In accordance with the principles set out in Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, 617 Goalies will, so far as is reasonably practicable, safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all coaches, players, parents, club representatives and visitors participating in or attending goalkeeper coaching sessions.

617 Goalies is committed to:

  • Providing adequate control of health and safety risks arising from goalkeeper‑specific training activities.

  • Consulting with coaches, players, parents and partner organisations on matters affecting health and safety.

  • Providing and maintaining safe equipment and ensuring all training venues are suitable for goalkeeper activity.

  • Offering clear information, instruction and supervision to all participants where required.

  • Ensuring coaches are competent, appropriately trained and able to deliver sessions safely.

  • Minimising the risk of accidents through safe practice, progressive drills and appropriate session design.

  • Maintaining a safe and healthy operating environment and reviewing this policy at regular intervals.

Responsibilities

Coaches and Session Leads

Coaches are responsible for ensuring that:

  • This Health & Safety Policy is implemented and that a safe operating environment exists at all training venues.

  • All activities are conducted in a manner that minimises risk to players, coaches and spectators.

  • Equipment is checked regularly and removed from use if unsafe.

  • An up-to-date and suitably sticked first-aid kit is brough to each session.

  • Weather, surface conditions and environmental factors are assessed before and during sessions.

  • Any accidents or near misses are recorded (see below).

Players, Parents and Clubs/Schools

In compliance with Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all players, parents, club representatives and visitors have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate with 617 Goalies to enable compliance with statutory duties.

All personnel must:

  • Observe all safety rules and instructions issued by coaches.

  • Use equipment responsibly and behave in a manner that supports a safe training environment.

  • Report any hazards, injuries or concerns to the coach immediately.

  • Cooperate in suggesting improvements that may reduce risk.

  • Ensure accurate reporting of any incidents or injuries so that appropriate action can be taken.

Goalkeeper Protective Equipment

To ensure a safe training environment and in accordance with 617 Goalies’ duty to manage risks so far as is reasonably practicable, all goalkeepers must provide and wear their own full protective kit during coaching sessions. Equipment must be in safe, serviceable working order and suitable for goalkeeper activity.

As a minimum, goalkeepers are required to wear:

  • Helmet, chest protector, hand protectors, protective shorts, abdomen guard, leg guards and kickers.

  • Whilst an individual decision, 617 Goalies strongly recommends the use of arm and elbow protection and a throat guard to further reduce the risk of injury.

  • 617 Goalies accepts no responsibility or liability for injuries arising from a goalkeeper’s equipment choices, the condition of their equipment, or failure to wear appropriate protective items.

  • New or inexperienced goalkeepers who are unsure what equipment is required are encouraged to seek advice prior to attending a session. 617 Goalies do not promote any particular brand, regardless of individual coaches preferences/sponsorships.

Accident Reporting

617 Goalies will maintain accurate records of accidents, injuries and near‑misses. Where necessary, incidents will be communicated to parents, clubs, venue operators or relevant bodies, and appropriate follow‑up actions will be taken.

Templates: Accident Reporting Form | Near Miss Reporting Form

Risk Assessments

617 Goalies maintains a structured approach to risk management that aligns with England Hockey’s Good Practice Guidance and safeguarding expectations.

Risk Assessment Framework

To ensure a safe coaching environment, 617 Goalies uses two core generic risk assessments:

  1. Individual Coaching Risk Assessment – covering 1:1 goalkeeper sessions, personalised drills, equipment use and close‑contact coaching scenarios.

  2. Group Coaching Risk Assessment – covering club‑based or school‑based group environments, shared pitch use, mixed‑age settings and coordination with club/school officials.

These assessments provide a baseline of identified hazards, control measures and emergency procedures. They are reviewed annually and updated in line with England Hockey guidance.

Session‑Specific Dynamic Assessments

In addition to the generic assessments, the coach completes a dynamic risk assessment before and during every session, considering:

  • Pitch condition and surface hazards

  • Weather and environmental factors

  • Participant medical needs

  • Suitability and condition of goalkeeper protective equipment

  • Equipment layout, ball‑strike zones and drill design

  • Any unexpected changes (venue issues, participant behaviour, environmental risks)

Where risks cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level, the session will be modified, paused or cancelled.

Records of incidents or near‑misses are logged and reviewed to inform future risk management.

Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary to ensure continued compliance and safe practice.

Last Review: 05/10/2026 by James Harris

Healthy and Safety Policy