lockdown procedure

Purpose

Soccer Mania is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all players, staff, and visitors. This Lockdown Procedure outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a serious threat or emergency that requires all persons on site to remain in a secure location.

A lockdown may be initiated in response to:

* An intruder on site

* Violent or aggressive behaviour

* A nearby police incident

* A dangerous animal

* Any other external or internal threat

Types of Lockdown

**Full Lockdown** – Used when there is a serious and immediate threat.

**Partial Lockdown** – Used when there is a potential risk in a specific area of the site.

The Camp Director (or most senior staff member present) will decide which procedure to initiate.

Initiating a Lockdown

The signal for lockdown will be:

* A clear verbal instruction: “LOCKDOWN, LOCKDOWN, LOCKDOWN”

  OR

* A whistle/air horn signal (if applicable)

All staff must act immediately without waiting for further confirmation.

During a Full Lockdown

Staff must:

1. Immediately stop activities.

2. Escort players calmly to the nearest safe indoor space (clubhouse, changing rooms, indoor facility).

3. Lock and secure all doors and windows where possible.

4. Close blinds or curtains if available.

5. Move players away from doors and windows.

6. Take a register to account for all players.

7. Keep players quiet, calm, and reassured.

8. Do not open doors for anyone unless authorised by emergency services or the Camp Director.

Mobile phones should be silenced but available for emergency communication.

If Outdoors and No Indoor Shelter Is Available

If indoor shelter is not immediately accessible:

* Move players to the safest available location out of sight.

* Use natural cover where possible.

* Keep the group together and remain quiet.

* Contact emergency services if required.

Communication

* The Camp Director will contact emergency services if necessary.

* Parents will be informed as soon as it is safe to do so.

* No staff member should communicate details on social media.

* Only the Camp Director (or designated person) will speak to parents.

Ending the Lockdown

A lockdown will only be lifted by:

* Emergency services, or

* The Camp Director once it is confirmed safe.

The all-clear will be clearly communicated to all staff.

After the Incident

* A full register will be taken.

* An incident report will be completed.

* Parents will be informed of the situation.

* Support will be offered to any players or staff affected.

* The procedure will be reviewed to identify improvements.

Staff Responsibilities

All Soccer Mania staff must:

* Familiarise themselves with this procedure.

* Know the nearest safe spaces.

* Participate in any lockdown drills.

* Act quickly and calmly in an emergency.

Commitment

The safety of every child at Soccer Mania is our highest priority. Regular reviews and training will ensure this procedure remains effective and up to date.