EDGE FA FOOTBALL ACADEMY
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
1. POLICY STATEMENT
Edge FA Football Academy is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for all participants. The academy will take all reasonably practicable steps to reduce risk and promote the welfare of players, coaches, volunteers, parents and visitors.
2. PURPOSE
To establish clear health and safety standards and responsibilities across all academy activities including training sessions, matches, tournaments, camps, events and travel.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
Academy Director - Overall responsibility for health and safety.
Head of Coaching - Implementation, monitoring and compliance.
Coaches - Session safety checks, supervision and incident reporting.
Parents - Ensure players arrive appropriately prepared and equipped.
Players - Follow safety instructions and report hazards.
4. PLAYER EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Players must attend with suitable football boots, shin pads, appropriate clothing, hydration, weather-appropriate clothing and any required medication. Edge FA reserves the right to prevent participation where mandatory safety equipment is not available.
5. RISK ASSESSMENTS
Risk assessments must be completed and reviewed where appropriate. Coaches must inspect pitches, goals, equipment, weather conditions and surrounding environments before activities begin.
6. FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT
Goals must be secured correctly. Playing surfaces checked for hazards. Equipment inspected regularly. Damaged equipment removed from use immediately.
7. FIRST AID & MEDICAL PROVISION
A qualified first aider must be available where required. Emergency contact details and medical information must be maintained through ClassForKids.
8. ACCIDENTS & INCIDENT REPORTING
All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses must be recorded and reported through academy procedures. Serious incidents must be escalated immediately.
9. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Stop activity immediately. Make the area safe. Administer first aid if qualified. Contact emergency services where necessary. Contact parent/carer. Complete incident documentation.
10. WEATHER SAFETY
Activities may be postponed, modified or cancelled due to lightning and thunderstorms, extreme heat, extreme cold, flooding, or unsafe pitch conditions.
11. CONCUSSION & HEAD INJURIES
Any player suspected of concussion must be removed from play immediately and must not return the same day. Medical advice should be sought before returning to football activities.
12. SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE
Health and safety procedures support the academy’s safeguarding responsibilities. Welfare concerns should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer immediately.
13. FIRE & EVACUATION
All participants should follow venue evacuation procedures. Coaches must account for players and move to designated assembly points where required.
14. REPORTING CONCERNS
Health and safety concerns should be reported to a coach, Head of Coaching, Club Welfare Officer or Academy Director as soon as possible.
15. MONITORING & REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed annually or following significant incidents, legislative changes or updated FA guidance.
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EDGE FA VALUES
Developing Players. Building Futures.
Respect | Inclusion | Excellence | Integrity
Safeguarding Children is Everyone’s Responsibility.
