Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta

INDOOR
INTER-
SCHOOL
ATHLETIC
ACTIVITIES
Indoor Interschool Athletic Activities
In addition to the considerations for All Interschool Athletic Activities, the
following should be considered for indoor activities:
Instructional Considerations for Indoor Interschool Athletic Activities
• Correct turning and stopping techniques must be taught to prevent collisions
with walls and other immovable objects around the activity area.
• Teachers/coaches should inform their student athletes of the locations of fire
alarms, fire exits and alternative routes from the gymnasium or activity station.
Equipment and Facilities for Indoor Interschool Athletic Activities
• Gymnasium space should be free of stored furniture, boxes, and equipment
along the perimeter walls and corners. A reasonable number of benches, as well
as mats secured to the wall, are exceptions.
• Floors should be smooth, level, clean and dry, provide safe foot traction, be
clear of objects which may cause tripping or slipping, have floor sockets
covered and flush with the floor, and floor plates secure in the floor with hooks
and plate in good condition and flush with the floor.
• Spectators’ chairs and benches should be located a safe distance away from
activity area.
• Entrances and exits should be free of obstructions, should have no door knobs
or handles protruding on the gymnasium side of the door, and should have
doors that open away from the gymnasium area.
• Stairs should be clear of obstacles, free of protruding nails, cracks, or splinters,
have treads in good condition, and secure railings.
• Ceilings should have secure tiles and mesh on lights.
• Walls should have all outlets, switches, registers, fire extinguishers, and other
fixtures posing an unreasonable hazard padded or made flush with the surface
of the wall and should be free of protruding hooks and nails.
• Walls and stages should not be used for turning points or finish lines. A line or
pylon should be designated in advance of the wall.
• The edge of a stage should be covered with gymnasium mats that extend close
to the floor if vigorous activities are nearby.
• In the storage room the floor should be clean and the centre area free of
equipment. Equipment should be stored on designated shelves, and volleyball
poles should be secured to wall when stored standing upright.
• Locker rooms should have clean showers and washrooms with no
accumulation of water, electrical outlets appropriate for a wet environment,
emergency exit signs and lights in good operating condition, and lockers and
benches in good repair with no sharp edges.
• Benches and bleachers should have top and supports free from cracks and
splinters and all bolts and screws secure.
• Foreseeable risks must be identified, and precautions taken, to minimize risks
(see Appendix I).
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