Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta

Continued from previous page
Special Considerations When Using Alternative Activity Rooms
(non-gymnasiums used for activities, e.g., concourse, church hall, empty classroom,
school basement)
Choice of Suitable Activities
• Choose conditioning activities that have a controlled amount of movement, e.g.,
aerobics, mat work, fitness stations, skipping, etc.
Special Precautions
• Keep activity away from drinking fountains, stage steps, trophy cases or other
hazards. Centre all activities to allow for a “safety zone” of at least one meter
around the perimeter. If possible, mark area with pylons.
• Ensure floor surface is conducive to activity (e.g., not slippery from water or
dirt) and equipment/furniture is not in the way of activity.
• Precautions are needed to guard against doors opening into the playing area.
Modification of Rules
• Strictly enforce the ‘no body contact’ rule.
• Plan towards accommodating the appropriate number of participants that can
safely take part in any activity area based on the size of the area, risk level of
the activity and maturity of the participants.
• Structure activity to provide well-organized participation.
• Caution student athletes not to throw objects at the ceiling, thereby knocking
down tiles, dust or lights.
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Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta - February 2012