AusLeisure

Representing a paradigm shift in risk management for sport and recreation, promoting a nuanced approach that values both safety and the inherent benefits of risk-taking in these activities, the new

AS ISO 4980:2023 Benefit-Risk Assessment for Sports and Recreational Facilities, Activities, and Equipment provides a framework for evaluating both the benefits and risks associated with sport and recreation activities.

Marking a departure from traditional risk management standards, which often focus solely on minimising or eliminating risks, Standards Australia’s AS ISO 4980:2023 emphasises a balanced assessment, recognising that exposure to certain risks in sport and recreation can offer significant benefits, such as improved physical health, psychological well-being, and social interaction.

Implications for the Sports and Recreation Industry
The adoption of AS ISO 4980:2023 has several implications:

Enhanced Participant Experience: By acknowledging the benefits of certain risks, organisations can design activities that are both safe and fulfilling, enhancing the overall participant experience.

Improved Risk Communication: A balanced assessment facilitates transparent communication about potential risks and benefits, fostering trust between providers and participants.

Informed Policy Development: Regulatory bodies can utilise the standard to develop policies that protect participants while preserving the intrinsic value and challenge of sport and recreation activities.

Key Features of AS ISO 4980:2023
AS ISO 4980:2023 introduces several innovative concepts and methodologies:

Balanced Assessment: The standard encourages evaluators to consider both the positive outcomes (benefits) and potential negative consequences (risks) of sport and recreation activities. This holistic approach acknowledges that some level of risk is inherent and often essential to the nature of these activities.

User-Centric Focus: Unlike traditional risk assessments that may prioritize the safety of employees and operators, AS ISO 4980:2023 centres on the participants - those engaging in sports and recreational activities. This shift ensures that the assessments are relevant to the actual experiences and expectations of users.

Contextual Flexibility: Recognising the diverse nature of sports and recreational activities, the standard provides a flexible framework adaptable to various contexts, from extreme sports to casual recreational pursuits.

Informed Decision-Making: By presenting a clear picture of both risks and benefits, the standard empowers participants, facility operators, and policymakers to make informed decisions that align with their values and risk tolerance levels.

Historical Development
The journey toward the development of AS ISO 4980:2023 spans several decades, reflecting an evolving understanding of risk management in the context of sports and recreation. Key milestones include:

1995: The publication of AS/NZS 4360:1995, ‘Risk Management - Guidelines’, which laid the foundation for systematic risk management practices.

1999: The release of AS/NZS 4360:1999, an updated version of the original guidelines, incorporating broader applications and refined methodologies.

2004: The introduction of AS/NZS 4360:2004, further enhancing the guidelines and emphasizing the importance of context-specific risk assessments.

These foundational documents primarily addressed risk from a traditional perspective, focusing on identification, assessment, and mitigation. However, as the understanding of risk in sports and recreational activities evolved, there was a growing recognition of the need to balance risk with the inherent benefits these activities provide. This realisation culminated in the development of AS ISO 4980:2023, which integrates benefit-risk assessment into the risk management process.

Launch and Publication
Officially published on 19th May by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), AS ISO 4980:2023 signifies a significant advancement in the field of risk management, particularly within the sport and recreation sectors. The standard is now accessible to organisations, facility managers and stakeholders worldwide, providing them with the tools to implement a balanced benefit-risk assessment approach in their operations.

Click here for more information on AS ISO 4980:2023.

Related Articles

6th May 2023 - Prepared for ‘tough risks’ in gyms and studios insurer Cornerstone exhibits at AUSFitness Expo

2nd May 2023 - ASTM announces development of risk assessment standard proposal for amusement rides

3rd February 2023 - Wayne Middleton to take up role as Global Vice President of Risk for Momentus Technologies

16th October 2022 - Newcastle’s Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club at risk from coastal hazards

29th August 2022 - Australian Sports Commission helps directors identify and assess risk

29th July 2022 - Injury study calls for tackling bans in junior sport after finding ‘conclusive evidence’ of brain disease risk

25th February 2022 - New Sport Australia and Australian Institute of Sport back AIHW safety project

20th December 2021 - Standards Australia publishes terrorist risk management handbook

18th November 2021 - Risk management the key to way out of attractions industry’s insurance crisis

19th August 2021 - Standards Australia to develop handbooks on urban green space

8th February 2021 - Standards Australia adopts amendments to AS 4685 Playground equipment and surfacing

9th September 2019 - New International Standards aim to reduce negative impacts of recreational diving

30th October 2018 - Standards Australia releases new international guidance on risk management

14th March 2018 - Standards Australia looks for industry input to develop crowd management handbook

16th February 2018 - Standards Australia highlights its role in trampoline park safety

6th September 2015 - AFIRM manual aims to improve gym safety

9th April 2015 - Standards Australia revives Waterborne inflatables guidance

7th August 2012 - Standards Australia releases interim standard for water inflatables

6th July 2012 - Standards Australia invites public comment on contained play safety standard

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.