RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

1. Purpose

 

The purpose of this Risk Management Policy is to provide a structured and proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks associated with the operations of Gympie Hammers Rugby Club Inc. The Club is committed to ensuring the safety of its members, protecting its assets, and maintaining compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

 

2. Scope

 

This policy applies to:

  • All players (junior and senior)
  • Coaches, volunteers, and committee members
  • Parents, spectators, and visitors
  • All activities conducted at Albert Park or other club-related venues

 

3. Risk Management Objectives

 

The Club aims to:

  • Provide a safe environment for all participants, especially children
  • Minimise the likelihood and impact of risks
  • Ensure compliance with Queensland Child Safe Standards and relevant legislation
  • Protect Club assets and financial sustainability
  • Support informed decision-making by the Committee

 

4. Risk Management Framework

 

The Club follows a simple four-step process:

  1. Identify Risks – Recognise potential hazards across all areas
  2. Assess Risks – Evaluate likelihood and impact
  3. Control Risks – Implement mitigation strategies
  4. Monitor & Review – Regularly review risks and controls

 

5. Risk Categories

 

The Club manages risks across the following areas:

 

  • Child Safety & Safeguarding
  • Physical Safety & Injury
  • Environmental (weather, flooding)
  • Property & Assets
  • Operational
  • Financial
  • Legal & Compliance
  • Reputational
  • Strategic

 

6. Roles & Responsibilities

 

Committee

 

  • Oversees risk management strategy
  • Reviews risk register annually
  • Ensures compliance with legislation

 

President

 

  • Accountable for risk management implementation
  • Ensures incidents are responded to appropriately

 

Child Safety Officer

 

  • Manages child safety risks and reporting

 

Coaches & Volunteers

 

  • Identify and report risks
  • Follow safety procedures

 

Members & Parents

 

  • Support safe practices and report concerns

 

7. Risk Assessment Criteria

 

  • Likelihood: Rare to Almost Certain
  • Impact: Minor to Severe
  • Risk Rating: Low / Medium / High / Extreme

 

Priority is given to:

 

  • Child safety risks
  • High and Extreme risks
  • Risks impacting Club sustainability

 

8. Key Risk Controls

 

The Club will:

 

  • Maintain a Risk Register
  • Conduct regular safety inspections
  • Ensure qualified coaching and first aid readiness
  • Implement Child Safe policies and training
  • Maintain insurance coverage
  • Monitor weather and flood risks (Mary River levels)
  • Control access to keys, facilities, and equipment

 

9. Incident Management

 

All incidents must be:

 

  • Reported immediately to a Committee member
  • Recorded in an Incident Register
  • Investigated where required
  • Used to improve future risk controls

 

10. Review

 

This policy and the Risk Register will be:

 

  • Reviewed annually
  • Updated following any major incident
  • Adjusted as Club operations evolve

 

Last updated: January 2026