Procedure for Managing Accidents on a Club Run

Injury Procedure

If the injured person is unconscious or seriously injured (eg deep wound or a broken limb) dial 999 immediately and ask for the ambulance. If you are at Black Sheep then call 999 and ask for Police and Mountain Rescue.
If the injured person is conscious and breathing but has sustained a minor injury and they are unable to walk, please call this person a taxi to either get them home or back to the Bowling Green. Claim expenses back via the club treasurer & provide receipt (treasurer@chorltonrunners.co.uk)
If the person has had a fall but says they feel fine, please stop the run for a short period and keep them sat down. Check they are not hurt, can move limbs and joints without pain and have not banged their head. If after 5-10 minutes they:
- Can walk, please continue walking and then ask them if they are fit to continue the run.
- Cannot walk and cannot continue the run, follow instruction number 2.
Please report all incidents and near misses via the incident form (https://chorltonrunners.co.uk/incident-form) using the following information:
- Name of injured person
- DOB of injured person
- Address of injure person
- Email or phone number of injured person
- Location of incident
- Time of incident
- Description of what happened
- Type of injury

Note on off-road routes

After sundown, only those with head torches are permitted to run in a non-illuminated area (including paved but not lit areas). This includes Black Sheep and Tuesday Runs. Any run which will be going off-road after sundown should advertise the need for a head torch.

Poor practice

Any incidents of poor practice should be referred to the RLC or Lead Welfare Officer for noting or a chat with the individual.

Poor practice at runs for runners includes (but is not limited to):

Knowingly not being able to maintain the pace (i.e., slower than the lower end of the advertised range)
Running off the front (unless allowed or encouraged by the leader)
Crossing roads unsafely
Failure to listen to instructions
Being rude to other members of the public
Leaving the group without informing the leader
Inappropriate kit
Any other actions that contravene the code of conduct

Notes on route length

It is imperative that the length of the route is appropriate for the session and abilities of the group members. While as a club, we foster an inclusive environment, it is the prerogative of the run leader to refuse to allow a member to join if they reasonably believe that they do not have the fitness or ability to keep up with the group at the advertised pace and distance.

Tuesday Club Run

Given the standardised delivery in pace groups of the session, the route length should be catered to the advertised pace. The expectation is that groups should return to the Bowling Green before 20:10 and therefore the run leader should plan a route to ensure that the group returns prior to this time (remember to include stops!).

Recommended maximum distances

Approximate conversions between kms and miles

Pace (mm)	Max Distance
Sub 7	8m/13k
7-7:40	7.5m/12k
7:40-8:20	7m/11k
8:20-10:00	6m/10k
10:00-10:30	5.5m/9k
10:30+	5m/8k
Progression group	As appropriate

Sunday Runs

Especially in the Spring, some Sunday groups can get quite long. The run leader should make sure that all the people in the group are able to keep up with the pace for the distance. Ideally the leader should be aware of any exit points (eg Tram / Bus stops) for people to drop off early. If there is a long section without an exit point, the leader should make it clear. As mentioned earlier, the leader may refuse to allow a member to join the group.

Road Running Risk Assessment

What are the hazards?	Who might be harmed and how?	What are you already doing?	Risk Rating	What else can you do to control this risk?	Action by whom?
Getting lost	Participants / public	Ensure leader is competent to plan and follow a route. Standard run routes are used in the winter months to ensure they are well known by all club members. Intro to run leading sessions held regularly.	M	Hold further sessions with run leaders on planning and following routes.	Club committee
Physical overload	Participants	Ensure leader is competent to identify and manage risks from physical overload. Intro to run leading sessions held regularly. Ensure that the length of the run is appropriate to runners' ability.	H	Frequently review EA guidance and ensure run leaders are kept up to date.	Club committee
Equipment failure	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure run leader understands what and how equipment can fail. Runners advised to ensure correct kit is worn to run club sessions.	M	Frequently review EA guidance and ensure run leaders are kept up to date. All equipment to be checked prior to use.	Club committee
Weather conditions	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure that run leaders understand what conditions require route changes and when to avoid a route if there is a danger present from ice or extreme heat. Briefings before sessions during spells of extreme weather to ensure run leaders understand risks. Club chair or RLC to call off runs if weather conditions are too extreme. Ensure that run leaders plan regular water stops during hot weather.	M	Ensure leaders enforce use of correct kit within their run groups, including gloves and layers for colder weather; water, hat and sun cream for hot weather; hi-vis in the dark. Always communicate with leaders prior to a run in specific weather conditions. Red weather warnings will result in cancellation of all club runs. Yellow/amber weather warnings are cautionary and leaders/coaches should monitor conditions and discuss with committee if considering cancellation. Certain routes/shortcuts may be banned during icy conditions.	Club committee
Ill health	Participants	Ensure that leaders understand the procedure for dealing with any first aid situations. Intro to run leading sessions are held regularly to brief leaders on this.	H	Incident form available online to complete.	Club committee
Slips, trips & falls	Participants / public	Ensure leaders understand what they should do in the event of a minor injury. Chorlton Runners policy includes a specific procedure for injured runners. Plan routes in advance and consider group experience level. Illuminated routes should be used after sunset or head torches must be used.	M	Ensure adequate numbers of leaders obtain their LiRF qualification, which includes a basic first aid module.	Club committee
Safeguarding	All	Ensure that the club has an appropriate safeguarding policy. Welfare officers have undertaken appropriate safeguarding training.	H	Ensure adequate numbers of leaders obtain their LiRF qualification, which includes a safeguarding module.	Club committee
Change to plan	Participants / leaders	Ensure run leaders know alternative routes that can be used to return home quickly or adapt plans if required. Intro to run leading sessions cover adapting to changing situations.	L	Continue to brief run leaders on adapting to changing conditions and modifying runs where required.	Club committee
Collisions	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure run leaders understand how to reduce the risk of collisions. Use designated crossings where possible. Ensure all runners have correct visibility equipment such as lights and reflective clothing.	H	Continually remind runners how to use crossings safely. Brief these points at the start of every run.	Club committee
Emergency situations	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure leaders understand what constitutes an emergency and how to respond. Ensure run leaders always carry a phone and runners are encouraged to do likewise.	H	Further develop the club welfare structure to assist runners following traumatic experiences.	Club committee
Pre-existing medical conditions	Participants	Ensure leaders check with the group regarding pre-existing conditions before starting the run and adapt plans where necessary.	M	Ensure consistent approach to obtaining PAR-Q information.	Club committee
Incorrect supervision	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure sessions are run using current good practice relevant to activity, environment and participants. Back-markers to be used in groups greater than 10.	M	Review current good practice and ensure club leaders understand the guidance.	Club committee
Animals	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure leader has a good understanding of dealing with common issues.	L	Research and understand injuries relating to animal conflict.	Club committee
Running injuries	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure leader includes a warm-up and cool-down for each run.	M	Review EA guidance and apply further action as necessary.	Club committee
Non-specific	Participants	Leaders should ensure they have returned prior to any cut-off set by the RLC or other responsible person.	M	Committee members will check with late returners to ensure there were no incidents.	Club committee

