Recreation Program Safety Review

Recreation program safety reviews evaluate the ongoing safety of structured programs including youth sports leagues, fitness classes, aquatics programs, and special events. This checklist supports program directors in maintaining NRPA standards, state licensing compliance, and best practices for participant protection across all community recreation programs.

Industry: Sports and Recreation
Frequency: Quarterly and before new program sessions
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Role: Recreation Program Director / Parks and Recreation Director
Total Items: 28

Staff Qualifications and Training

Review staff credentials and required training.

All program staff holding required certifications for their role?
Required staff current in CPR and First Aid training?
Background checks completed for all staff with participant contact?
Child protection and mandatory reporter training completed for youth program staff?
Staff-to-participant ratios meeting program requirements for all activities?
New staff orientation covering safety procedures completed before independent duty?
Training and certification records maintained in personnel files?

Participant Safety Procedures

Review participant registration, health screening, and supervision.

Participant registration including emergency contacts current for all enrolled?
Medical information and health questionnaires on file for all participants?
Signed liability waivers and assumption of risk forms on file?
Participant allergy and medical condition information communicated to all staff?
Protocols preventing unsupervised alone-time between staff and individual minors?
Check-in and check-out procedures preventing unauthorized minor release?
Reasonable accommodations in place for participants with disabilities?

Emergency Procedures and Response

Review emergency response capabilities and plans.

Written emergency action plan current and accessible to all program staff?
Staff trained on emergency action plan through drills or scenario training?
First aid kit accessible at all program locations?
AED accessible and staff trained on its use?
Emergency contact information accessible for all participants during program?
Incident reporting procedure established and staff trained to document injuries?
Communication devices (phones, radios) available for staff at all program locations?

Program Compliance and Risk Management

Review regulatory compliance and risk management.

Required state program licenses or permits current?
General liability insurance current with appropriate coverage for program activities?
Incident and injury log reviewed for trends since last review?
Program-specific risk assessment completed for new activities or changes?
All program equipment safe, inspected, and meeting applicable standards?
Participant and parent feedback reviewed for safety concerns?
Quarterly safety review report completed and submitted to management?

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Why Use This Recreation Program Safety Review?

This recreation program safety review helps sports and recreation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for recreation program director / parks and recreation director professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly and before new program sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Recreation Program Safety Review cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 4 sections: Staff Qualifications and Training, Participant Safety Procedures, Emergency Procedures and Response, Program Compliance and Risk Management. It is designed for sports and recreation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly and before new program sessions. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Who should use this Recreation Program Safety Review?

This checklist is designed for Recreation Program Director / Parks and Recreation Director professionals in the sports and recreation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.