Managing sports and risk management strategies

The hallmarks of a successful athletics program are many. It takes more than talent on the field or among the coaching staff to offer solid athletics and sports programs. An effective sports program depends on faculty management and recruitment, facilities management, organization and administration of athletics contests, crowd control, equipment procurement and care, public relations, contract negotiation, budgeting and finance, transportation coordination, drug education and policy enforcement, communication, fund-raising, and sports marketing - to name a few. Over and above all the daily responsibilities for students, faculty, and facilities is risk management. In today's litigious world, safety consciousness and concern is not enough. The athletics director must initiate an active program of risk and liability management that is well grounded in providing safe equipment and areas for players as well as safe spectator areas. Safety measures and efforts must be demanded of everyone involved in the sports program. Effective documentation must be maintained. A large proportion of this book is dedicated to risk management strategies in an effort to help athletics directors provide the safest possible facilities and to aid in record keeping. The appendixes offer a number of forms and checklists that can be used effectively in risk management initiatives.