Health & Safety Policy

  1. POLICY STATEMENT

Calibre Football is committed to providing a safe, healthy and positive environment for all participants, coaches, volunteers and visitors.

We recognise our responsibility to take reasonable steps to minimise risks and promote the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in our coaching activities.

Health and safety is a shared responsibility, and all participants, parents, coaches and volunteers are expected to contribute to maintaining a safe environment.

  1. RESPONSIBILITIES

Calibre Football will:

  • Provide a safe coaching environment wherever reasonably practicable.
  • Conduct appropriate risk assessments.
  • Ensure equipment is suitable and regularly checked.
  • Maintain appropriate first aid arrangements.
  • Respond appropriately to accidents and incidents.
  • Promote safe coaching practices.
  • Review health and safety procedures regularly.

Coaches will:

  • Follow this policy and any relevant risk assessments.
  • Inspect coaching areas before sessions begin.
  • Report hazards and safety concerns.
  • Take reasonable steps to prevent avoidable injury.
  • Ensure emergency contact information is available.

Participants must:

  • Follow the coach’s instructions.
  • Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
  • Use equipment safely.
  • Behave respectfully towards others.

Parents/Guardians must:

  • Provide accurate medical information.
  • Inform Calibre Football of relevant health conditions or injuries.
  • Ensure participants arrive with suitable clothing, footwear and hydration.
  1. RISK ASSESSMENT

Calibre Football will take reasonable steps to identify and manage risks associated with coaching activities.

Risk assessments may consider:

  • Playing surfaces
  • Goalposts
  • Equipment
  • Weather conditions
  • Participant numbers
  • Venue-specific hazards
  • Spectator areas

Where significant risks are identified, appropriate control measures will be implemented.

  1. EQUIPMENT SAFETY

All equipment used during coaching sessions should be:

  • Suitable for the age and ability of participants.
  • Checked regularly for damage or defects.
  • Removed from use if considered unsafe.

Any defective equipment should be reported immediately.

  1. PLAYING ENVIRONMENT

Before each session, coaches should assess the coaching area for hazards, including:

  • Uneven surfaces
  • Debris or litter
  • Damaged goals
  • Standing water
  • Ice or snow
  • Unsafe spectator areas

Where a venue is considered unsafe, the session may be modified, relocated or cancelled.

  1. WEATHER CONDITIONS

Calibre Football will monitor weather conditions before and during activities.

Sessions may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to:

  • Lightning or thunderstorms
  • Extreme heat
  • High winds
  • Snow or ice
  • Flooding
  • Any condition that presents an unacceptable risk

Participants are encouraged to bring suitable clothing and adequate hydration.

  1. FIRST AID

Calibre Football will maintain appropriate first aid provision.

Where possible:

  • A qualified first aider will be present.
  • A first aid kit will be available.
  • Emergency contact information will be accessible.

Any injuries requiring treatment should be recorded using the Calibre Football Accident/Incident Report Form.

  1. MEDICAL INFORMATION

Parents and guardians must disclose any relevant:

  • Medical conditions
  • Allergies
  • Injuries
  • Medication requirements

This information helps coaches provide a safer environment and respond appropriately in an emergency.

  1. ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

All accidents, injuries and significant incidents should be reported to the responsible coach as soon as possible.

Where appropriate:

  • First aid will be provided.
  • Parents/guardians will be informed.
  • Emergency services will be contacted.

Relevant details will be recorded using the Calibre Football Accident/Incident Report Form.

  1. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of an emergency:

  1. Ensure the immediate safety of participants.
  2. Provide first aid where appropriate.
  3. Contact emergency services if required.
  4. Contact the participant’s parent or guardian.
  5. Record the incident as soon as practicable using the Accident/Incident Report Form.

Emergency Services: 999

Police Non-Emergency: 101

  1. SAFEGUARDING

Health and safety and safeguarding are closely linked.

Any concerns relating to the welfare or safety of a child should be reported in accordance with the Calibre Football Safeguarding Policy to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  1. REVIEW OF POLICY

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by:

  • Changes in legislation
  • Changes in coaching activities
  • Significant incidents
  • Organisational requirements
  1. CONTACT DETAILS

For questions regarding this policy, please contact:

Calibre Football

Email: calibrefootballoxford@gmail.com

Website: https://calibrefootballoxford.com/ 

Responsible Person:

Name: JERRIN JOSEPH

Role: Designated Safeguarding Lead and Lead Coach

Last Updated: 11/06/2026