Ohio 4-H Youth Development
OSU Extension
High Risk
Kayaking

Location Issues

High Ropes

Special Equipment Required

Swimming

Water Involved

Shooting Sports

Use of Firearms

What Are Your 4-H Club Risks?

Learn how to plan for the expected & the unexpected to minimize "risks" to all participants.

All games and activities come with some risks. Great coaches are aware of potential risks and prepare their players and themselves to minimize risks by planning for the expected and unexpected. Unless, you do not conduct an activity at all, there will always be some level of risk connected to 4-H club experiences. Avoid having to deal with 4-H "red shirts" by learning how to manage risks associated with negative outcomes. Focus on strategies to ensure a safe, healthy and fun experience for all your members. Understand the risks related to member behavior and supervision, club communication and fiscal management, and the safety and health of your membership.

Why Manage 4-H Club Risks?

Protect yourself, the youth you serve and the Extension and 4-H organizations by understanding how to manage potential club risks. You can begin with knowing the key indicators that lead to higher risk club activities. Then, utilize risk management strategies to share, reduce and manage potential risks. Analyze, take action and review every club activity - do not take for granted managing risks, just because you are repeating a favorite club program.

Key Indicators of High Risk

Activities that involve:

  • Large Animals (horseback riding, trail rides, horse shows, programs/activities using large animals in demonstration or practice by members, etc.)
  • Use of Firearms (demonstration or practice)
  • Overnight Experience
  • Transportation Involved (car, bus, airplane, train, boats, etc.)
  • Special Equipment Required (skies, helmets, harnesses, ATV, skates, etc.)
  • Water Involved (swimming, canoeing, boating, diving, snorkeling, fishing, etc.)
  • Food Service and/or Preparation
  • Location Issues (geographically large area, remote, unfamiliar to supervising adults, etc.)
  • Supervision Restraints (youth unaccompanied by a parent/ legal guardian, large number of participants that can not be directly supervised all at once, inadequate number of adults to supervise number of youth, discipline or behavior management issues of participants, etc.)

What Are The Keys to Managing Your 4-H Club Risks?

  1. Use appropriate Permission Forms when conducting High Risk 4-H club activities.
  2. Secure appropriate insurance and contractual approval for 4-H club activities, events and programs.
  3. Never place yourself in a one-on-one situation with a minor.
  4. Never use physical or verbal punishment to discipline disruptive club members.
  5. Communicate safety and health issues and policies to members and parents/legal guardians.
  6. Report Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Cases to the proper authorities.
  7. Abide by the Volunteer Standards of Behavior, agreed to, signed and on file with your 4-H volunteer application at the County Extension Office.
  8. Obtain and/or update required training and/or attend volunteer training opportunities annually or as required by organizational policy.
  9. Plan club programs to meet the needs of all youth including Cloverbud members and youth with special needs.
  10. Address challenges and concerns with your local County Extension Educator(s) early before problems or issues get out of control.

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