Risk Management for Committees/Associations

The Current public liability policy arranged by the National Rodeo Council of Australia requires committees/associations and promoters to deliver a duty of care whilst and during running an event.

Items which require careful consideration are set out below in a 10 point check list:

1.      Reporting/Accountability Requirements

Risk Management requires team work.  It is advisable to delegate each committee member with a specific role or responsibility throughout the course of the event.

2.      Security

·         Please ensure adequate security personnel,  police the following areas:

Arena perimeter (spectators must be at least TWO metres from the fence)

·         Bar Area ( Not to be open during a National Student Rodeo Association Event)

In other circumstances Juveniles under the age of 18 are not permitted in the taped bar area or to consume alcohol of any kind.

·         Alcohol is not to be taken from the bar area,

·         Car park

·         Stock yards

·         General public area.

3.      Work Place Health and Safety

Please ensure the following areas are checked for hazards such as protruding objects r faulty fixtures prior to running an event:

·         Seating (portable and fixed) check prior to the event for broken boards, loose/rusty bolts and projections

·         Marquees are set up securely.

·         All gates on arena fencing are securely locked during performances

·         No electrical leads, cords or wires are draped on the grounds.

·         Arena perimeter and stock yards are clearly signed warning spectators where they are NOT permitted to enter.

·         Fixed chutes and fencing are clear of debris and protruding objects.

4.      Animal Welfare

All committees/associations/competitors and officials are required to abide by the current code of conduct for the welfare of Animals.  The code must be strictly adhered to and it is the responsibility of the committee/association to ensure these guidelines are carried out.

5.      Processes and Procedures

·         Competition must be run under the rule book.

Eg: It is mandatory that all Bull riders wear vests with all students under the age of 18 to wear helmets.

·         All competitors and officials entering the arena are required to sign a release and waiver form prior to competing.

·         As per the code of conduct for the welfare of animals, a rodeo manager must be nominated to ensure the smooth running of the event.

·         Advise competitors and stock contractors they are not permitted to ride or lead stock through general public area.

6.      Operational Activities and Controls

·         You are required to have a St Johns first aid officer or ambulance on hand and in attendance at each and every event depending on which service is available.

·         Ensure adequate taping and security is placed to keep the public away from the arena proper.

·         Bar area must be fenced off to meet license requirements.

·         Public must be kept away from al livestock held in chutes at the rear by at least 20 metres.

·         Ensure there are adequate parking attendants.

7.      Natural Events

Fire, Earthquake, Cyclone or Flood – A contingency plan must be set in place to address these disasters should they occur.

8.      Regulatory Environment

·         It is the responsibility of the committee to ensure public liability and rider insurance is obtained well in advance of the event.  In addition it is important to provide cover to voluntary workers and officials.  (If using food vendors, bands or side show alley it is imperative a committee member sites a copy of their public liability before proceeding with hire)

·         Ensure you have relevant council permits for running an event in your area.

·         If running a bar you MUST obtain a liquor license through the relevant liquor licensing department in that state.

9.      Association/Committee Activities

·         Please ensure a rodeo secretary is provided to take entries on the day.

·         Make sure officials/judges are equipped with necessary instruments i.e stopwatch/timer, barrels, judges sheet and pen.

·         Announcer must advise spectators to stay away from the fence and explain why.

·         Ensure entry to and from the arena is kept clear at all times unless competitor/officials or stock is entering the arena.

10.  Education and Training

·         Event stock contractor must be accredited through a recognised NRCA Rodeo Association.

·         All judges must be accredited through the relevant Associations.

·         All competitors must be members or day member of a recognised Rodeo Association.

·         All Medical Officers must be qualified.