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