Events safety

Key documentation for running an event safely

Advice on completing event documentation

An event can only run upon production to the Regional Rowing Safety Adviser (RRSA) of a satisfactory safety plan and risk assessment for the event. Your event date published is only provisional and the event will not be sanctioned to take place unless the region is satisfied that it has done a risk assessment, produced a safety plan and completed a competition safety checklist.​

 

Timetable

3 months prior to the event

  • WSA appointed

  • Drafts/updates of safety documentation

  • Advice and input to Organisation Committee

2 months prior to the event​​

  • RRSA consults with TRUC and RRSA for validation

  • RRSA advises on "self certification" or "full documentation"

  • Documentation finalised by WSA

1 month prior to the event

  • Documentation sent to RRSA

  • Self-certification completed and returned to RRSA

3 weeks prior to the event

  • RRSA confirms receipt of documentation

  • Clearance for the event to run

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Further information

The British Rowing event risk assessment template is available to download from the following link – Risk assessment template

The self-assessment forms for events are available to download from the following links – Head Self Assessment Form | Regatta Self Assessment Form

Should the event not have been confirmed for self assessment, the information (risk assessment, safety audit, and plan) relating to the event should reach the RRSA at least six weeks before the planned date of the race.

All self-assessed events are still required to send documentation for reference, including the self-assessment form.

 

To help race organisers, listed below is some guidance on what is likely to be needed. 

1. Download the Competition Safety Checklist from the British Rowing website and fill it in.

2. Carry out a risk assessment along the lines shown in the British Rowing Row Safe document section 4.1, or a quantitative alternative

3. Produce a safety plan along the lines shown in the British Rowing Row Safe document section 4.2

4. Provide a map in accordance with Racing Rule 5-2-4 (see the Rules of Racing for more):

 

5-2-4 Safety Instructions

The Organising Committee in consultation with the Race Committee Chair, the Safety Adviser and the Welfare Officer shall develop and publish to all competing clubs and officials, detailed diagrams and instructions covering:

• the circulation pattern

• any special points of danger on or near the course (e.g. shallows, underwater obstructions, narrow passages, side channels and areas where other water traffic crosses the course)

• safety boat and first aid positions and how to summon help

• medical support arrangements

• location of emergency telephones

• marshalling instructions

• welfare plan and how to summon help if required

A copy of these instructions shall be provided, no later than three days before the competition, to each club whose responsibility it is to distribute them to the crews. An email including a web link to the information may be sent to each club which retains the responsibility to ensure that all crews are made aware of it.

 

5. Marshalling instructions

When and where crews may practice, warm up and cool down on the water.

6. Provide a safeguarding statement; see section 7.2 of British Rowing’s Safeguarding Handbook 3: Club, training and competition guidance

7. Provide copies of all instructions to marshals and competitors.

 

This should all be provided electronically. If this is not possible, please try to scan it and send it.