A Safety Handbook for Physical Education and Extra ... · PDF fileA Safety Handbook for Physical Education and Extra-Curricular Sports ... synchronized swimming, lessons, water polo,

A Safety Handbook for Physical Education and

Extra-Curricular Sports

December 2011

Updated January 2017

Consultative Group on Safety Guidelines

Levi Broda – Teacher

Dave DePape – Supervisor of Special Projects

This document has been adapted from the Saskatchewan Physical Education Safety Guidelines for Policy Development (1998) and follows the

guidelines of the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division Policy Manual: Administrative Procedure 410.8 – Physical Activities

Introduction Physical Education is an important part of the school program. In physical education, as in every other aspect of life, it is not possible to eliminate

all potential risks. The focus in physical education should be on ensuring that the benefits to students of a particular activity are greater than the

potential for injury.

Standard of Care

Holy Trinity Board of Education and its teachers are expected to exercise a reasonable standard of care for their students. The prevailing standard

of care the courts apply to physical education activities is that specialist teachers, like physical education instructors, may be expected to exercise

special skills which most careful and prudent parents do not have. They, therefore, are held to a higher standard of care than a careful parent. This

standard may be qualified somewhat to take into account the following:

1. Variety of activities conducted by the school

2. Number of students involved

3. Complicated or dangerous equipment that might be used

4. Nature of the exercise or activity

5. Age and degree of skill or training of the student

6. Teaching of the required skills for an activity through the correct progressions

7. Nature and condition of the equipment at the time

8. The competency or capacity of the student

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Division Office

a. Identify foreseeable risks and take precautions to minimize these risks

b. Maintain division procedures and approval processes for physical education, extra-curricular and out of school activities

c. Develop inspection procedures and schedules for all physical activity facilities.

2. In-school Administration

a. Review the Safety Handbook with all staff and the start of each school year

b. Ensure that staff follow all safety provisions

c. In-school administration and the Athletic Commissioner will conduct an annual inspection of all physical education and extra-

curricular equipment

d. Communicate with staff the school procedures to deal with emergencies

e. Provide a first aid kit that is easily accessible by staff and volunteers

f. Ensure all students have access to physical activities and extracurricular opportunities. Students who require adaptations to due to

physical limitations, will be provided adapted programming so as to ensure availability of the activities

3. Teachers/Staff/Authorized Personnel

a. Follow all outline safety procedures

b. Teach activities suitable for the age, mental and physical condition of the participants

c. Teach the appropriate progressions for skills being taught

d. Perform a pre-activity check to ensure the facility and equipment meets safety requirements

e. Identify foreseeable risks and take precautions to minimize these risks

4. Parents

a. Provide designated school personnel with pertinent information regarding special requirements/needs of their children

b. Support their children and the school in implementing safe physical activity practices

5. Students

a. Assume a level of risk and responsibility for their personal safety that is appropriate for their age and skill level

b. Actively participate in physical activity to benefit from instruction

c. Follow school safety protocols concerning behaviour and cooperation

Supervision of Physical Activities

1. Establish routines, rules of behaviour and duties of students at the beginning of the year.

2. Make students aware of rules of specific activities prior to beginning instruction.

3. Keep a current medical information form on file for each student.

4. Teach students appropriate behaviour when an accident occurs.

5. Develop an accident response plan to deal with all accident types.

6. Provide an appropriate level of supervision. Three levels of supervision are possible.

a. “Constant visual/Direct supervision” means the teacher is physically present, watching the activity

b. “On-site supervision” means the teacher is present but not necessarily constantly viewing one specific activity

c. “In the area supervision” means activities that are spread out and don’t require constant supervision

7. Provide supervision that is appropriate for the risk level of the activity, the participants’ skill level, and the participants’ age and maturity.

8. Establish guidelines for third-party instructors and state that third-party instructors must be qualified and that a teacher is present and in

charge at all times.

