Health and Safety
&
Code of Practice

Duty of Care:

'As a member of this organisation we all owe each other a Duty of Care. A Duty of Care is that which requires us to consider that the consequences of out acts or omissions do not give rise to a foreseeable risk of injury to any other person.

In addition to this, as an organised body of individuals performing a number of specific activities, we also owe a Duty of Care to people who we encounter through the pursuit of these activities: in other words members of the public.

It is important that everyone understands and accepts out responsibilities where safety is concerned to enable our activities to operate as safely as possible. Those members who act in such a way as to deliberately endanger the well-being of others will be in breach of their Duty of Care and may be asked to withdraw from the activities of the organisation.

Our organisation has drawn up a Safety Code of Practice having carried out a risk assessment of our activities. It is important that everyone has read this code of practice and adheres to the procedures laid down.

The purpose of such procedures and adherence to them is to protect and support all levels of the organisation from litigation. The regular monitoring and evaluation process that is part of the continually developing safety programme, will continue to help eliminate or manage the foreseeable risks and avoid negligence. However, in the event of deliberate and reckless actions causing injury to another person negligence is likely to be cited.

Please be aware that no one would be expected to be 'expert' in any particular field neither would anyone be expected to guarantee the safety of others. Specific skills, knowledge and experience used in a reasonable manner are sufficient.

Whilst individual members are bound by the activity's own safety code of practice in addition everyone is bound by the LUSU Safety Framework. Failure to comply with any aspect of this Framework where relevant may mean suspension from LUSU.

Safety Code of Practice:

You are required to sign the declaration box on the annual subscription form to confirm that you have read, understood and agree to abide by Lancaster University Women's Basketball Club Code of Practice.

Lancaster University Women's Basketball Club is an affiliated member of Lancaster University Athletics Union and as such is bound by the policies and constitution of Lancaster University Students Union

The aims of this club are to allow members of all abilities to have fun and improve their basketball skills. We will be part of the BUSA inter-university league. Within this we will have a squad of around ten players for the matches.

The Executive Committee will hold authority for the club. This will include a captain, secretary and treasurer, who will be chosen at the AGM, early in Michaelmas term. Two members of the executive will hold responsibility for the basketballs and the team kits.

All players are required to pay a membership fee, which includes insurance, before they may take to a court. You should be issued with a club membership card once you have paid your subscription, which you should carry with you on all club trips and training sessions.

• Environment
  Practice sessions will take place in the University Sports Centre and it will be necessary to be a member of the Sports Centre to be able to use these facilities.
  The maintenance and safety of the venue is the responsibility of the management of the facility. In the case of home matches and training sessions this will be the University Sports Centre.
  Equipment provided by the University Sports Centre will also be monitored and maintained by them. The monitoring of equipment will be done by the club also and backboards and rings will be checked regularly. Faults will be reported to the Director of Sport.

• The Game
  The Women's Basketball Club adheres as strictly as possible to the recommendations of the EBBA (English Basketball Association).
  Unfortunately, due to the burden on resources, an unsuitably small court has to be used for one training sessions. This practice is restricted to training drills, shooting practice and less vigorous games.
  The training sessions are always lead by a coach who takes it as his responsibility to ensure the safe conduct of players at all times. Due to limited numbers and players' diverse ability, it is impossible for players to be divided up into skill level groups. The coach however takes steps to regulate the ferocity of game practices and extra coaching is freely available to all players who request it.

• Clothing
  Players must not wear jewellery when training or playing matches. Body piercings may require that they be covered by tape if they are unable to be removed.
  Appropriate footwear must be worn during training and matches. Outdoor shoes are not permitted on court.
  Further club responsibilities include the restriction of any spectators from the playing area, and the safety and comfort of referees, table officials and team players. As a result of the measures taken, injuries of all kinds are kept to a minimum.

• Transport
  Transport to away matches will be arranged by the Athletic Union and on coaches where possible.
  Where minibuses are used, all drivers must be over 21 years of age and must take a short course to be approved by the University.
  When using Athletic Union minibuses alcohol is not to be carried onto the bus, or consumed at any time. On coaches this rule is at the discretion of the driver, whose approval must be sought upon boarding the vehicle.

• First Aid
  The club training sessions are held in the Lancaster University Sports Centre where qualified staff are on in attendance in the event of an emergency. This applies to home matches also.
  For away fixtures the club will endeavour to take a qualified first aider.
  Any member who is on regular medication should carry it with them. It is the responsibility of the individual concerned to self-administer medication if and when required.

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