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Sports Day Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Every UK school must complete a sports day risk assessment covering track events, field events, spectators, first aid and weather. Describe your event and we generate a fully written, compliant assessment in minutes — covering all hazards specific to primary or secondary sports days.
Used by primary schools, secondary schools, academies and PE coordinators across the UK
🏃 Running throwing events like javelin, discus or shot put? Mention it — we'll include safety zones, spectator exclusion distances, equipment checks and pupil competency requirements in line with AfPE Safe Practice guidance.
Legal requirements for school sports days
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Regulation 3), schools must conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for all work activities and events. Sports day is a planned school activity involving physical exertion, outdoor hazards, and potentially large numbers of spectators, making a written risk assessment a legal requirement.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on schools to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils, staff and visitors. This duty extends to all school-organised activities including sports days. Schools must identify hazards (sprint track collisions, throwing event injuries, heat stress, trip hazards on playing fields) and implement controls to reduce risk to an acceptable level.
The Association for Physical Education (AfPE) publishes Safe Practice in Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity — the recognised national guidance for PE and school sport in the UK. While not legislation, AfPE guidance represents accepted best practice and is referenced by the HSE and Ofsted. Schools are expected to follow AfPE recommendations for athletics events, including safety distances for throwing events, equipment inspections, and pupil-to-staff ratios.
Failure to complete a sports day risk assessment or to implement adequate controls can result in enforcement action by the HSE, scrutiny during Ofsted inspections, and potential liability in the event of injury. A professional, compliant risk assessment demonstrates that the school has met its duty of care.
How it works
1. Describe your sports day
Tell us the age range of pupils (Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, secondary), the events planned (sprint races, relay, sack race, egg and spoon, long jump, high jump, javelin, discus), the venue (school field, local athletics track), expected spectator numbers, and any specific concerns such as hot weather or parent volunteers assisting.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant sports day risk assessment referencing the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and AfPE Safe Practice guidance where relevant. All hazards specific to your event are covered — from trip hazards and sun exposure to javelin throw safety zones and first aid provision.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. File it with your school health and safety documentation, share it with staff and volunteers on the day, and present it during Ofsted inspections or local authority audits. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every sports day risk assessment is written in full — covering all hazards relevant to your school and event type.
Sprint race collisions and finish line control
Relay handover zones and baton drop hazards
Throwing events — javelin, discus, shot put safety zones
High jump and long jump landing mat specifications
Trip hazards on playing fields (uneven ground, holes, equipment)
Sun exposure and heat stress — hydration and shade provision
Adverse weather protocols (thunderstorms, high winds, wet grass)
Spectator management and designated viewing areas
First aid provision and emergency procedures
Supervision ratios and staff deployment
Parent volunteer briefings and role allocation
Equipment checks — hurdles, starting blocks, throwing implements
Pupil medical conditions (asthma, allergies, mobility needs)
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 compliance
Works for
From EYFS fun races to secondary athletics championships, Anyrisks covers every type of school sports day.
What customers say
"Our sports day involves Year 5 and 6 pupils throwing javelins and we needed proper safety zones documented. Anyrisks covered everything — spectator exclusion distances, equipment checks, and AfPE guidance references. Exactly what the head needed."
Emily Carter
PE Coordinator, Hampshire
"We run a big sports day with parents attending and volunteers helping with events. The assessment included crowd control, volunteer briefings and weather contingency — all written out properly. Saved me hours."
James Thornton
Assistant Head, West Yorkshire
"First time organising sports day as a newly qualified teacher. Anyrisks gave me a professional assessment that covered sprint races, relays and long jump. The head was impressed and I felt confident on the day."
Sophie Bennett
Class Teacher, Surrey
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| AfPE Safe Practice guidance aligned | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers both primary and secondary sports days | ✓ | ✗ |
| Throwing event safety zones calculated and documented | ✓ | ✗ |
| Weather contingency and heat stress protocols included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spectator management and volunteer briefing requirements | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Is a sports day risk assessment a legal requirement for schools?
Yes — under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Regulation 3), schools must conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for all activities that present a foreseeable risk to pupils, staff and visitors. Sports day involves physical activity, outdoor hazards, and potentially large spectator numbers, making a written risk assessment mandatory.
Does it cover both primary and secondary school sports days?
Yes — describe the age range of pupils, the events planned (sprint races, relay, long jump, javelin, shot put, etc.) and we will tailor the assessment to reflect age-appropriate risks. Primary sports days involve different hazards (trip hazards, sun exposure, supervision ratios) compared to secondary events (javelin throw safety zones, high jump landing mats).
What if the weather is poor on the day?
Include weather contingency plans in your job description (e.g. postponement policy, indoor alternative, wet grass protocols). We will incorporate weather-related controls including heat stress procedures for hot days and cancellation criteria for thunderstorms or high winds.
Does it cover spectator safety and parent volunteers?
Yes — mention the expected number of spectators and whether parents or volunteers will be assisting with events. The assessment will include crowd control measures, designated spectator zones away from throwing events, and volunteer briefing requirements.
Can I use it for a multi-school sports tournament?
Yes — describe the scale of the event (number of schools, total pupil numbers, visiting staff) and the location. Multi-school tournaments require additional controls around pupil supervision, first aid provision, and emergency procedures when children from multiple schools are present.
How long does it take to generate?
Under 2 minutes. Describe your sports day events, venue, pupil age range and any specific concerns (e.g. field events, parents attending, hot weather expected) and Anyrisks produces a complete, UK-compliant sports day risk assessment instantly.
Does it meet Ofsted expectations?
Yes — Ofsted expects schools to demonstrate that they have assessed and managed risks for all school activities. A professionally written, regulation-referenced sports day risk assessment demonstrates compliance and is accepted as evidence of proper planning during inspections.
Can I edit it after download?
Yes — you receive both PDF and Word formats. The Word version is fully editable, allowing you to add school-specific details, adjust timings, or update controls as your sports day plans develop.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator