Climate changes has resulted in the UK experiencing more extreme weather, including an increase in rainfall and, consequently, flooding.
Sports club managers should be aware of the potential risks from flooding and take the necessary precautions to safeguard employees and the property.
In this article, we explore flood risk for sports facilities and the steps organisations can take to build resilience against this threat.
The growing threat of flooding in the UK
Climate change has influenced how much rain falls during autumn and winter storms in the UK. According to one study, climate change contributed to increasing the amount of rainfall by about 15% during the 2023-2024 storm season. With every degree of regional warming, the intensity of extreme downpours is predicted to increase by 5-15%.
Preparation is critical for football clubs and other sports facilities based in areas that are susceptible to flooding. Sports clubs should be mindful of potential flood threats, even in locations that are not recognised as flood prone.
Flooding can not only cause considerable damage to buildings, infrastructure, and the environment, but also lead to significant disruption. Taking proactive measures to mitigate flood risk can reduce the potential effects of future flooding and safeguard property from long-term damage.
The unpredictability of weather patterns requires constant vigilance of flood risk. It is important for managers of sports grounds and facilities to check flood warnings and develop a club flood plan that includes evacuation procedures.
It is also advisable to consider flood protection products, such as flood insurance, to mitigate financial loss from flood damage. To build long-term resilience, many sports facilities consider using flood-resilient design for new projects and undertake flood-resistant and resilient repairs for existing facilities.
Key steps for protecting clubs and facilities against flooding
There are several measures a sports club can take to protect against storms and flooding, including:
- Registering for flood warnings via the GOV.UK website and reviewing the latest information on flooding from the Environment Agency.
- Placing a copy of important telephone numbers and policy documents in a safe and easy-to-find place. It’s essential to have insurance documents and contacts for electricity and water suppliers to hand.
- Ensuring that essentials, such as buckets, sandbags, spades, wellies, bottled water, gloves, and other protective clothing, are stored in an accessible area.
- Laying sandbags at entry points as a first line of defence to prevent water from entering, leaving internal doors open, and switching off electricity and gas supplies during flooding.
- Moving upstairs as much machinery, equipment, furniture, and other items as possible, as soon as a flood alert is raised. Lifting items that are unmovable onto blocks or bricks to minimise damage.
- Avoiding drinking mains water during a flood due to contamination risk.
National governing bodies have a part to play
National governing bodies play a pivotal role in ensuring that their affiliated clubs and facilities are prepared for flood risk. By providing essential resources, guidelines, and other support, they can help clubs assess their vulnerability to flooding and implement effective risk management strategies.
By collaborating with local authorities and environmental agencies, governing bodies can advocate for improved infrastructure and flood defences that protect sports properties.
Additionally, they can facilitate training programmes and workshops on flood preparedness, ensuring that clubs are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their facilities and maintain continuity of their operations.
Motorsport event cancellation due to flooding
In the world of motorsport, flooding poses a significant threat to event scheduling and safety. Heavy rainfall can lead to waterlogged tracks and unsafe conditions, resulting in the cancellation or postponement of races and events.
This impacts the financial viability of racing organisations and disrupts the plans of teams, sponsors, and fans. Motorsport organisations must monitor weather forecasts and flood warnings to make informed decisions about event viability.
Implementing contingency plans, such as alternative venues or rescheduling options, can help mitigate the impact of flooding on the motorsport calendar and ensure participant safety. Organisations should also review their event cancellation policies and, if necessary, update them, to account for flooding risks.
Strengthening flood resilience in grassroots football
Grassroots football clubs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of flooding, as waterlogged pitches can lead to match cancellations and disrupted training schedules.
Maintaining high-quality playing surfaces is essential for the development of young athletes and ensuring the success of the sport at the community level. Clubs should invest in effective drainage systems and regular maintenance to enhance pitch resilience against heavy rainfall.
Additionally, establishing a clear communication strategy with players and parents regarding pitch conditions and cancellations can help manage expectations and maintain community engagement with the club.
By prioritising ground maintenance and flood preparedness, grassroots football clubs can better address the challenges posed by extreme weather events.
Next steps
Preparation is crucial for any sports club or sporting organisation to mitigate flood threat and recover from a flood safely. Building a facility’s resilience can help reduce damage and minimise losses in the event of flooding. For further information on building flood resilience, refer to Marsh’s Flood resilience 10 top tips: Preparing for and responding to flooding in the United Kingdom.
To discuss how to mitigate flooding risks at your sports facility, please contact your Marsh adviser or email marshsport@marsh.com.