk manager is to identify risk and develop strategies to reduce or mitigate

An idea of what should be included in a facilities checklist include the following: 1) general work schedule, 2) maintenance and equipment inventory, 3) material inventory, 4) first aid equipment, 5) signs: including wording, design, and installation, 6) safety rules, 7) accident reporting forms, 8) storage safety, 9) insurance and waiver forms, 10) structural areas, 11) high traffic areas, 12) food prep areas. (Hildebrand, 1996) The more detailed the checklist the less chance of risk at the facility. The list could also include stadium seating, trash collections, signage for wet or slick places on the flooring, elevators, stairs, cleaning supplies and the list goes on and on. At no time will there ever be a need to not inspect the facilities on a daily basis. As a risk manager or a facility manager the attention to detail before, during, and after any event will protect them and the owners at all times. The inspection of facilities used by any team is an important part of the risk management process. The condition of the facility should be a priority for any facility manager. The use of checklists makes sure that no part of the facility is missed when it comes to checking for proper function and working condition. The only way to get this done is to walk through every inch of the facility on a regular basis checking for problem areas that could cause an issue. Not only is

Risk management is a growing industry. Having a good system will not eliminate activities but make the facility a much safer environment for the people that come to the facility. (Hildebrand, 1996) No single plan works for every program. Every facility is exposed to risk. Creating a well-developed plan will reduce risk. There is no substitute for a well-planned risk management plan for any sporting facility. Large facilities and especially sports facility have risks. How well the employees of this facility know and understand that these affect the visitors to the sporting events will allow for a better and much safer experience. The ability to plan ahead and be proactive in when it comes to risk is a must for any facility manager. No organization is the same so there is not a one size fits all risk management plan. Each organization must specifically tailor their plan in order to anticipate the particular risks it might face. (Wolohan, 2006) Planning ahead and creating a thorough risk management plan will not only prevent a facility from lawsuits but will allow them to create an environment that teams and fans will want to return to. When the facility is hosting events throughout the year this will allow for more income. Every owner out there wants to make a profit and when your facility is in top working order then it will draw more fans