Athletic Program Risk Management Program - 1757 Words

Athletic Program Risk Management Athletic programs and their directors are not immune to legal liability due to an injury or harm to a participant and spectators. The goal of a risk management plan for an athletic program is mitigate the risk of injury or harm and develop a proactive plan of action to increase the level of safety for all (Wolohan, 2013). Therefore, having a risk management plan in place minimizes the legal liability and turns the focus to safety rather than the averting responsibility (Wolohan, 2013). In addition to safety, a properly formed risk management program reduces the financial and physical risks that may occur while an athletic event is taking place (Wolohan, 2013). Conducting a risk assessment is one of the†¦show more content†¦The final stage of risk assessment is to determine the method in which to diminish, remove, regulate or manage the risk as to reduce financial loss or physical injury (Wolohan, 2013). Each of these three steps are ongoing for any organization as it is the duty of those in charge to reduce any and all risk for participants and spectators alike (Wolohan, 2013). Identify Area of Risk Identifying what the risks are will enable a sports manager to develop a plan of action to decrease the liability to the organization. This can be done through yearly audits of physical facilities, athletic programs, current emergency procedures or protocol, and employees of the organization. Furthermore, identifying areas of risk is an ongoing process that needs to be a priority for sport and recreational managers (Wolohan, 2013). The risks associated with the physical structure of buildings and bodily injury are usually the main focus of assessments. The non-tangible aspect of identifying risk is to assess employees of an organization. Performing criminal background checks and drug testing of potential hires and current employees is highly recommended (Wolohan, 2013). Within any organization there is the potential for sexual harassment, discrimination, intentional torts, assault, battery, and wrongful termination to name a few (Wolohan, 2013). Therefore, identifying