Preparatory Steps to reduce risk in activities involved in program

• When possible, request and use spaces that are age-appropriate (See Step 3.C.2)
• Conduct environmental assessment to identify risks
• Plan routes/travel to avoid hazards
• Include identified environmental concerns on Acknowledgement of Risk form
• Orient youth to the environment and prohibited areas and behaviors. Consider using a conduct code to solicit agreement.

• Include physical activity and associated risks on Acknowledgement of Risk form
• Ensure youth demonstrate physical fitness adequate for the planned activities or have sought appropriate accommodations. See Step 1.1.
• Assess group composition of youth to prevent less experienced youth from inadvertently being harmed by more experienced youth or vice versa
• Employ only staff and volunteers who are trained in youth sports management and who understand varying sports developmental levels so as to prevent injury
• Give youth scheduled breaks and water. Allow for additional unscheduled breaks as needed by a youth participant.

• Include potential sharps exposure on Acknowledgement of Risk form
• Limit youth exposure to these hazards
• Train youth on proper use of sharps
• Provide adequate supervision during use of sharps
• Review and comply with the Safety Considerations for Youth in STEAM Environments
• Consult with Environmental Health and Safety as needed (See Step 3.C.1)

NOTE: Youth may not be exposed to these hazards without a learner exemption (for ages 16-17 only).

• Prevent youth exposure to these hazards
• For 16-17 year old youth, and in limited circumstances, seek and abide by a learner exemption. Contact Environmental Health and Safety for assistance.
• Include identified hazards on Acknowledgement of Risk form
• Review and comply with the Safety Considerations for Youth in STEAM Environments
• Consult with Environmental Health and Safety as needed (See Step 3.C.1)

• Include water-based activities and associated risks on Acknowledgement of Risk form
• Ensure youth demonstrate skills adequate for the planned activities or have sought appropriate accommodations. (See Step 1.1) Consider conducting water-skills assessments as part of program enrollment/orientation.
• Assess group composition of youth to prevent less experienced youth from inadvertently being harmed by more experienced youth or vice versa
• Employ only staff and volunteers with necessary certifications (e.g., life guard) and experience
• Require and/or provide appropriate safety gear (e.g., life jacket)
• Provide adequate and constant supervision

• Include proximity to water and associated risks on Acknowledgement of Risk form
• Orient youth to the environment and prohibited areas and behaviors. Consider using a conduct code to solicit agreement.
• Provide adequate and constant supervision

• Update emergency response plan with the location and contact information of nearest after-hours medical care.
• Ensure emergency contact and response information is accessible for staff.
• Require staff to carry a working cell phone or other communication device. Consider pre-programming relevant phone numbers (e.g., program in-office contact, medical care, UWPD) into the phone.
• Consider the possibility that your staff will be first responders in any emergency. Reevaluate what training and other resources are needed for them to adequately perform these duties.
• Stock and carry an expanded first aid kit with supplies appropriate to the possible health and basic needs of your group.