General Principles of Risk Management

• Increase care commensurate with increases in risk.
• Identify and remedy controllable hazards
• How many hazards in the activity are controllable and how much control can the activity tolerate? For example, participants could be required to wear protective gear wearing basketball, but is this practical?
• Will the benefits justify the calculated risk? Many have chosen to forgo gymnastics because the benefits were deemed not worth the high risk. Having a climbing wall may not be worth the risk.

Transportation recommendations

• Travel in only bonded common carriers or school buses.
• Student conduct should be defined and controlled.
• If a student must drive ensure they are supervised and follow state laws.
• If, as a last resort private automobiles must be used, insist on adult drivers, inspect vehicles for safety, all travel together with the leader following speed limits, and allow participants to choose cars and seats in which to ride.

Insurance coverage: School insurance, teachers insurance, student insurance. Make sure all points of triangle are established.

Safety controls

• Physical environment
• Program: Appropriate for age and skill
• Leadership: proper coaching and supervision
• Participants: Insurance, approval forms, conditions, physical exams.

Note: some of this information is based on Horine, L. E., & Stotlar, D. K. (2004). Administration of Physical Education and Sport Programs, (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.