Policies

Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Ensuring the Health & Safety of our members and guests is important. As far as is reasonably practical, we endeavour to create a safe environment on the courts and within the Club grounds.

  • All accidents and injuries sustained during any Club activity or whilst on the Club premises must be reported to the Club Secretary.
  • Adequate first aid facilities are available in the Clubhouse.

Operation of Defibrillator

We all need to know how the Defibrillator works in case we have a courtside cardiac-related emergency:

  • Locate Defibrillator on the outside wall of the courts building
  • Ring 999
  • Give code on box to the ambulance service
  • They will give you the access code to open the Defibrillator and will talk you through using it

Risk Assessment

We have a formal risk assessment programme. We embrace the necessity of maintaining a safe environment for our members and guests. Specific risks which come to the attention of Committee members are reported and discussed at Committee meetings, and appropriate remedial action taken.

The risks that we keep on our watch list include the following areas:

  • Safety of the Club facilities and surrounding areas; free from obstacles and suitable for the activity.
  • Fitness and soundness of the equipment for the activity and suitability for age and ability.
  • Ensuring participants are appropriately attired for the activity.
  • Access by volunteers, staff, coaches and members to health and safety information.
  • Members' register up to date with contact details and any notified medical information.
  • Free access to the Club facilities by emergency vehicles.

Sun Safety

With instances of skin cancer on the rise in this country, it is important to take protection against the harmful effects of the sun.

While this is relevant to all players, it is particularly important for our Junior members.

We recommend reading and following the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code. The following simple guidance is extracted from that code:

  • Clothing is the best form of defence - children should wear long sleeved shirts, caps and sunglasses
  • Use SPF30+ sunscreen - don't forget the hard to reach places
  • All children should bring water bottles and should be encouraged to drink regularly
  • Avoid playing in extremes of heat, for example temperatures over 30C
  • Look out for signs of heat exhaustion - fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea or hot, red and dry skin
  • Coaches should lead by example

The following is guidance to coaching staff on ways to help get the message across:

  1. Read the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code yourself and lead by example
  2. Pay special attention to children with disabilities and learning difficulties
  3. Talk about sun protection in a positive, engaging and fun way
  4. Have a Q&A session, asking kids what they know about the sun
  5. Clothing and eye protection should be the first line of defence
  6. Remember the "hard-to-get-to" places - backs of knees; ears; eye area; neck and nose; scalp
  7. Remind children that they can burn even on cloudy days in summer.