Risk Mitigation Plan
The intent of this Risk Management Plan is to ensure the safety, security, and smooth operation of the PDX Ball Hockey games hosted at Alberta Park in Portland, Oregon. This plan identifies potential risks associated with environmental conditions, player and spectator safety, and event security. It outlines mitigation strategies, emergency response procedures, and communication protocols to minimize risks and effectively handle incidents. By implementing these measures, PDX Ball Hockey events will provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and attendees.
This Risk Management Plan is designed to identify common risks associated with the event; however, it may not account for all possible conditions, scenarios, or risks. Participants and attendees are responsible for always maintaining situational awareness and exercising caution. The event organizers are not liable for incidents that may arise from participation at PDX Ball Hockey games.
Each participant in the event plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and order. Referees are responsible for maintaining fair play and enforcing rules while monitoring player safety. Team captains act as intermediaries between players and officials, ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Players must follow all game rules, wear proper protective gear, and report any injuries or hazards. Attendees are expected to remain in designated areas, report safety concerns, and comply with event regulations. By clearly defining these roles, the event minimizes risks and enhances overall safety for all involved.
Referees: Ensure fair play, enforce rules, stop play in case of safety concerns, assist in crowd control, and report any incidents to event organizers.
Team Captains: or their designated alternates: Act as liaisons between players and officials, ensure team compliance with safety guidelines, report/address any injuries or issues, assist in crowd control, coordinate facility inspections, assist with risk mitigation, communicate with Portland Parks Department, obtain certificate of insurance for hosting PDX Ball Hockey games, obtain signed waivers from participants, and foster a fun, safe, and inclusive environment.
Players: Follow event rules, wear protective gear, report any hazards or injuries, and maintain sportsmanship.
Attendees: Remain in designated spectator areas, report safety concerns, and follow event guidelines for emergency procedures.
Risk Assessment
Participation in the event carries inherent risks that all players, officials, and attendees must acknowledge. Physical exertion and the nature of ball hockey increase the likelihood of injuries. Players are at risk of collisions, slips, trips, falls, and accidental contact with sticks or the ball. Environmental factors, including extreme weather conditions or uneven/slippery playing surfaces, may also contribute to potential injuries. Spectators face risks such as being struck by a stray ball or slipping in crowded areas. While safety measures are in place to mitigate these risks, all participants must exercise caution and personal responsibility to minimize the likelihood of accidents.
Assessing potential risks is crucial for ensuring a safe event environment. Environmental risks can impact both player performance and overall event safety. Safety risks include injuries to players and spectators. Security and operational risks pose challenges that must be managed through proper planning and coordination. Identifying these risks in advance allow organizers to implement effective safety protocols and emergency response procedures. Some examples of potential risks are outlined below:
1. Environmental Risks:
- Inclement Weather ex. cold, rain, heatwave, wind, air quality
- Debris, water, or ice buildup on the playing surface.
- Poor lighting ex. Morning/evening play or glare from the sun.
2. Safety Risks:
- Player injuries ex. cuts, sprains, fractures, slips, trips, falls, concussions
- Spectator injuries (stray balls, slips, trips, falls)
- Dehydration and/or heat exhaustion
- Equipment failure ex. broken sticks or unsafe gear
- Rink risks – open doors, chain link fence, boards, uneven/slippery playing surfaces
- Other inherent risk associated with participation in recreational sporting activities.
3. Security and Operational Risks:
- Unauthorized access or trespassing
- Lost children or missing persons
- Theft or vandalism
- Emergency response delays
- Stray dogs from nearby dog park
Emergencies
Although event participants and attendees shall do their best to promote a fun and safe environment, there are risks associated with participation and accidents and/or emergencies may occur. The PDX Ball Hockey will have a first aid kit available at every game, and at least two captains or their designated alternates will always be present. If a situation occurs that is beyond the ability of participants and/or attendees to manage, emergency first responders shall be contacted via 911.
The closest emergency room is located at:
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
2801 N Gantenbein Ave.
Portland, OR. 97227
Phone: 503-413-2200
Player Safety Recommendations and Signed Agreements
The league will communicate safety equipment recommendations to all players, which includes shin pads, gloves, a helmet with face shield and athletic cup. Although this safety equipment will protect participants from many incidental contact situations associated with playing ball hockey, it is understood that there are other environmental, safety and security risks that participants will potentially be exposed to. All players are required to sign a Risk Transfer Agreement absolving PDX Ball Hockey, the event organizers, team captains and their designated alternatives, sponsors, volunteers, and affiliated organizations of responsibility for any injuries that may occur during event participation.
Facility Overview
The league will communicate safety equipment recommendations to all players, which includes shin pads, gloves, a helmet with face shield and athletic cup. Although this safety equipment will protect participants from many incidental contact situations associated with playing ball hockey, it is understood that there are other environmental, safety and security risks that participants will potentially be exposed to. All players are required to sign a Risk Transfer Agreement absolving PDX Ball Hockey, the event organizers, team captains and their designated alternatives, sponsors, volunteers, and affiliated organizations of responsibility for any injuries that may occur during event participation.
Risk Mitigation
Team captains or their designates alternates will perform due diligence and inspect the court for hazards before every game. The following items will be reviewed:
- The fence and play surface will be inspected and hazards communicated to respective teams
- League nets are verified to be structurally sound
- First aid kit accessible and stocked
- Water is available
- The play surface free of excessive debris
- Exits are accessible
- The spectator bleachers are structurally sound
Furthermore, the following controls will be implemented, as needed.
1. Environmental Controls
- Monitor weather forecasts and have contingency plans
- Inspect playing surfaces pre-event and clear debris
2. Safety Controls
- Communicate safety equipment recommendations
- Inspect fence and surrounding event area
- Have participants to take breaks between periods and as needed
- Participants to maintain equipment in working order
- Participants and attendees to maintain situational awareness
3. Security & Operational Controls
- Participants and attendees to maintain situational awareness
Risk Transfer Agreement
As a condition of participation in PDX Ball Hockey, all players, volunteers, officials, and attendees acknowledge and accept the risks associated with the event. By signing this agreement, participants agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless PDX Ball Hockey, the event organizers, team captains and their designated alternatives, sponsors, volunteers, and affiliated organizations from any claims, liabilities, or damages resulting from participation in the event, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
This agreement serves to transfer the responsibility of inherent risks to participants, ensuring that they take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being while engaging in event activities. Each participant affirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this risk transfer agreement.
Furthermore, I, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge that certain risks of injury are inherent to participation in recreational and athletic activities. These risks and dangers may be caused by the action, inaction or negligence of the participant or others. There may be other risks not known or reasonably foreseeable at this time. I, the undersigned, accept and assume such risks and responsibility for the losses and/or damages following such injury, however caused, and whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the Participant named below. I, the undersigned, have thoroughly read the Risk Management Plan and understand the intensity of the given activity. If I, the undersigned, has a temporary restriction (e.g. sickness, sprain or soreness) I will inform the appropriate captain daily in writing. Having read the above statements, I am aware of the inherent risk of injury involved in athletic participation. Finally, I understand that in accepting the risks associated with athletic participation I will also share the responsibility of minimizing those risks.