Risk Management in Sports OrganisationsJordon Martin explains how to implement risk management in sports organisations. Are you a sports officer, director, or administrator interested in implementing a risk management program in a cost-efficient manner? If YES, then this training content is for you! In my experience as a performance coach, I have discovered that most risk management programs are way too complicated, long, and hard to implement. Most people fail to realise that focusing more on the bare essentials is the best approach for implementing an unbeatable program, i.e., one that causes the highest injury and liability minimisation.
The Simplified Sports Risk Management TheoryYou are probably thinking to yourself: why would I need a risk management program when I can just buy a comprehensive insurance policy? And that is a terrible line of thinking because whereas an insurance policy may promise to take care of the claims, it surely does not feel well to witness someone sustain an avoidable injury under your care. If that happens and you face litigation, it puts your reputation in the balance, with the community and the media painting a different picture of you altogether. But with an actionable risk management program, the jury will take it that you care. For insurance policies, you will preserve your loss record, giving the insurer no reason to refuse to renew your policy or increase the rates. In a nutshell, effective risk management boils down to:
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Risk Management ProgramBefore jumping into the types available, it is critical to discover the risk management plan that suits you. There are two main versions, basic and broader plans, that you can choose depending on any of the following factors:
The Nature of Sports Risk Management ProgramsA risk management program is like a double-edged sword. If you do not have it and somebody gets injured under your care, their lawyer may argue that your negligence caused the injury. On the flip side, if you have it but fail to comply with one of the safety rules leading to an injury and a lawsuit, the plaintiff’s lawyer may also table a negligence case - and most likely succeed. The plaintiff’s lawyer can form a case against you whether or not you have a written, formal risk management program. Luckily, you can take some precautions during the design process to avoid getting in trouble. For starters, you want to avoid calling it a safety program. Why? Safety programs are usually designed to protect both participants and spectators, and it could cause trouble if you do not adhere to one of the safety rules or if doing so could have stopped the injury. Instead, calling it a risk management program can cut you some slack. That is because risk management programs are usually designed to minimise sports organisations’ risk liability. Hence, if you do not stick to your program to the letter, despite having good intentions, you can argue that the plan was meant to protect your organisation against lawsuits and not the participants’ or spectators’ safety.
Critical Elements of a Sports Risk Management ProgramAppointment of a Risk Management Officer (RMO)The first step any sports organisation should take towards implementing a rock-solid risk management program is appointing an RMO. This is an officer tasked with implementing, reviewing, and taking corrective actions on risk management issues. The RMO should be answerable to the sports organisation board but should have the authority to make day-to-day decisions such as modifying or halting practising or playing depending on the hazards. Acquiring Insurance PoliciesInsurance is a must-have for sports facilities looking to implement a grade-A risk management program. And it should be as comprehensive as possible to include such policies as general liability, accident, crime, officers liability, directors, and equipment coverages. Larger sports organisations with paid employees, complex operations, and owned property (vehicles & buildings) may need additional covers like auto, property, and workers’ compensation. Transferring Liability ContractuallyA risk management program should also have an allocation where sports facilities contractually transfer the financial responsibility for paying for losses. This applies for:
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About the AuthorJordan Martin is an Exercise Physiology Graduate of Florida State University, with a focus on team training. Today he works with his kids in their leagues to help mold the next generation of athletes and coaches. Jordan can be found exercising, playing baseball, or spending time with his family on any given day. |