Safety In the League and for the team
The League promotes a systematic approach to proactively managing risk associated with our sport and programs
WHY?
Legal Issues covered by League risk management education
Prevention
The League’s Risk Management education puts strong emphasis on effective program planning and preparation.
Risks associated with Cross-Country Mountain Biking
WHY?
- To do our absolute best to protect out student-athletes from harm;
- To mitigate the potential for injury and loss;
- To protect ourselves and our programs from litigation;
- To ensure we are in alignment with the best practices in the field;
- To run quality programs that attract and retain participants
Legal Issues covered by League risk management education
- Duty of Care
- Negligence (basic/simple, gross/reckless)
- Breach of Care
- Waivers/Releases
- Inherent Risk
- Assumption of Risk
Prevention
The League’s Risk Management education puts strong emphasis on effective program planning and preparation.
Risks associated with Cross-Country Mountain Biking
- Minor and/or major injuries and illness
- Inclement weather.
- Becoming lost on bike rides
- Mechanical malfunction
- Risks associated with speed
- Collision or interference between other trail users
- Improper nutrition and hydration
- Riding on challenging terrain and in traffic
- Relationship Building
- Accurate Marketing of the sport to new participants
- Honest information exchange
- Background Checks for staff/adult volunteers
- Release & Assumption of Risk Forms
- Proper Reporting
- Medical Conditions Knowledge
- Adequate Conditioning
- Skills instruction & Skills Checks
- Rules & Enforcement
- Terrain & Ride Selection
- Equipment (Bikes & Helmets)
- Appropriate Dress
- Hydration, Food and Medications
- Coaching Ratios (6:1 or 8:2)
- Safe Ride Formation
- First Aid Training
- Emergency Action Plan
- Knowing what number to call in an emergency (often not 911)
- Know your route, including shortcuts home
- Educate Riders, Staff and Parents