Off-road Running Risk Assessment

What are the hazards?	Who might be harmed and how?	What are you already doing?	Risk Rating	What else can you do to control this risk?	Action by whom?
Getting lost	Participants / public	Ensure leader is competent to plan and follow a route. Intro to run leading sessions held regularly. Ensure runners have lights and reflective gear. Ensure all runners carry a phone and understand how to contact emergency services. Ensure leader has use of GPS and a designated person knows the route and ETA.	M	Hold further sessions with run leaders on planning and following routes.	Club committee
Physical overload	Participants	Ensure leader is competent to identify and manage risks from physical overload. Water should be carried in a backpack or waist belt to maintain hydration.	H	Frequently review EA guidance and ensure run leaders are kept up to date.	Club committee
Equipment failure	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure run leader understands what and how equipment can fail. Runners advised to wear appropriate kit, including grippy shoes and full FRA kit where applicable. Leaders and runners advised to carry a first aid kit when running in the hills.	M	Frequently review EA guidance and ensure run leaders are kept up to date. All equipment to be checked prior to use.	Club committee
Weather conditions	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure run leaders understand when route changes are required and when routes should be avoided. Briefings during extreme weather. Leaders familiar with escape routes. Club chair, RLC or other Responsible Person may cancel runs in extreme conditions. Water stops planned in hot weather.	M	Ensure leaders enforce correct kit requirements. Communicate with leaders prior to runs in adverse weather. Red warnings result in cancellation of all club runs. Yellow/amber warnings require monitoring and discussion. The Responsible Person may mandate kit, including but not limited to, FRA Full Kit and head torch.	Club committee
Ill health	Participants	Ensure leaders understand first aid procedures. Ensure leaders and runners carry appropriate kit, including foil blankets, food and water.	H	Accident form available online to complete.	Club committee
Slips, trips & falls	Participants / public	Ensure leaders understand how to manage minor injuries. Routes planned in advance and matched to ability. Ensure runners carry head torches, spare batteries and safety blankets where appropriate.	M	Ensure adequate numbers of leaders obtain LiRF qualifications including basic first aid.	Club committee
Safeguarding	All	Ensure the club has an appropriate safeguarding policy. Welfare officers have undertaken safeguarding training.	H	Ensure adequate numbers of leaders obtain LiRF qualifications including safeguarding training.	Club committee
Change to plan	Participants / leaders	Ensure run leaders know alternative routes and can adapt to changing situations. Intro to run leading sessions cover this.	L	Continue to brief run leaders on adapting to changing conditions.	Club committee
Collisions	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure run leaders understand how to reduce collision risks, especially with other runners. Use crossings where possible. Ensure runners are visible through lights and reflective clothing.	H	Continually remind runners how to use crossings safely and brief at the start of each run.	Club committee
Emergency situations	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure leaders understand emergency procedures. Ensure runners carry phones and know how to contact emergency services, including mountain rescue if required. Ensure leader has use of GPS.	H	Further develop the club welfare structure to assist runners following traumatic experiences.	Club committee
Pre-existing medical conditions	Participants	Ensure leaders check with the group regarding pre-existing conditions and adapt plans where necessary.	M	Ensure consistent approach to obtaining PAR-Q information.	Club committee
Incorrect supervision	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure sessions are run using current good practice. Back-markers to be used in groups greater than 10.	M	Review current good practice and ensure club leaders understand the guidance.	Club committee
Animals	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure leader has a good understanding of dealing with common issues.	L	Research and understand injuries relating to animal conflict.	Club committee
Running injuries	Participants / leaders / public	Ensure leader includes a warm-up and cool-down for each run.	M	Review EA guidance and apply further action as necessary.	Club committee
Manual handling	Participants / leaders	Ensure run leaders understand the capabilities of the group regarding obstacles such as stiles and stepping stones, and can plan accordingly.	M	Review EA guidance and apply further action as necessary.	Club committee
Non-specific	Participants	Leaders should ensure they have returned prior to any cut-off set by the RLC or other responsible person.	M	Committee members will check with late returners to ensure there were no incidents.	Club committee