Assessing risk factors at local CrossFit events: from participants' perspectives

The purpose of the paper is to examine athletes' assessments of risk at local CrossFit competitions. An 18-item open-ended questionnaire grounded in Fuller and Drawer's (2004) risk management framework surveyed 26 participants about risk factors at local CrossFit competitions. The findings suggested that participants held expectations for equipment and the facility. Additionally, respondents appeared to be at ease when they felt a familiarity with the equipment and the set-up of the facility. There was, however, concern with limited spacing of equipment and people, but it was accepted when the event appeared to be organised. The paper moves beyond reviewing the organiser's role in event and risk management and sought out to understand participants' assessments of risk factors. The study provides further understanding about expectations of athletes. It is recommended to develop guidelines for best practices for hosts of local CrossFit events.