Match Day Checklist

Netball Australia

The completion of the Match Day Checklist should be carried out before the commencement of a match day. In conjunction with the property owner, associations and clubs may bear the responsibility of ensuring that the court and its surroundings are safe for participant engagement. This checklist serves as a means of recognising and potentially mitigating some risks. This checklist is a guide only. Please ensure you undertake your own risk management assessments.

1. Responsibility for checklist completion:

• Depending on the competition type, an association representative should complete the checklist for centrally located venues, while club representatives are responsible for matches played on a home and away basis.
• An affiliated official (above 18 years old) should sign the declaration at the end of this checklist.

2. Timing of checklist completion:

• Checklists should be finalised before the commencement of play. Any changes in conditions should prompt ongoing monitoring and reassessment throughout the day.

3. Purpose of the match day checklist:

• Aims to assist officials in identifying some foreseeable risks, including evaluating the safety of the playing arena, cleanliness of the playing surface, absence of hazards around the court and regular monitoring of facilities used for netball. This checklist is a guide only. Please ensure you undertake your own risk management assessments.

4. Managing identified risks:

• Risks identified in the checklist should be documented along with the actions taken to mitigate them.
• Some strategies that may address certain risks include:
  • Mitigate the risk: perform court sweeping, cordon off hazardous zones, or adjust the game format, as well as what is required based on your own risk assessment.
  • Minimise the risk: eliminate hazardous objects from the area, consider delaying, postponing, or relocating games as well as what is required based on your own risk assessment.
  • Transfer the risk: implement warning signs (e.g. slippery when wet) or issue written notices to relevant third parties (e.g. council) as well as what is required based on your own risk assessment.

5. Conditions changing during the day:

• Continuous assessment of playing conditions is important.

6. Responsibility and accountability:

• Signing the declaration indicates that the designated areas have been inspected.

7. Handling completed checklists:

• All completed and signed checklists should be retained on file for a minimum of seven (7) years for future reference.

The completion of the Match Day Checklist should be carried out before the commencement of a match day. All conditions or risks marked as ‘no’, should be identified, and rectified. If it is not safe, no play should occur. This checklist is a guide only. Please ensure you undertake your own risk management assessments.

Click here to download a PDF of the checklist