Games in the Dark

Since I wrote my ‘Elf ‘n’ Safety post, the Scout Association have issued some guidelines about playing games in the dark (see the bit about the bloke who sued for a shoulder injury).

The advice reads –

Games advice

19/01/2011

A recent judgement on a Scouting accident which occurred in 2001 relates to a game run in the dark and has led to enquiries from leaders.

The Judge in the case acknowledged the value that Scouting brings to young people and the wider community. It is important to appreciate that the judgement related to a specific case with specific circumstances where a game was intended to be played in the light and was simply transferred to dark conditions, indoors, without sufficient consideration given for the increased risk involved in the view of the Judge.

This judgement does not mean the end of games in the dark.

Assess risk

The key message continues to be that you remember to assess the risk for your activity and consider whether it is suitable to take place in the dark and, if it is, what additional controls might need to be in place to keep it safe.

Some games are best played outside only, where there is much more space.

Additionally, after a spate of Dodgeball incidents, please follow the same principles; assess the risks and consider the surface of the activity area, and whether it is free of slip and trip hazards.

Some games are played standing on chairs or benches. Be sure this is suitable for the age and ability of those playing.

Considerations

In summary, when planning all games – consider:

1. The space and environment in which your game is taking place

Explain boundaries or potential hazards that perhaps can’t be removed such as walls (lots of injuries are caused by running into walls to stop – broken wrists, bumped heads, for example), polished wooden floors, tables and chairs around the edge of the room.

2. The age and ability of those taking part

3. Do they know the rules?

It is good to remind them in case of new joiners or if they have not played it for a while.

4. Ensure adequate supervision

Remember, those games, locations and activities we use most often are assumed the safest and may be forgotten as having potential for an accident when assessing the risk.

Which can be basically read as ‘Don’t be Stupid’! A lot of H & S stuff can be boiled down to that simple statement, but unfortunately these things do need spelling out to people in very simple terms to ensure that accidents don’t happen!

Still, nice to read that the SA are issuing sensible advice and not banning everything in sight.