Risk Assessment

What is Risk Management?

Risk management is recognizing possible risks to players and officials and working to minimize or eliminate possible accidents or injuries.

First Step in Risk Management Assessment

Identify the on-ice risks, for instance:

• Are there holes in the net?
• Is the net secure and in the right position?
• Are there any extra pucks on the ice after the warm-up?

Second Step in Risk Management Assessment

Assess the significance of on-ice and off-ice risks, for instance:

• Do the gates from the benches and penalty boxes close properly?
• Are there any nails, screws, or pieces of wood protruding from the boards?
• Do all the players have protective gear on and secure?

Third Step in Risk Management Assessment

Eliminate or minimize identified risks, for instance:

• Arrange for maintenance to repair the gates before the game begins.
• Mend holes in the net—pieces cut from a pair of skate laces work great!
• Take note of players who don’t have a throat protector or chin strap fastened and ask them to fix the problem.

Some Important Potential Risk Assessment Requirements

• Alcohol and drugs are never acceptable—before, during, or after a game for players, coaches, or officials.
• Identify each team’s Safety person. The Safety person is trained and equipped to deal with player injuries and emergencies.
• With your partner Officials practice protecting yourselves on the ice—turn, face and brace
• Stay physically fit. Being strong and healthy helps reduce or minimize any possible injuries, on or off the ice.