This document identifies potential hazards associated with various sports and physical activities. It lists examples of hazards for different sports, including sailing (depth of water, currents, other water users), cross country running (slippery surfaces, uneven ground, weather conditions), swimming (depth of water, diving technique), rock climbing (use of ropes and anchors, loose rocks, steepness), circuit training (equipment use, space, noise levels), gym machines (incorrect use, speed, fatigue), beach volleyball (uneven ground, sun exposure), mountain walking (cliff edges, weather, terrain), tennis (slippery surfaces, footing), marathons (weather, crowds, interference), hockey (slippery surfaces, sand/water, footing), park

2. Sports and potential hazards
Unit 5:risks and hazards
associated with sports
participation

3. Task 1
Identify as many potential hazards as possible.

4. Sports and potential hazards
•
By taking part in sports and physical activities,
participants do face a number of hazards and risks
•
These hazards and risks are different for various sports
and activities
TASK:
1. Can you think of some potential hazards and risks when
taking part in the following sports and activities?

5. OAA: Sailing on a lake

6. Examples of hazards when sailing on a lake:
• Depth of water
• Using safety kit (e.g. bouyancy aid)
• Currents in the water
• Other water users (e.g. jet ski’s, boats)

7. ATHLETICS:
Cross Country
running

8. Examples of hazards when cross country
running:
• Slippery surface
• Cold weather conditions / Hypothermia
• Uneven ground / holes in ground
• Incorrect footwear
• Hard work on the body (cardiovascular system)

9. SWIMMING: Diving area / Deep end

10. Examples of hazards when using the
deep end of a swimming pool:
• Depth of water
• People swimming in deep end
• Correct technique for diving (back injuries)
• Using diving boards / platforms

11. OAA: Rock climbing in the mountains

12. Examples of hazards when rock climbing in the
mountains:
• Use of ropes and anchor points
• Belaying techniques
• Loose rocks
• Maintaining 3 points of contact
• Steepness of rock face

13. FITNESS: Circuit training in a sports hall

14. Examples of hazards when circuit training in a
sports hall:
• Correct use of equipment
• Correct technique
• Temperature / ventilation
• Noise levels and hearing instructions
• Space between stations / exercisers

15. FITNESS: CV machines in a gym

16. Examples of hazards when using CV machines
in a gym:
• Need to know how to use the machines correctly
• Going too fast
•Using a gradient that is too steep
• Getting tired – falling off the treadmill

17. GAMES: Beach volleyball on a sand court

18. Examples of hazards when playing beach
volleyball on a sand court:
• Uneven ground
• Sand in the eyes, mouth
• Sun burn / Exposure
• Dehydration
• Grazing from falling on sand

19. OAA: Walking in the mountains

20. Examples of hazards when walking in the
mountains:
• Cliff edge / falling
• Changes in weather
• Steep ground
• Hypothermia
• Getting lost due to poor navigation
• Having the right equipment and clothing

21. GAMES: Playing Tennis on a grass court

22. Examples of hazards when playing
Tennis on a grass court:
• Slippery surface
• Uneven ground / holes
• Incorrect footwear
• Colliding with the net / court fixtures

23. ATHLETICS: Running in a big city marathon

24. Examples of hazards when running in a
big city marathon:
• Weather conditions
• Uneven ground
• Large crowds of runners (tripped up)
• Crowd interference

25. GAMES: Hockey on an Astropitch

26. Examples of hazards when playing Hockey on
an astropitch:
• Slippery surface
• Burns from falling
• Excess sand / water
• Incorrect footwear
• Using protective clothing (e.g. hand guard)

27. GAMES: Playing in a local park

28. Examples of hazards when playing games in a
local park:
• Uneven ground / holes
• Litter
• Other park users / dogs
• Slippery surfaces
• Colliding with trees, hedges, or falling into ditches

29. ATHLETICS: Pole vaulting on an athletics track

30. Examples of hazards when pole vaulting on an
athletics track:
• Hard surface (track)
• The pole could break
• Quality of crash mats
• Using the correct technique
• Ability levels of performer (Gymnastic skills)