Posted By Chris Hayward Oh yes, it's nearly Spring. Cricket club risk assessment seems to fall into two types, playing and non-playing. There is copious good advice on the playing risk assessment front and we have that one covered (the captains should also do a match specific one before play). My question? Aside from the obvious bread and butter stuff, what sort of issues have forum users encountered on the non-playing side of assessing cricket clubs? The club in question has a Child Protection Officer so that should be an auditing task. Any thoughts would be welcome.

Posted By Paul Devlin Beggorra, we'll be asking referees for RA's before football matches next??????

Posted By Bob Shillabeer There is a serious point here. Let's not just laugh off something that someone has asked a question about and want's some advise. Reprimand over (sorry folks). I think what you need to do Chris is take a look at the location where the game is to be played and undertake a hazard hunt. Those who watch criket will know the hazards of being hit by the ball but its worth remining them that it could happen. Generally the issues are about such things as first aid provision, fire, crowd control (if you get that many spectators)preventing people wandering onto the playing area where they are most likely to be struch by the ball or knocked over by players during the game and control of entry and exit from the ground. Forget toxic sandwiches as you would only provide them to the opposition anyway. Seriously the risks should be quite small and easily catered for provided you use common sense. The safety of sports grounds Act would be a useful read although I suspect a bit OTT for your needs but it will give you a guide. It may be useful to speak to your local association or perhaps your county set up and ask them about it. The most important thing is to enjoy the cricket.

Posted By Alan Hoskins HASWA only applies to employers. If no one is employed then it doesn't. The Occupiers Liability Act will apply though so you need the insurance. Alan

Posted By Raymond Rapp Chris Despite some frivolous remarks I think you are wise to consider any issues regarding the h&s of the cricket club, whether it be via RAs or any other form of documentation and audit. Non-profit making entities such as sports clubs do not have any special exemptions from h&s duties. On the HSWA front, if you employ 5 or more employees (including part-timers) you will be required to manage h&s just as any other business would. Most clubs of this type will employ 5 or more persons eg groundsmen, bar staff, secretarial, stewards etc. As for RAs, they should take into account normal hazards you could expect in this type of environment and include employees, contractors, members, guests and the public. Including of course COSHH assessements. Has the laughing subsided? Regards Ray

Posted By Keith E As others point out, there is not usually a direct employer/employee relationship as most small town/village clubs are runs by volunteers and its members - such as me. However, there is still a civil duty of care. Employees are usually limited to casual bar staff, groundsman, cleaners etc - although these may be contractors. In terms of non-playing risks - I looked at general building management issues regarding the club house (fire safety, manual handling - beer crates, gas bottles etc), asbestos issues, electrical safety/PAT testing, slips/trips & falls/general building condition etc, roof access (possibly to retreive balls etc?) Possible violence to staff, after drinks etc (not unknown in the gentle world of cricket). Food safety/HACCP. We also rent the club house out to a nursery - so think about control of access to the kitchen/sharps/hot surfaces/liquids etc - while the nursey manage this on a day to day basis - nevertheless we included it in the risk assessment. Also think about neighbours - can the ball get hit out of the ground on to neighbouring roads/gardens, Do you need a better boundary fence?? Grounds maintenance machinery - mowers etc, operator training/experience, clearing of blockages etc. Also chemicals used in grounds maintenance - fertillisers/weedkillers etc, petrol for mowers etc. General tidiness of storage sheds etc. On the playing front the ECB, requires coaches to have attended a formal coaching course and to have been CRB checked for child protection purposes and first aid trained. So in summary, before others get on their soap boxes about their being no risks etc to worry about, think again - the risk are similar to many other sporting clubs/organisations. While I'm sure we would all agree that the typical day to day risks at a cricket club barely register on a risk scale compared to industry - please bear in mind volunteers put in considerable time to ensure that possibly YOUR children have a fun and enjoyable time down at their local cricket club, along with the social activities after playing the game. Rant over!

Posted By gham Playing Risk Assessments????? Bonkers conkers

Posted By Bob Shillabeer Its not playing risk assessments! Small clubs like the one we are discussing often get by on very small budgets and insurance can be so high in terms of premiums that it becomes crippling if not even impossible. Even the Welsh Rubgy Union had a dispute with its team prior to the match against Ireland about adequacy of insurance cover so its a serious problem for large as well as smal organisations. If a claim against the cricket club is made and there is inadeqate insurance cover because the risk were not fully understood it could kill the club off altogether. So let's not ridicule the individuals need for assistance and share views that help not hinder.

Posted By Alan Hoskins Bob, But the Act only applies if the person in control of the premises is carrying on a trade, business or other undertaking. I don't think that a Cricket Club would be any of those, though I await being advised to the contrary... Alan

Posted By David Whaley It easy, Umpires are responsible for ensuring the game is not played in dangerous or unreasonable conditions, i.e. ground weather and light. they are also resonsible for ensuring the game is played according to the laws e.g. dangerous and unfair bowling. But not for the condition of the pavilion, score box or spectators facilities or anything else outside the field of play. That responsibility lies with the club. David

Posted By Tony Brunskill Absolutely right Ray. With regard to volunteers working alongside paid employees see HSE Web Site and search on volunteers. With regard a middled over extra cover to the neighbours chin there is case law, I think Bolton v Stone but do not quote me. If I recall correctly the risk was so remote that it made the controls not reasonably practicable. Exceptions occur - Netting alongside golf ranges where I slice my drivers. Longest drive ever hit was almost 1 1/2 miles down the runway of RAE Farnborough, shame it was out of bounds!! Iused to enjoy cricket till I read this thread!!

Posted By Alan Hoskins Point taken Bob, ...I knew that was going to happen! Alan

Posted By Tony Brunskill Bill, Absolutely, but I think its a misinterpretation of the requirements rather than a reality in law. Tony