Safer Clubs.

New season check list

Before the season gets busy, clubs should review risks, responsibilities, facilities and insurance arrangements so they begin the year in the strongest possible position.

Timing matters

The start of a new season is one of the best times for a club to pause and review whether it is ready for the months ahead. Pre-season is often filled with player registration, fixtures and volunteer planning, but it should also be the point when clubs take stock of risk.

Good risk management begins with understanding what could go wrong, who could be affected and what practical action the club can take to reduce harm. Clubs have a duty to ensure that training, matches and associated events are held in the safest possible conditions.

A short pre-season review can prevent much bigger problems later. It is a simple way to reduce confusion, avoid gaps and make sure everyone knows their role before fixtures begin.

What clubs should review before activity begins

Alongside general planning, clubs should check that the basics are in place before the first training session or matchday of the new season.

• Check facilities, equipment and matchday arrangements before activity begins.
• Confirm first aid provision, emergency contacts and who is responsible for key decisions.
• Review any changes to the club, committee, venues, teams or activities since last season.
• Make sure committee members know what insurance cover the club has, what to do if an incident happens, and where to find claims guidance.
• Agree who will handle insurance, admin and incident reporting so nothing is missed when the season gets busy, and assign responsibility for each check to a specific club role where possible - for example, facilities to the groundskeeper or facilities officer, welfare and first aid to the club welfare officer, and insurance to the treasurer.
• Lease and hire agreements: Make sure the club understands all terms before signing, especially responsibilities for maintenance and liability. Lease agreements are legally binding, so clubs should consider independent legal advice where appropriate.

Insurance audit: planning ahead for the year

This is also the right time for a club insurance audit. Clubs should review what cover is currently in place, what activities the club is planning this season and whether anything has changed since last year.

Build insurance into the club's seasonal calendar so that renewals, contacts, responsibilities and document checks are reviewed before the season gets busy. When insurance is part of normal planning, it is easier to spot issues early and keep things moving smoothly.

That approach also makes it easier to stay compliant, safer to operate and quicker to respond if something changes during the year. Starting the season with a clearer understanding of risk and cover helps clubs make better decisions and reduce the chance of avoidable issues later on.