Risk and Challenge

• To consider the aspect of challenge that is present in physical activity.•To consider the need for carrying out risk assessment.•To consider the importance of being aware of risk control.

Key Terms• Challenge – a test of your ability

or resources in a demanding situation• Risk – the possibility of suffering

harm, loss or danger

Examiner’s Tip• Questions are often asked about why

an individual would want to take part in a challenging activity.

• They are also linked to being aware of the safety measures that must be considered in a particular activity.

Challenging ActivitiesSome activities are clearly far more challenging than others. Outdoor and adventurous activities have many challenges.

• For example: Climbing – anyone taking part in this activity will have to cope with a challenging environment in terms of height and difficult climbs.

Task One• Each table has been given an outdoor and

adventurous activity.– Canoeing, surfing, skiing, climbing, abseiling or caving.

• As a group, write a list of all the risks you can think of involved with this activity.

• Why do you think this is a challenging activity?

• Feedback to class.

Caving

Climbing

Abseiling

Canoeing

Skiing

Surfing

Challenging Activities• These types of activity require the

environment to be challenging in order to make taking part worthwhile.

• They will also have scales of challenge whereby once a certain condition or area has been dealt with there is then another level to confront.

Challenging Activities• Challenge within activities can also be a factor.• To tackle a bigger opponent in rugby is a

physical challenge as is to run in excess of 26 miles in a marathon.

• On your table can you think of any more examples of challenge within an activity?

Risk Assessment• It is vital that potential hazards or

dangers are spotted before any physical activity is undertaken.

• All aspects of the sporting environment have to be considered in order to be sure that a degree of challenge is still present but that safety is fully considered.

Task Two• As a table choose any sport and list all the potential hazards or dangers involved with that sport and what they can do to prevent them.

• E.g. Boxers – they wear protective gloves and head guards to minimise the risk when taking part in their chosen activity.

Risk Control• This means that every effort has to

be made by the participants and those in charge to ensure that the activity continues in a safe manner once the risk assessment has been

carried out.

Risk ControlWhat can a participant do to control the risks?

• Always perform properly within the rules or their activity.

• Avoid foul play and inappropriate behaviour.• Make sure they are not wearing any

jewellery.• Make sure that their equipment is in good

working order – sharp studs on football boots could badly injure another player

Risk ControlWhat can the organisers do to control the risks?

• Ensure that they are fully qualified and knowledgeable to be in charge of a group.

• Don’t mix age or gender groups.• Don’t have too many people taking part.• Ensure the participants are playing by the

rules.• Ensure that the group have warmed up

properly.

Safeguards• It is important to always have first aid

equipment available and be aware of where qualified first aiders or

telephones are located in case of an emergency.