Unit Content
Working in the Sports Industry
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Why is it important to understand what knowledge and skills are required when you apply for a job?
Different skills are required for different jobs
Task
Roles and responsibilities – in more detail
Role models
Task
How to Influence Others
Health and safety
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Health and safety policies
A health and safety checklist
Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations (RIDDOR) (1995)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (2002)
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) (2002)
Health and Safety (First aid) Regulations (1981)
Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992)
Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act (1987)
Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority Regulations (2004)
Health and Safety Evaluation Form
Conclusion
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Conclusion
Unit 3: Working in the Sports Industry
About Lesson

Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority Regulations (2004)


The Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority Regulations (AALA) 2004 is a UK law that regulates safety standards for organisations offering certain adventurous activities. Its goal is to ensure that those who lead or supervise adventurous activities for students under 18 do so in a way that minimises risks to participants. Here are the main points of the legislation and how they affect sport.

Who needs a licence?

  • Anyone who provides, in return for payment, adventure activities within the scope of the Licensing Regulations to young people under 18, is required by law to hold a licence. Sports covered are caving, climbing, trekking and water sports.
  • (Walking, running, pony trekking, off-road cycling, off-piste skiing and related activities when done in moorland, or any terrain over 600m, which is remote, i.e. over 30 minutes travelling time which will be never more than 2.5km from the nearest road or refuge) and water sports (canoeing, rafting, sailing and related activities).


Example:
A company offering rock climbing or canoeing for the public must obtain an AALA license to ensure they meet safety standards.

Safety Standards for Instructors and Supervisors

  • Instructors must meet qualifications and follow safety protocols to ensure participants’ safety.


Example:
Instructors leading an activity like caving or hill walking need appropriate certifications, such as those from Mountain Training UK or British Canoeing, to comply with AALA regulations.

Risk Management and Safety Procedures

  • Providers must have clear risk management policies, including emergency procedures and proper equipment.


Example:
A sailing school must have proper safety equipment (life jackets, communication devices) and risk assessments in place to ensure safety during classes.

Inspection and Monitoring

  • The AALA inspects providers regularly to check that they are complying with safety standards.


Example:
A kayaking centre would undergo routine inspections to verify that their boats, equipment, and safety protocols (including risk assessments) are up to required standards.

Types of Activities Covered

  • The law applies to activities that carry inherent risks, such as caving, climbing, trekking and water sports.
  • Caving covers underground exploration in natural caves, and mines including potholing, cave diving and mine exploration. Excluding show caves and tourist mines open to the public, or parts of mines which are still being worked.
  • Climbing includes, traversing, canyoning, abseiling and scrambling activities except on purpose designed climbing walls or abseiling towers.
  • Trekking includes walking, running, pony trekking, off-road cycling, off-piste skiing and related activities when done in moorland, or any terrain over 600m, which is remote, i.e. over 30 minutes travelling time which will be never more than 2.5km from the nearest road or refuge)
  • Water sports include canoeing, rafting, sailing and related activities.


Example:
An outdoor adventure company offering abseiling or off-road biking would need AALA licensing, as these activities are considered adventurous and carry risk.

Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance

  • Organisations that operate without a license or fail to meet the safety standards may face legal consequences, including fines or being prohibited from operating.


Example:
A company offering unlicensed diving excursions could face penalties if it fails to obtain the appropriate AALA license and does not follow safety regulations.

In summary, the AALA 2004 ensures that companies providing adventurous activities in the UK do so in a way that protects participants, maintains high safety standards, and reduces the likelihood of accidents.


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