News that football associations in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are banning heading the ball during training for under 12s, is yet another indication of how close the rules of sport and safety are now aligned.

Ways to protect children, on and off the sports field, is now, quite understandably, topping the agendas of all kinds of clubs.

Solicitors Thatcher + Hallam LLP are organising a free conference at the Frome Rugby Football Club this coming Thursday (Februaury 27),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.

It will also cover whether calling off matches in bad weather might need some additional thinking, in case players get injured.

The conference, which is being supported by Somerset FA, 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.

Will said: " 'As a firm we have always had close links with local sport.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.