Welfare & Risk Management Framework for Members with Epilepsy or Similar Medical Conditions

Member Welfare & Risk Management Plan

Purpose
The purpose of this plan is to support members with medical conditions in continuing to enjoy golf safely and inclusively at Brynhill, whilst ensuring the club has appropriate welfare, communication and emergency procedures in place.

Key Principles
• The club is committed to inclusivity and supporting members with disabilities and medical conditions wherever reasonably possible.
• The club also has a duty of care to staff, volunteers and fellow members.
• The club cannot provide medical supervision or clinical care.
• Members remain responsible for managing their own medical conditions where possible.

Support Measures
The following support measures may be considered where appropriate:

• Emergency contact details held securely by the club
• Agreed procedure in the event of a medical episode on the course
• Recommendation that the member avoids playing alone where appropriate
• Encouragement for check-in/check-out with the Pro Shop when attending the club
• Staff awareness of emergency response procedures
• Availability of first aid support where possible

Responsibilities of Playing Partners
Playing partners may reasonably be expected to:

• Remain calm and assist with immediate safety during an episode
• Contact the clubhouse or emergency services if required
• Stay with the member until assistance arrives where practical

Playing partners cannot reasonably be expected to:

• Provide ongoing medical supervision
• Take personal responsibility for another member’s condition throughout a round
• Administer medical treatment beyond basic emergency assistance unless trained and willing to do so

Club Responsibilities
The club will:

• Respond appropriately and sensitively to welfare concerns
• Review any incidents reported
• Maintain reasonable health & safety procedures
• Seek to balance inclusion, welfare and the enjoyment of all members

Review
This plan may be reviewed periodically following incidents, medical updates or operational concerns.

Guidance for Members Playing with Individuals Who Experience Medical Episodes

If a fellow player experiences a seizure or medical episode on the course:

• Stay calm
• Ensure the immediate area is safe
• Do not restrain the individual
• Move clubs, trolleys or other hazards away if required
• If the individual falls, protect their head if safe to do so
• Allow the episode to pass naturally
• Contact the clubhouse immediately if assistance is required
• Call emergency services where necessary

Emergency services should be contacted immediately if:

• The episode lasts longer than 5 minutes
• Multiple seizures occur
• The individual is injured
• Breathing difficulties occur
• The episode is significantly different from normal

Following the episode:

• Remain with the individual until they recover sufficiently
• Assist them back to the clubhouse if appropriate
• Report the incident to club management

The club appreciates the support and understanding of members whilst recognising that fellow golfers are not expected to provide ongoing medical supervision.

EMC Position Statement – Member Welfare & Course Safety

The club is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members, including individuals with disabilities and medical conditions.

At the same time, the club must balance individual welfare needs with its wider duty of care to staff, volunteers and fellow members, whilst ensuring the continued enjoyment and safe operation of the golf course and clubhouse environment.

The club recognises that fellow members are not trained carers or medical supervisors and cannot reasonably be expected to assume ongoing responsibility for another individual’s medical condition during play.

Accordingly, the club will continue to:

• Support members sensitively and respectfully
• Maintain appropriate welfare and emergency procedures
• Encourage reasonable adjustments where practical
• Review concerns and incidents appropriately
• Work collaboratively with members and families where required

The club remains committed to balancing inclusion, safety, dignity and the best interests of the wider membership.

Team Golf Welfare & Participation Directive

Purpose
This directive is intended to provide clear guidance regarding participation in team golf by members who experience medical conditions which may result in episodes or seizures during play.

Brynhill Golf Club remains committed to supporting inclusivity and member welfare whilst also ensuring the safety, wellbeing and reasonable expectations of team captains, players and opponents.

Individual Member Expectations

The individual member is expected to:

• Communicate openly with the Team Captain and Club Management regarding any medical condition that may impact participation
• Follow reasonable guidance provided by the Team Captain or Club Management regarding selection, travel and participation
• Ensure any required medication or medical support is personally managed
• Notify the Team Captain immediately if feeling unwell or unable to safely participate
• Avoid attending fixtures where they have been advised they are not selected or where participation is considered unsuitable for welfare or operational reasons
• Understand that selection decisions remain at the discretion of Team Captains and management in the best interests of all players and the club

Team Member Expectations

Team members are expected to:

• Treat fellow players respectfully and sensitively
• Provide reasonable assistance during any medical episode where practical and safe to do so
• Notify the Team Captain, host club or emergency services if assistance is required
• Remain calm and supportive in the event of an incident

However, team members are not expected to:

• Provide medical supervision or personal care responsibilities throughout a match
• Take sole responsibility for transporting or managing another individual member
• Assume ongoing welfare duties that may negatively impact their own participation or enjoyment of the fixture

Captain & Club Responsibilities

Team Captains and Club Management will:

• Consider welfare, safety and operational factors when selecting teams
• Make decisions in the best interests of the individual, team and club
• Ensure concerns raised by players or opposing clubs are appropriately reviewed
• Maintain respectful and confidential handling of welfare matters where possible

The club reserves the right to restrict or manage participation arrangements where there are genuine welfare, safety or operational concerns.