This guidance outlines the key risks and control measures associated with delivering football activities for primary school children. Teachers should assess the suitability of the activity, participants, equipment and playing area before delivery.
1. Trips, Slips & Falls
Risks
- Tripping over footballs, cones or other participants
- Slipping on wet or uneven surfaces
- Falls during movement, turning or shooting
Control Measures
- Check playing areas before use
- Remove unnecessary equipment from activity areas
- Ensure suitable footwear is worn
- Adapt activities for weather and surface conditions
- Ensure adequate spacing between groups
2. Collision & Physical Contact
Risks
- Accidental collisions between participants
- Contact during defending, tackling or competitive games
- Players being accidentally kicked during activities
Control Measures
- Match players by age, size and ability where possible
- Clearly explain rules regarding contact
- Reduce numbers or increase playing area if overcrowding occurs
- Closely supervise competitive activities
3. Ball Strikes & Impact Injuries
Risks
- Footballs striking participants in the face, head or body
- Injuries during shooting or goalkeeping activities
Control Measures
- Maintain safe shooting distances
- Position waiting players away from active shooting areas
- Use age and size appropriate footballs
- Encourage controlled technique rather than excessive power
4. Goalpost Safety
Risks
- Falling or unsecured goalposts
- Participants climbing or swinging on goals
Control Measures
- Inspect goals before use
- Ensure portable goals are stable and secure
- Instruct participants not to climb or hang on goalposts
- Remove damaged goals immediately
5. Overexertion & Fatigue
Risks
- Participants becoming overly tired or dehydrated
- Reduced coordination increasing injury risk
Control Measures
- Provide regular hydration opportunities
- Include suitable warm ups and cool downs
- Adapt intensity based on age, weather and ability
- Encourage participants to report discomfort or fatigue
6. Technique & Skill Progression
Risks
- Incorrect technique increasing risk of injury
- Participants attempting activities beyond their ability
Control Measures
- Demonstrate activities clearly before participation
- Use age and ability appropriate progressions and regressions
- Encourage controlled technique before speed or competition
- Continuously assess participant confidence and ability
7. Heading Activities
Risks
- Incorrect heading technique
- Repetitive or excessive heading activities
Control Measures
- Ensure heading activities are age and ability appropriate
- Use suitable footballs with appropriate inflation
- Avoid excessive repetitive heading activities
8. Behaviour & Supervision
Risks
- Unsafe behaviour increasing injury risk
- Inadequate supervision during activities
Control Measures
- Maintain active supervision throughout all sessions
- Ensure appropriate staff-to-participant ratios
- Reinforce behaviour expectations before activities begin
- Stop activities immediately if unsafe behaviour occurs
9. Medical Needs & First Aid
Risks
- Existing medical conditions or injuries
- Delayed response to accidents or incidents
Control Measures
- Check medical information before sessions
- Maintain access to first aid equipment at all times
- Have emergency contact procedures in place
- Record and report accidents in line with procedures
10. Weather Conditions (Outdoor Sessions)
Risks
- Slippery surfaces
- Extreme heat, cold, rain or poor visibility
Control Measures
- Assess weather and surface conditions before activities begin
- Modify or stop activities if conditions become unsafe
- Encourage suitable clothing and hydration
- Adapt intensity in hot weather
11. Equipment Safety
Risks
- Damaged or unsuitable equipment
- Incorrect use of football equipment
Control Measures
- Inspect all equipment before use
- Remove damaged equipment immediately
- Use suitable football sizes for the age group
- Provide clear instructions for safe equipment use
12. Dynamic Risk Assessment
Risks
- Changing environments, participant behaviour or activity demands
Control Measures
- Continuously monitor activities throughout sessions
- Adapt activities, spaces, equipment and groupings as needed
- Stop activities immediately if risks cannot be controlled safely
Additional Guidance
- Jewellery should be removed where possible before participation
- Shin pads are recommended during competitive or contact-based activities where appropriate
- Participants should have access to drinking water during sessions
- All activities should be delivered in line with safeguarding, behaviour and emergency procedures