How to Organise a Safe Charity Sporting Event

If you’re trying to raise money for a good local cause, then holding a large-scale one-off event is a great way to do it.

You’ll create an eye-catching spectacle, you’ll raise awareness, and in the process you’ll raise funds for those that need it.

Organising something like this requires a little bit of planning. It’s easy to be blindsided by factors you hadn’t considered, especially during an age when there’s a pandemic ongoing. Let’s take a look at some things you’ll need to consider.

Safety

At the time of writing, mass gatherings are not permitted. When they are, there are certain to be a number of strings attached. You’ll need to provide separate, socially-distanced places to sit. You’ll need to put out hand sanitizer, and ensure that everyone wears facemasks.

Of course, even if there isn’t a virus on the loose, you’ll still need to fulfil your health-and-safety obligations. Make sure that there is appropriate first-aid support on site. If there are more than five hundred people attending, as a rule, this means that two qualified first-aiders should be required. Make sure that you have public liability insurance in place. In many cases, this will be provided by the venue. If you’re serving food, make sure that you meet the guidelines set out by the Food Standards Agency.

The Venue

Your event will need a suitable venue. That means it’ll need the capacity to house all of the activities you’re hosting. In summertime, an outdoor sporting event might seem sensible and cost-effective. If you’re worried about the rain, then you might host the event in a temporary structure. You can find more information on structures like that by clicking here.

People

Who’s being invited? You’ll need the input of volunteers to make an event of this kind work. Delegate responsibility for every aspect of the event, and make sure that you’ve appointed someone to do the officiating.

Promotion

Depending on the size of the event, you’ll want to promote it two weeks in advance – and possibly far more than that. Social media is an obvious place to spread the message, but you shouldn’t neglect the power of advertisements in your local paper, and flyers posted in local shops and restaurants. If it’s for charity, the chances are good that you’ll be allowed to post your flyer just about anywhere.

Secure a Sponsorship

Local businesses will be keen to have their name associated with a good cause. Get them to match every donation made, and you’ll effectively be able to double your takings. In practice, it’s sure to be even more positive than that, as all of your would-be donors will be incentivised to put their hands in their pockets.