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The Foundation of Safe Netball

All registered clubs, registered leagues, and netball organisers must conduct risk assessments for every activity type, location, and session to help ensure the safety of participants, officials, and volunteers.

What’s required?

A formal risk assessment must be completed:

• At least annually for each activity type, location, and format.

• Whenever there is a material change, such as a new venue, different type of session, or updated equipment.

A dynamic risk assessment must be carried out:

• Before every session to check that conditions are safe for play.

• Any new or emerging hazards should be:

  • Recorded, along with the actions taken to manage the risk.

  • If a hazard cannot be managed safely, the session should not proceed.

Risk Assessments should be:

• Recorded and stored securely for future reference.

• Reviewed and updated after any incidents or near-misses.

Venue and Session Safety Checks

In addition to formal assessments, both venue providers and netball organisers should ensure that:

• Playing surfaces and run off spaces are safe, clean, clear of hazards and suitable for netball.

• Weather and lighting conditions are appropriate.

• There is clear emergency access and first-aid provision on site.

• Netball posts and equipment are checked for safety.

• All players are fit to participate.

• Any hazards identified on the day are addressed before the session begins.

Ongoing Vigilance

Ongoing vigilance is essential throughout the netball session or event. If conditions change, the risk assessment should be revisited. While a full reassessment may not be necessary, any significant changes, such as hazards, or extreme weather, should be addressed promptly.

If needed, take corrective actions (e.g. removing obstacles). If safety cannot be assured, competing clubs or organisers should jointly decide whether to pause or stop the session.

Ultimately, the safety of players, umpires, spectators, and everyone involved should be the top priority.