In what is believed to be very much a ‘first’ for Frome, solicitors Thatcher + Hallam LLP are organising a free conference at the Frome Rugby Football Club on Thursday 27th February called Off The Ball, aimed at helping officials, coaches and volunteer parents on how best to protect their local amateur sports club, their members and themselves.
The conference is the initiative of Thatcher + Hallam solicitor William Weller. As well as being the firm’s senior partner, Will is also a highly respected and sought after personal injury lawyer.
“As a firm we have always had close links with local sport,” says Will. “We are currently sponsoring several local sports organisations, including cricket, football and rugby clubs. However, it was through my work as a personal injury lawyer that I witnessed how many club volunteers had no real idea of their personal liability and legal responsibilities. The idea of the Off The Ball conference then started to take shape.
“Myself and other members of the panel will be there to answer the regular questions on issues from claims arising from reckless tackles, to physical assault, the behaviour of parents and spectators, as well as the dodgy pitch.”
For Will however, the one issue that has changed the whole legal landscape is that of safeguarding and child protection.
“We are therefore delighted to welcome as a key member of our panel, Mr Bob Fox,” says Will. “Bob is a Director at the Somerset Football Association as well as their Safeguarding Champion. Bob will of course be addressing matters such as under age and DBS checks.”
The Off The Ball conference is taking place on Thursday 27th February at the Frome Rugby Club in Gypsy Lane starting at 6.00pm, with the core talks aiming to finish by 7pm. William Weller is extremely pleased to be holding the Frome venue of Off The Ball at the Frome Rugby Club.
“We already support the club, it has a great clubhouse with excellent facilities, so for us Frome RFC was very much a natural choice of venue,” adds Will. “The event is essential for anyone serious about sport, from rugby to swimming, cricket, netball, tennis, athletics, hockey and football,” adds Will. “We also expect teachers and school governors to be in attendance, learning on how to keep sports environments safe. The event is of course also free.”
Off The Ball is a free event. There is no need to book. Just turn up at the Frome Rugby Club on the evening. For further information on the event call Thatcher & Hallam on 01761 414646 or visit their News Page at th-law.co.uk. Free tea coffee and refreshments are available. A pay bar will also be available at the club. There are excellent car parking facilities at the club. The event commences at 6pm on the 27th February.
