New Standards Australia guidance presents new approach to risk management in sport and recreation

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.