While sports days should be enjoyable and promote physical fitness, safety and well-being should always be a top priority. Below are some guidelines for ensuring safety during a school sports day. 

• Risk assessment: Conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the sports day activities and the venue. Identify potential hazards and take measures to mitigate risks. Consider factors such as the condition of the playing field, equipment safety, and the suitability of activities for each age group. 
• Hydration and breaks: Ensure that participants have access to drinking water and encourage them to stay hydrated throughout the day. Schedule regular breaks to allow students to rest and recover between activities, especially during hot summer weather. 
• Emergency plan: Have a robust emergency plan in place and communicate it to all staff members. Designate certain individuals responsible for handling emergencies and provide them with relevant contact numbers for medical assistance. 

• Medical support: Have a designated area for first aid and ensure that there are qualified staff available to administer first aid if needed. If deemed necessary, have access to an ambulance or emergency medical services. 
• Adequate supervision: Ensure there is adequate adult supervision throughout the event. Assign responsible adults or teachers to supervise each activity or game. They should be trained in basic first aid and be prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise. 
• Clear communication: Clearly communicate the rules, safety guidelines, and instructions for each activity to all participants, including pupils, teachers, and volunteers. Emphasise the importance of following safety procedures and demonstrate any specific techniques or precautions that need to be taken. 
• Equipment inspection: Thoroughly inspect and maintain all sports equipment before the event. Check for any damage or wear and tear which could pose a safety risk. Replace or repair any faulty equipment as soon as possible. 
• Protective gear: Encourage and check that participants wear appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, knee pads, and shin guards, depending on the sport or activity. Ensure the gear is properly fitted and in good condition. 

• Weather conditions: Keep a close eye on weather conditions, particularly during outdoor events. If there are extreme weather conditions, such as high heat, storms, or strong winds, consider rescheduling or modifying activities to ensure the comfort and safety of all. 
• Parental consent: Obtain suitable consent from parents or guardians for students to participate in sports day activities. Ensure that any relevant medical information or allergies are communicated in advance. 

iProtectU allows a user to create, edit and document a risk assessment regarding sports day activities. 

iProtectU brings together the key resources and knowledge of three companies specialising in EHS software development, health and safety, business intelligence and data analytics. 

Our vision is to provide fully integrated, cost effective and simple to use health and safety software tools that enable our clients to engage their entire team.