Safety Equipment

1. First aid kit must be stocked and accessible.

2. Emergency phone numbers and medical information must be accessible.

3. Students shall wear appropriate clothing and footwear for any given activity.

4. Students must remove or cover all jewelry prior to participating in any activity.

5. Teachers must ensure equipment properly fits students and is appropriate for their age and skill level.

6. Students must wear appropriate protective equipment.

APPROVED ACTIVITIES APPROVED GRADE-LIMITED ACTIVITIES APPROVED HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES (CONSENT FORM REQUIRED –SEE NEXT

PAGE) Aquatics (swimming, synchronized swimming, lessons, water polo, water sliding, diving) Basketball Bowling/Lawn Bowling/Bocce Ball Broomball Cross Country Running Cross Country Skiing Curling Cycling Dance, Rhythmic Educational Gymnastics (as described in curriculum) Floor Hockey/Indoor Ringette Kinball/Omniball Low Organized Games (dodge ball, tag, scoop ball etc) Orienteering/Geocaching Parachute Activities Relaxation Exercises (yoga, tai chi etc) Racquet Sports Shoreline Fishing Skating Snowshoeing Soccer Softball Soft Lacrosse Team Handball Tetherball Tobogganing Touch and Flag Football Track and Field (long jump, standing jump, triple jump and sprints) Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball/Walleyball Wrestling

Cheerleading (Gr 5-12) Canoeing/Flat Water Kayaking/Rowing (Gr 6-12) Dragon Boats (Gr 9-12) Ice Fishing (Gr 5-12) In Line Skating (Gr 6-12) Outdoor Education Overnight Excursions and Hiking/Backpacking (Gr 6-12) Track and Field High Jump (Gr 4-12) Hurdles (Gr 9-12) Shot Put (Gr 6-12)

Extracurricular High School Only Baseball (Hard Ball) (Gr 9-12) Contact Football (Gr 9-12)

Alpine Skiing/Snowboarding (Gr 5-12) Archery (Gr 9-12) Gymnastics – bars, beams, rings, ropes, springboards and trampoline Martial Arts (Self Defence) Scooter Boards Track and Field Discus (Gr 9-12) Javelin (Gr 9-12) Golf (Gr 9-12) Ice Hockey/Ringette (Gr 10-12) Rugby (non-contact) Scuba Diving (Gr 9-12) Snorkeling (Gr 9-12) Free Weights (Gr 7-12)

*** All of the activities listed above are considered high risk and, therefore require the completion of the High Risk Activity Parent/Guardian Consent Form ***

NOTE: Activities not listed have not been approved by the school division, and therefore, cannot be done. Activities, however, may be added to the approved

activity list. In order for an activity to be considered an approved activity, the staff member must make application to the in-school administration, who will

forward the completed application to the Superintendent of Operations. The application must include information from each section of the approved activity

tables on the following pages.

https://sharepoint.htcsd.ca/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/Staff%20Forms/High%20Risk%20Activity%20Consent%20Form.pdf&action=default

https://sharepoint.htcsd.ca/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/Staff%20Forms/High%20Risk%20Activity%20Consent%20Form.pdf&action=default

APPROVED CLASS ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT FACILITIES INSTRUCTION SUPERVISION

Aquatics -Suitable Swimsuit -Device to prevent hair from obstructing vision

-City of MJ pools -Swift Current Aquatic Centre and Fairview pools -Shaunavon Swimming Pool

-Must have certified instructors at appropriate ratios (1:25) - Teach skills in progression

-Certified lifeguards -Direct supervision provided by teachers

Basketball

-No jewelry is to be worn. -Jewelry that cannot be removed must be taped and not visible.

-Area must meet safe environment standards -Protective padding must be in place

-Teach skills in progression - Base activities and games on skills that have been taught

-Direct supervision provided by instructor

Bowling

-Proper shoes that are provided or approved by facility

-Designated facility -Instructions and techniques explained


Broomball -Regulation sticks - CSA hockey helmets required

-Designated facility or location

-Keep stick below waist -Non-contact

- Direct supervision provided by instructor


Activity Clothing/Equipment Facilities Instruction Supervision

Cross Country Running

-No bare feet -Running shoes -Wear sun protection

-Course that has been inspected and meets safety requirements

-Instruct on warm-ups, cool downs, road safety and proper running techniques -Modify course to meet the needs of the participants

-On-site supervision provided -Notify principal if going off school campus

Cross Country Skiing

-Equipment must be in good repair -Participants should dress in layers to provide comfort and warmth

