A Student Perspective of Intramural Sport Risk Management Procedures

Abstract

One of the best ways for an intramural sports program to ensure that an ordinary and reasonable standard of care is adhered to, as well as guarding against litigation, is communication of a risk management program. While having a risk management plan has been widely stressed, no previous research has been conducted from a participant's viewpoint. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of university intramural risk management plans from the participant's perception. The primary results of this study indicate that the majority of the intramural sport participants responded that they had never: a) noticed an intramural supervisor being present while the activity was taking place; b) been informed about the potential for participant injury; c) noticed signage relating to emergency procedures at the area of the activity; d) knew of a risk management plan for intramural sports; d) noticed emergency equipment at the site of the activity; and e) been informed about the possession of First Aid/CPR certification or equivalent by the supervisor.

To Use or Not to Use? the Status of Waivers in Intramural Sports

“…White and Cardinal (2004) indicated that programs may not be protected from liability due to injury unless the participant fully comprehends what they are signing. Although a properly developed and implemented waiver may assist in decreasing the potential for litigation, failure to properly communicate its purpose can severely limit its effectiveness (Miller, Veltri, & Gillentine, 2005).…”

Selected Risk Management Policies, Practices, and Procedures for Intramural Activities at NIRSA Institutions

“…A great deal has been written in recent years in the professional and popular literature regarding risk management, legal liability, and participation in a wide variety of physical activities and sports. There have also been a number of publications and studies dealing with the need for risk management planning in a variety of institutions and organizations (Clement, 1988;Koehler, 1988;Lee, 1999;Mulrooney, Styles, & Green, 2002;McGregor & MacDonald, 2000;Miller, Veltri, & Gillentine, 2005;Miller & Veltri, 2003;Mulrooney & Green, 1997;Risk Management for Campus Recreation, 2007;Sharp, 1990;Stier, 2008;van der Smissen, 1990;Veltri, Miller, & Scott, 2001;White & Cardinal, 2003). However, there has not been a comparable contribution relative to the areas of risk management and legal liability in the area of collegiate/university intramural activities such as this research effort attempted to accomplish.…”