Health & Safety Policy

It is the policy of Dave Rimmer Coaching to pursue and promote measures which aim to ensure and protect the health and safety of every player, coach, club staff member, parent or carer and any other person connected with our sessions — whether delivered on the 3G at Corfe Hills School or at a club training venue.

The implementation of this policy will fulfil all and any legislative requirements Dave Rimmer Coaching is subject to through ensuring:

• That all reasonable and practical steps and measures are taken to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of everyone taking part in or delivering our sessions.
• That the safety and health of any members of the public, or any other persons who may visit venues where we deliver sessions, is protected so far as is reasonably practical.
• That sufficient measures are implemented to prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health by managing the health and safety risks at our sessions.
• Provision of clear and adequate information, instruction and training so that sessions are delivered in a responsible and safe manner.
• Implementation of emergency procedures in case of significant events, such as fire or serious injury, which threaten the health and safety of players and others.
• That safe and healthy conditions are maintained, and that all necessary equipment is provided, maintained and checked so sessions can be delivered safely.

• Relevant risk assessments are completed for each venue and session type, and actions arising from those assessments are implemented where necessary. Where working habits, venues or conditions change, risk assessments are reviewed. This is the responsibility of: Dave Rimmer.
• The pitch, playing surface, goals and equipment are checked before every session. If a hazard is found — broken glass, a hole, standing water, an unsecured goal — it is removed, the session is moved, or the session is cancelled. This is the responsibility of: Dave Rimmer.
• Any coach or volunteer working with Dave Rimmer Coaching is given the necessary health and safety induction and appropriate training before delivering sessions. This is the responsibility of: Dave Rimmer.
• First aid provision is in place at every session: Dave is first aid trained and carries a first aid kit. Relevant medical conditions, allergies and medication are recorded before a player takes part, with parent or carer involvement for under-18s where needed. This is the responsibility of: Dave Rimmer.
• Equipment — balls, cones, bibs, nets and goals — is inspected regularly, and anything damaged is taken out of use. Portable goals and free-standing frames are secured against tipping; unsecured goals are never used. This is the responsibility of: Dave Rimmer.
• Accidents and incidents are recorded, the player and, where appropriate, their parent, carer or emergency contact are informed, and reports are made to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR where the law requires. This is the responsibility of: Dave Rimmer.

All players, coaches, club staff and any other persons involved with Dave Rimmer Coaching sessions have a duty to cooperate in the implementation of this policy through:

• Conducting themselves in a manner that promotes their own safety and the safety of others.
• Following the procedures and practices designed and implemented to ensure safe and healthy sessions.
• Reporting accidents and any conditions they feel are unsafe and have led or may lead to injury or damage.
• Assisting in any necessary investigation of accidents with the aim of introducing new measures to prevent reoccurrence.
• Wearing the appropriate kit and footwear for the surface, including shin pads where advised, and removing or taping jewellery.

• Lightning: play stops immediately and everyone leaves the pitch. We wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning.
• Heavy rain, ice or a waterlogged pitch: the session is moved or postponed.
• Hot weather: extra water breaks, shade or lower-intensity work, and shorter sprints.
• Players and relevant club contacts are told as soon as a session is called off.

• Players are supervised throughout the session and while waiting.
• An attendance register is kept at every session.
• Departure and collection arrangements for players aged 16–17 are agreed with their parent or carer in advance.
• If an agreed collection is late, the under-18 player stays in a safe, visible area with the coach and we use the contact numbers we hold.

• Every under-18 player has a health questionnaire signed by a parent or carer before their first session, with a parent or carer emergency contact on record.
• Medical conditions, allergies and medication for under-18s are checked with the parent or carer, and any medication needed (such as an inhaler) is the player's to bring and manage.
• If an under-18 player is injured or unwell, the parent or carer is contacted straight away. Where emergency treatment is needed, emergency services are called first and the parent or carer immediately after.
• Under-18 players are not left alone at the venue. Where a player is collected, they are handed over only to the adult the parent or carer has named; if no one arrives, the coach stays with the player in a public, visible area and contacts the parent or carer.
• Training load is planned for a growing body: sensible intensity, proper warm-ups and recovery, and no heavy lifting without supervision and correct technique in Strength & Conditioning sessions.
• The coach holds an enhanced DBS check, safeguarding training and a current first aid qualification.

• Public liability insurance is held for Dave Rimmer Coaching, and the insurer is notified promptly if a claim may follow.
• A first aid kit is carried to every session by the coach.
• Accidents and incidents are recorded at the time and shared with the player and, where appropriate, their parent, carer or emergency contact.

This policy is made in fulfilment of the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and any other relevant legislation and regulations.

Signed: Dave Rimmer (Owner) — Date: 04/10/2026