-Course has been inspected and meets safety standards

-Teach skills in progression -Use ski equipment only as intended

-On-site supervision provided -Safe form of communication is available when off site (whistle, cell phone, two-way radio)

Curling -Clean appropriate footwear -Wear clothing appropriate for cold weather temperatures

-Area must meet safety standards

-Teach skills in progression to ensure safety and success

-On-site supervision provided

Cycling -CSA helmet required for each participant -Ensure proper clothing for the weather -No open-toed shoes

-Course has been inspected and meets safety standards -Obtain permission of land owners for off road Cycling

-Teach safe cycling procedures -Leave a route map with the school office

-On-site supervision -Safe form of communication is available when off site (whistle, cell phone, two-way radio)



Dance/Rhythmic -Proper clothing and footwear (bare feet are acceptable)

-Gymnasium or a large room free of obstructions

-Teach required skills in progression


Educational Gymnastics

** May Be High Risk **

-Proper clothing and footwear (bare feet are acceptable) -mats must be used for all activities

-Area must be approved for activity and meet safety standards

-Teach logical progressions -Teach basic movement patterns as outlined in the Saskatchewan physical education curriculum


Educational Gymnastics

(Off Site) ** May Be High Risk

**

-Proper clothing and footwear (bare feet are acceptable)

-Certified gymnastic facilities within city limits

-Teacher/instructor is certified with at least Level I Technical in Gymnastics of the National Coaching Certification Program

-Ratio of supervisors to students: Grades PreK-5 – 1:6 Grades 6-8 – 1:10 Grades 9-12 – 1:15

Floor Hockey -Plastic sticks and blades with protective cover on the end of the stick -Goalie must wear a mask -Players must wear protective eyewear


-Teach required skills and safety rules -Keep stick below the waist at all times -Non-contact




Low Organized

Games (dodge ball,

tag, scoop ball, skipping)

-Use a soft ball (nerf or “gatorskin ball”)

-Playing area free of all obstacles

-Contact with ball must be below the waist -Skills taught in progression -Grade K-3 should receive instruction in stopping and starting the activities


Martial Arts ** High Risk **

-Use mats when activity involves throws and falls

-Use an area free of obstacles

- Teach skills in progression -Direct supervision provided

Orienteering/ Geocaching

-Dress in layers to provide comfort

-Ensure the course is well marked

-Teach required skills -On-site supervision provided



Kinball/ Omniball

-Large, inflated ball should be used

- Playing area free of obstacles

-Skills to be taught in progression


Parachute Activities

-Check parachute to ensure it is in good repair

-Define play area and make sure it is safe

-Teach required skills -On-site supervision provided

Racquet Sports

-Proper clothing and footwear -Wear protective eyewear (as outlined by the provincial sports governing body) -Use racquets or paddles that have a good grip


-Teach required skills -Teacher proper grip and swing -Allow enough room for swing


Relaxation Exercises (Yoga, Tai Chi)

-Comfortable clothing -Area free of obstacles -Logical progressions -On-site supervision provided



Rugby (Non-contact)

** High Risk **

-No metal cleats -Inspect area for debris and obstacles -Ensure an even and level playing field

-No contact -Direct supervision provided

Scooter Boards

** High Risk **

-Proper clothing and footwear

-Define play area and ensure it is safe -Establish boundaries away from walls

-No contact -No standing on board -Allow room to stop safely -Teach progression


Shoreline Fishing

-Appropriate clothing and footwear for weather -Sunscreen

-On shore adjacent to body of water

-Teach proper techniques prior to excursion -Allow enough room for casting between participants

-Direct supervision -Ratio of supervisors to students – 1:6

Skating -Wear a CSA approved hockey helmet -Dress in layers for comfort - Ice and weather conditions must be checked if you are skating outside

- City of Moose Jaw rinks - Bushell Park rink -City of Swift Current rinks - Cresent Point Wickenheiser Centre (Shaunavon)

-Be conscious of skating levels -Teach proper progressions -Avoid games of high speed




Snowshoeing -Ensure equipment is in good repair and fits properly -Dress in layers to provide comfort

-Course must be inspected and meets safety standards -Ensure course is marked

-Teach required skills -On-site supervision provided - Safe form of communication is available when off site

