Risk Assessment

As the National Governing Body for Taekwondo in the UK, Taekwondo Council UK (TCUK) is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the art. Following best practice in risk assessments is crucial to creating a safe environment for all participants. Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, particularly after incidents, changes to the training environment, or updates to government guidance. Feedback from participants and staff should also be considered to improve safety measures. By keeping risk assessments up to date, we ensure Taekwondo remains safe, enjoyable, and fully compliant with UK legislation.

In accordance with UK law and government recommendations, risk assessments should be reviewed and updated as necessary. The following guidelines are in line with best practices and legal requirements across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland:

1. Regular Reviews: Risk assessments should be reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if there are significant changes to the activity, venue, or participants. For example, if there are changes in equipment, the size of the group, or new safety protocols, the risk assessment should reflect these adjustments.
2. After Incidents or Near Misses: Following any accidents, injuries, or near-miss incidents, the risk assessment should be revisited to determine if current measures were sufficient or if additional precautions are needed. This is crucial to prevent recurrence and improve safety protocols.
3. Changes in Government Guidance or Regulations: Risk assessments must be updated in response to new government guidance or changes in regulations, especially in the context of health and safety, safeguarding, and COVID-19 measures. These changes could affect how activities are run or what safety protocols are necessary.
4. Changes to Activities or Environments: If there are changes to the environment (e.g., a new venue) or significant changes to the activities being carried out (e.g., new techniques or equipment), the risk assessment should be updated to reflect these changes.
5. Changes in Participants: Any significant changes in the nature of the participants, such as age, experience, or physical condition, should prompt a review. For example, if vulnerable adults or children are involved, specific safety measures must be considered. This includes reviewing any needs of participants with disabilities or special requirements to ensure all risks are adequately addressed.
6. Incorporating Feedback: Feedback from participants, coaches, and other stakeholders should be integrated into the review process. This feedback can help identify previously unrecognised risks or areas for improvement in safety protocols, ensuring the overall effectiveness of the risk assessment.
7. Government Recommendations and Industry Best Practices: Ensure your risk assessment aligns with recommendations from ourselves (NGB), UK government, public health authorities, and relevant industry bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and UK Sport. Keeping up to date with any new safety developments or changes to the law is critical.

As part of TCUK’s safeguarding and safety protocols, a completed and updated risk assessment is a mandatory requirement for maintaining instructor membership. This ensures that instructors are operating within a safe framework and that all potential risks are actively mitigated.

Below is a template that anyone can use. Instructors are encouraged to complete the TCUK risk assessment template, which addresses key areas of health and safety, such as the training environment, equipment, participant safety, and emergency procedures. By using this template, instructors show their commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in Taekwondo activities.