3.3.3
Policy on Shared Sports Facilities
- Purpose
This policy establishes the framework of the University of Thessaly for the prudent and shared use of its sports and recreational facilities with the local community. The aim is to promote public health, social participation and well-being through the sharing of sports and recreational facilities.
- Scope
The policy covers:- All sports facilities as well as facilities that can host cultural events. Collaborations with schools, municipalities and social institutions.- Events of an educational, cultural or social nature.- Rules of access, planning and safety.
- Definitions
– Shared Sports Facilities by the University of Thessaly: Facilities managed by the University and accessible to the community under specific conditions.
-Shared Sports Facilities by Third Parties: Facilities managed by bodies other than the University of Thessaly and accessible to the community under specific conditions.- Community User: Any non-university person or organization participating in approved activities.- Sharing Agreement: A formal agreement between the University and an external body that defines access terms and responsibilities.- Inclusive Access: Equal participation of all, regardless of age, gender or disability.
- Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly recognizes that sport is a means of well-being, social cohesion and sustainable development. In this context:1. It ensures the sharing of its sports facilities as well as facilities for cultural events with the local community.2. It cooperates with municipalities, schools and sports clubs to ensure access to their own communal access facilities3. It promotes the participation of children, young people and vulnerable groups.4. It implements strict safety and insurance rules.5. It supports events that enhance physical and mental well-being.6. It manages the facilities with respect for the environment and energy efficiency.
- Implementation Responsibilities
The Office of Physical Education is responsible for managing the sharing.
Responsibilities:
Mapping of public sports and entertainment areas
Website with detailed information about the spaces, their accessibility and the rules of use. Online availability of reservations.- Approval of access requests and agreements.- Establishment of sharing programs.- Ensuring accessibility and safety.- Maintenance and upgrading of facilities.
Preparation of questionnaires and evaluation procedures for submission to the Quality Assurance Unit – Annual submission of a report to the Senate.
- Safety and Risk Management
– All activities comply with the national legislation and regulations of the University.- Participants are informed about the rules of operation and safety.- The cooperating bodies must have insurance coverage of insurance risk- Annual safety audits are carried out.
- Quality Assurance and Monitoring
– The Quality Assurance Unit monitors the effectiveness of the sharing actions. – Indicators: number of agreements, participation rates, satisfaction levels, safety outcomes. – The results are published in the Annual Sustainability and Social Responsibility Report.
- Revision and Amendments
The policy is reviewed every three (3) years or earlier, if required, by the Governing Council.
- Reporting and Compliance Framework
– Greek Law 4957/2022 on Higher Education and Community Engagement
– UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG 3, SDG 11, SDG 17)
– European Sports Charter (Council of Europe, 2021)
– HAHE ESG 1.4 (Stakeholder Engagement)