Soccer -No metal cleats -Shin guards required for extra-curricular competition

- Playing area free of all obstacles

-No contact -On-site supervision provided

Softball -Catcher must wear a mask, chest protector and helmet -Batters are required to wear a baseball helmet -No metal cleats

-Inspect field for hazards -Teach proper progressions -On-site supervision provided

Soft Lacrosse -Wear protective eyewear -Play with a soft ball -No goalie


-Teach required skills -Clearly outlined safety rules -No contact


Team Handball

-Proper clothing and footwear

-Define play area and ensure it is safe

-Teach required skills -Define the crease for the goaltender -No body contact Modify rules to suit age and skill level of participants




Tetherball -Use a tetherball that is in good repair with properly working connections at ball and pole -Ensure rope is in good repair and free of fraying

-Place tetherball pole in safe location away from obstacles

-Instruct participants in skills and rules


Tobogganing -Dress in layers -Ensure toboggan are safe and appropriate age level of participants

-Define sledding area and ensure it is safe -Use clear routes, free of obstacles -Allow room for slowing down

- Proper safety precautions are taken -Layout a route of travel and return path

-On-site supervision provided - Safe form of communication is available when off site (whistle, cell phone, two-way radio)

Touch and Flag Football

-No metal cleats -Inspect area for debris and obstacles -Ensure a level and even playing field

-Teach the required skills -Clearly outline safety precautions: No tackling or blocking


Track and Field

-Track events -Long/Standing jump

-Triple jump

-Proper clothing and running shoes must be worn -Spikes must be 6mm in length or less

-Running surface is clearly marked and free of obstacles -Sand pits are raked and clean

-Teach skills associated with running. Include warm-up and cool down -Modify distances to reflect ages and abilities -Teach proper jumping techniques




Ultimate Frisbee

-Suitable outdoor clothing -Large, even, open area free of obstacles and debris

-Teach logical progressions -On-site supervision provided

Volleyball -Equipment is properly set up and maintained -Padding in place around standards -No jewelry

-Surface area that has good traction and free of obstacles

-Teach required skills and the rules and expectations for volleyball

On-site supervision provided

Wrestling -Proper clothing -Mats must be used

-Check mat surfaces regularly for irregularities

-Outline rules and expectations -Teach required skills

-Direct supervision provided

APPROVED GRADE LEVEL ACTIVITIES


Alpine Skiing/ Snowboarding

** High Risk **

-Suitable outdoor clothing, preferably layered -Must wear an approved helmet -Use only rental equipment that is inspected and issued by a certified technician -Students supplying their own equipment must ensure it is checked and in good repair

-Ski/snowboard on a commercially operated ski facility only -Ski/snowboard only in appropriate areas as identified and monitored by a qualified ski instructor

-All students must participate in an instructional lesson according to their ability -Students must be familiar with alpine safety rules and the role of the ski patrol

-Provide constant on-site supervision -Ratio of supervisors to students: Grades 6-12– 1:8

Archery ** High Risk **

-Match bow length and weight to the participant

-Ensure area is controlled -During shooting, all students must remain 2 meters behind firing line -Bows are to be loaded on the firing line only, while pointing towards the target -Establish a start and stop shooting and retrieving procedure

-Grades 9-12 -Provide constant visual supervision



Canoeing/ Flatwater Kayaking

-Approved personal flotation device (PFD) -Bailor, whistle, and a throw line per canoe -One paddle per participant and one extra paddle per canoe

-Select water/weather conditions appropriate for skill level of the group

-Use a combination of on-shore/on-water instruction by a level one certified canoeist

-Grades 6-12 -Have one supervisor with current first aid and level one canoeist qualifications -Ratio of supervisors: Grades 6-8 – 1:10 Grades 9-12 – 1:15

Cheerleading -Proper clothing and footwear (bare feet may be used during some activities)


-Logical progressions -No aerial stunts except in high school extracurricular -Instructor MUST be a certified cheerleading coach

-Grades 5-8: no aerial stunts allowed -Grades 9-12: aerial stunts allowed for extracurricular -Direct Supervision required by a certified coach

