Sports and potential hazards

Unit 5:risks and hazards associated with sports

participation

Task 1Task 1

Identify as many potential hazards as possible.

Sports and potential hazards

• By taking part in sports and physical activities, participants do face a number of hazards and risks

• These hazards and risks are different for various sports and activities

TASK:1. Can you think of some potential hazards and risks when

taking part in the following sports and activities?

OAA: Sailing on a lake

Examples of hazards when sailing on a lake:

• Depth of water

• Using safety kit (e.g. bouyancy aid)

• Currents in the water

• Other water users (e.g. jet ski’s, boats)

ATHLETICS: Cross Country running

Examples of hazards when cross country running:

• Slippery surface

• Cold weather conditions / Hypothermia

• Uneven ground / holes in ground

• Incorrect footwear

• Hard work on the body (cardiovascular system)

SWIMMING: Diving area / Deep end

Examples of hazards when using the deep end of a swimming pool:

• Depth of water

• People swimming in deep end

• Correct technique for diving (back injuries)

• Using diving boards / platforms

OAA: Rock climbing in the mountains

Examples of hazards when rock climbing in the mountains:

• Use of ropes and anchor points

• Belaying techniques

• Loose rocks

• Maintaining 3 points of contact

• Steepness of rock face

FITNESS: Circuit training in a sports hall

Examples of hazards when circuit training in a sports hall:

• Correct use of equipment

• Correct technique

• Temperature / ventilation

• Noise levels and hearing instructions

• Space between stations / exercisers

FITNESS: CV machines in a gym

Examples of hazards when using CV machines in a gym:

• Need to know how to use the machines correctly

• Going too fast

•Using a gradient that is too steep

• Getting tired – falling off the treadmill

GAMES: Beach volleyball on a sand court

Examples of hazards when playing beach volleyball on a sand court:

• Uneven ground

• Sand in the eyes, mouth

• Sun burn / Exposure

• Dehydration

• Grazing from falling on sand

OAA: Walking in the mountains

Examples of hazards when walking in the mountains:

• Cliff edge / falling

• Changes in weather

• Steep ground

• Hypothermia

• Getting lost due to poor navigation

• Having the right equipment and clothing

GAMES: Playing Tennis on a grass court

Examples of hazards when playing Tennis on a grass court:

• Slippery surface

• Uneven ground / holes

• Incorrect footwear

• Colliding with the net / court fixtures

ATHLETICS: Running in a big city marathon

Examples of hazards when running in a big city marathon:

• Weather conditions

• Uneven ground

• Large crowds of runners (tripped up)

• Crowd interference

GAMES: Hockey on an Astropitch

Examples of hazards when playing Hockey on an astropitch:

• Slippery surface

• Burns from falling

• Excess sand / water

• Incorrect footwear

• Using protective clothing (e.g. hand guard)

GAMES: Playing in a local park

Examples of hazards when playing games in a local park:

• Uneven ground / holes

• Litter

• Other park users / dogs

• Slippery surfaces

• Colliding with trees, hedges, or falling into ditches

ATHLETICS: Pole vaulting on an athletics track

Examples of hazards when pole vaulting on an athletics track:

• Hard surface (track)

• The pole could break

• Quality of crash mats

• Using the correct technique

• Ability levels of performer (Gymnastic skills)