Understanding the role of risk management in recreation is integral to all segments of the industry. Employees have a responsibility to develop enjoyable programming at appropriate sites and conduct it prudently without eliminating the challenge and excitement that originally attracted people to the activity. Administrators and staff who understand the laws affecting recreation and are familiar with the elements of risk management can mitigate the increase in lawsuits against recreational professionals and in settlements by the courts and insurance companies Recreation programs need written, well- defined risk management plans to establish guidelines for equipment and facility use, pro- gram development and operation, management of changing environmental conditions, and emergency preparedness. The recommended practices of an organization should be reflected in its risk management plan, and an ongoing review of the plan is necessary to ensure that employees are abiding by the guidelines and that the guidelines are still appropriate in light of current standards in the field. Many larger, nationwide programs have designated national safety committees that review procedures and accidents and use outside evaluators to help target areas for improvement. Smaller businesses conduct internal reviews among staff and administrators to improve their practices. Elements of a risk management program include but are not limited to the following: participant health screening prior to participation to determine the appropriate level of involvement, if any; preprogram information to inform participants about an activity; equipment and facility safety checks; criteria for staff hiring, including necessary activity certifications or experience and first aid credentials; continuing education and training for staff; recommended progressions of activities that meet current national standards; adequate staff-student ratios and protocols for general and specific supervision of groups; emergency response protocols, including first aid response, evacuation, and search and rescue; and critical accident protocols, including those covering interaction with families and the press.