Hoplite Association

Risk Assessment

Updated: 11 September 2007 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact Address: The Secretary, The Hoplite Association, c/o 23 Prospect, Thurlstone, Sheffield, S36 9RA Tel: 01226 767487 Email: [email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Public Liability Cover: Zurich Municipal Policy: XAO-122902-1653-00 Valid from: 31 July 2008 – 30 July 2009 Cover: £5,000,000 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Event Assessment: The Hoplite Association conduct both static (classed as Living History) and arena based displays. These are listed separately below:

Living History: The ‘Living History’ area hereinafter referred to as the ‘site’, will be defined by a taped barrier. During the course of a display, access within that area will be limited to Hoplites Association members only. In exceptional circumstances non members may be admitted on an individual basis but only when accompanied at all times by an Association member. There will be no exceptions to this.

By the nature of historical display, edged weapons are carried and displayed by the Association. When presented for display, these will be no closer than 1 metre to the tape separating the site from the public. Where weapons are demonstrated directly with the public the blades will at all times remain within the taped area.

Whenever archery is displayed within the site this will take place under the Association archery guidelines. Only Flu Flu arrows will be used, with red heads against an approved archery net and only when the line of shooting is not bordered by the public, there is a safe zone beyond the backnet and a member of the Association acts as an archery marshal. Piled arrows can only be used when the archery area is fully isolated from the public.

Fires, when used for cookery and basic Living History displays, shall always be in a raised firepit and never be left unattended. Adequate water and/or sand will be on hand in the event of a fire spillage.

A medical kit will be on hand at all events and its whereabouts and the designated medical member will be made known to all members on the commencement of each day’s event. Where possible, the medical member will be a member of the medical profession. When undertaking activities directly with the public, such as ‘kiddie drill’, these will take place within a secured, roped off area and will be managed by a minimum of 2 people. The second person being responsible for observing and monitoring/ensuring that no irresponsible or risky behaviour is conducted or engaged in. Equipment provided for ‘kiddie drill’ will have appropriate rubber or foam padding and have been approved ON THE DAY USED by the designated safety officer.

A designated safety officer will be nominated upon arrival at the site. Their decisions will be accepted WITHOUT QUESTION on the day. Challenges to their decisions will only be considered after the close of an event and for consideration for the next event.

Arena Displays The Hoplite Association will only perform arena based activities if the arena is properly secured from public access, is protected by either a double barrier system or suitable safe zone around the end and specific activities performed will be subject to an Association evaluation.

Any archery display will involve shooting AWAY from the crowd, using suitable Flu Flu arrows with red heads in good condition. All archery equipment will be subject to approval by the designate safety officer ON THE DAY. If there is insufficient distance behind the nominated target to allow for overshooting, no archery will take place.

Any javelin or other missile weapons will only be discharged DIRECTLY AWAY from the crowd. If there is insufficient distance behind the nominated target, no discharge of weapons will take place.

In both cases the arena area will be checked BEFORE a display takes place to ensure that both suitable distance and weather (specifically wind) are suitable.

Displays shall consist of non-physical contact based activities UNLESS the participants have been fully trained, their weapons have been checked for safety and the routine has been suitably choreographed.

Conduct at an Event When at an event and outside the Association site, weapons shall be carried in a responsible manner and maintained in the direct possession of the member AT ALL TIMES. No swordplay, waving or demonstration of spears or similar activities are to be undertaken anywhere than within a designated area.