ATHLETIC FACILITIES Some Basic Safety Considerations Physical Environment

ATHLETIC FACILITIES Some Basic Safety Considerations

Physical Environment

Creating a Safe Physical Environment Athletes and “Invitees” – Fitness and conditioning areas – Playing field/activity surface – Activity structures -- backstops, goals, bleachers, docks – Locker rooms – Access restrictions for safety and security – Facilities provided by the other team

Creating a Safe Physical Environment Safety in The Stands – Unobstructed ingress/egress – Bleachers in good condition/guarded – Railings sturdy and secure – Stairways visible, stairs themselves marked – Signage – Trained ushers

Ensuring Accessibility ADA: More Than Just Employment Rights – Ensure everyone can use “public” facilities – Provide equal opportunity to participate – Accessibility requires extra emergency preparedness attention? ADA: Solutions – Facilities – Program access – Emergency response

Spectator Issues

Managing the Crowds – Crowd size estimates and occupancy – Fire codes, evacuation routes – Sufficient security and/or police – Identifiable clothing for ushers and others – Signs visible and public address system audible – Emergency plan for adverse crowd behavior

Recognizing Parking and Traffic Risks – Crowd size estimates – Traffic control – Sufficient security and/or police – Identifiable clothing – Signs visible and public address system audible – Emergency plan for adverse crowd behavior

Leasing Facilities to Others – Agreed upon allocation of duties and risks with “tenant” – Contract with the “tenant” – Certificates of insurance/copies of insurance policies – Notes and records of ongoing communication – Record of resolving any disputes and/or addressing violation of the contract provisions