Free Weights

** High Risk **

-Running shoes must be worn

-Area must be locked when not in use

-Teach proper techniques PRIOR to training -Program must be adapted to meet individual student strength and ability -Use a buddy system when training

-Grades 7-12 -Area supervision

Golf ** High Risk **

-Ensure equipment is in good repair -Use plastic whiffle or rubber golf balls only on school property

-Large, open space -Allow room for backswing and follow through

-Instruct students on golf etiquette -Teach in progression -Set out safety routines for hitting and retrieving golf balls

-On-site supervision provided -Gr 10-12

Ice Fishing -Wear layered clothing appropriate for weather

-Adult is solely responsible for drilling holes -Ice must be 30cm thick

-Student must be familiar with rules and expectations

-Direct supervision provided -Ratio of supervisors; Gr 6-8;1-10, Gr 9-12;1:15



Ice Hockey/ Ringette

** High Risk **

-Wear proper fitting skates -Wear CSA hockey helmet with cage -Wear elbow pads, throat protector and gloves

-City of Moose Jaw rinks -Bushell Park rink -City of Swift Current rinks -Shaunavon - Cresent Point Wickenheiser Centre and Town certified outdoor rinks

-No body or stick contact -No slap shots -No goal tender unless fully equipped in goaltender equipment

-On-site supervision provided - Gr 10-12

In-line Skating

-Correctly fitting helmet -Elbow pads, kneepads and wrist guards

-Use a designated skating area free of vehicles and pedestrians

-No tag games or racing -Provide basic instruction in motion, stopping and turning -Clearly outline safety rules

-Grades 6-12 -On-site supervision provided

Outdoor Education Overnight Excursions

-All out of school excursions must be approved. For in-town day trips, the in-school administration is responsible for approving the request. For all out of city/overnight excursions must be approved by the Director of Education. The request forms can be found under Common Forms on the HTCSD homepage. -Collect and check all necessary equipment before the trip -Wear layered clothing suitable for the season and wear comfortable shoes

-Ensure teacher/instructor is familiar and comfortable with location or the route and area -Take a map of the location/route and leave a copy with the school office -Use only designated trails

- Trip supervisors are to be briefed prior to leaving for excursion -Trip supervisors must carry any necessary medication for designated students -Postpone trip if there is threatening weather that could put student safety at risk -Develop a system to account for students and to identify any students who may be missing

-Provide constant, visual supervision when lighting fires and campstoves -Safe form of communication when off site (whistle, two-way radio, cell phone) -One teacher/instructor must have a current first aid certification -Must have an on-site emergency vehicle -Ratio of supervisors to students Grades 6-8 – 1:6 Grades 9-12 – 1:8 -Ensure supervisors of both genders



Scuba Diving

** High Risk **

-Certified equipment -Only use community pools -Instructor with current certification from one of the following: ACUC, NAUI, or Professional Association of Diving Instructors -Certified lifeguard on deck

-Grades 9-12 -Constant visual supervision

Track and Field

-Running shoes must be worn at all times for the following activities

Discus ** High Risk **

-Appropriate size discus for age group

-Landing area well-marked and clear of people -Discus circle provides proper footing

-Require that all individuals other than the thrower are behind the thrower or screen -Establish safe throwing and retrieving procedures -Teach proper progressions


High Jump -A porta pit/large crash mat must be used and appropriate for age, size and skill level of the students -Place standard utility mats around the landing surface

-Approach area clear of people -Approach area dry -Approach area non-slip

-Bar spotters stay clear of the standards during jumps -Teach proper progressions




Track and Field

Hurdles -Running area must be clear, smooth and dry

-Modify height and distances for age group -Teach proper progressions


Javelin ** High Risk **

-Landing area well-marked and clear of people -Approach area must be clear, smooth and dry

-Require that all individuals other than the thrower are 2 meters behind the thrower -Establish safe throwing and retrieving procedures -Teach proper progressions


Shot Put -Appropriate size shot for age group

-Landing area well-marked and clear of people -Shot ring provides proper footing

-Establish safe putting and retrieving procedures -Teach proper progressions


Documents

A Safety Handbook for Physical Education and Extra ... · PDF fileA Safety Handbook for Physical Education and Extra-Curricular Sports ... synchronized swimming, lessons, water polo,