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Trampoline Safety
Trampolining is not inherently a dangerous sport providing safety guidelines
are followed and coaches instructions obeyed. Members might be concerned by
American accident statistics that suggest a high accident rate associated with
trampolines - it should be noted that the vast majority of these appear to occur
on unsupervised 'back-yard' trampolines by those who have had no formal coaching
or safety supervision.
We
are pleased to note that at least one major UK supplier of garden trampolines
has taken note of this and now offers two free
 lessons with every garden
trampoline they supply; Brentwood Trampoline Club are pleased to be a
participating club in this initiative. More details are available on the
Supertramp website.
The club's coaches will do everything they can reasonably do to ensure a safe
environment but it is also down to the members (and in some cases their parents)
to play their part - specifically the following spring to mind immediately
although other points may be made in future:
- performers should always be appropriately dressed see
clothing;
- they, or their parent(s), should always inform the coach of any medical
condition or medication which might affect performance;
- they, or their parent(s), should always inform the coach of any accident
in the last six months which resulted in unconsciousness from a blow to the
head;
- they should never attempt to unfold/fold the trampoline;
- they must always pay attention to the instructions of any coach;
- they should never use the trampoline unless the coach is present and has
given permission for specific skills;
- they should mount and dismount trampolines as instructed - no jumping
off or between trampolines;
- there should only be one performer on a trampoline at a time unless
expressly told otherwise;
- they should warm up properly and as instructed from time-to-time before
trying new or advanced moves;
- they should never go or swing under the trampoline or end decks,
including mats between trampolines;
- they should never get involved in 'Tests of Daring' with others who may
be far more capable.
- they should take short turns (1 to 2 mins) to avoid fatigue unless
expressly told otherwise;
- when spotting, attention must be always paid to the person on the
trampoline;
- they must always pay attention to the instructions of any coach;
- no food and drink is allowed around the trampolining area;
- permission should be granted by the coach before the trampolinist leaves
the side of the trampoline;
- no shouting or talking across the trampoline to anybody, especially
coaches, as it distracts and may cause accidents;
- only attempt those moves for which instruction has been given and to the
extent advised (i.e. when learning new moves they should not be attempted
unless specifically advised to do so by the coach);
- they must always pay attention to the instructions of any coach;
- stand attentively at the side of the trampoline watching the person on
the trampoline whilst not bouncing themselves unless expressly given
permission to do otherwise;
- if in doubt ASK the coach;
- they must always pay attention to the instructions of any coach;
- and last but not least – they must enjoy themselves, smile a lot, and
help each other to do so as well at all times!
More information is also available in the British Gymnastics
Trampoline Code of Practice.
An amusing take on this serious subject using Homer Simpson as a less than
ideal example of a safety conscious trampolinist is available
here.
Further Reference
A couple of interesting articles on the subject are available on the Internet
- try:
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