A Sample Morris Risk Assessment

England’s Glory Ladies Morris Risk Assessment

Introduction

Morris Dancing involves a degree of risk similar to any form of dancing or street theatre. Performances usually take place in public places, and are most successful when in close proximity to the audience and so adults and children may be close and inattentive parents may allow children to run freely around the dancers. Sometimes audience members are invited to join in simple dances. Children, particularly, enjoy this aspect of performance. (England’s Glory Ladies Morris has a regularly reviewed Child Protection Policy) Performances also involve dancers hitting sticks together in an exuberant but controlled manner, but inevitably sticks occasionally break.

The tradition, as street entertainment, has existed in England since the mid-fifteenth century. While records show that there were sometimes disputes between groups of morris dancers that lead to injury, records of damage or injury to third parties are extremely rare in the 600-year history of the tradition.

England’s Glory Ladies Morris takes all reasonable care to ensure that the site of a performance is suitable and to minimise any risk to onlookers or passers-by.

Risk Assessment for England’s Glory Ladies Morris

During its 35 year history, England’s Glory Ladies have performed on hundreds of occasions. We are aware of no accidents or near-accidents affecting anyone other than team members who have sustained “sports injuries”.

A performance involves a group of musicians (rarely more than four) and a group of dancers (usually 6 or 8) performing dances on a suitable surface either in the open or in a suitable enclosed space.

Members of the public may be invited to join in simple dances as part of the performance. In public participation, the hazard (the potential for injury) to the public is similar to or less than that of walking down the street, aerobics, or taking part in a primary school sports day.

There is a very remote chance of a member of the audience being struck by a part of a broken stick during performance.

As members of The Morris Federation, England’s Glory Ladies Morris is covered by the Joint Morris Organisations insurance against damage or injury to third parties.

Electrical equipment is rarely used other than for instructionals for schools and other groups, for voice amplification. Noise levels are consistent with unamplified musical instruments, small bells and stick clashing. Sticks are prepared by team members and are inspected regularly for damage. Several members of the team have been involved teaching morris dancing at schools and have subsequently been subject to CRB checks.

This Risk Assessment may be amended and used by any morris dance side, or other not for profit folk organisation as long as the source is properly acknowledged.