Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta

TRACK AND
FIELD - HIGH
JUMP
All Physical
Activities
pg. 1l-17
Indoor Activities
pg. 19-20
Outdoor Activities
pg. 23-24
Off-site Activities
pg. 33-35
Track and Field – High Jump
Medium Risk Sport
The following sections must also be consulted: All Interschool Activities, Indoor
Activities, Outdoor Activities, Off-site Activities.
Supervision
• Constant visual supervision is recommended during initial skill instruction.
• On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after
all safety concerns have been emphasized.
Instructional Considerations
• Bar monitors should stay in front and off to the side of standards at all times.
• Short, controlled approaches should be taught.
• If student athlete is using “flop” technique, encourage take-off closer to the
nearest upright on approach.
• Observe proper lifting technique (using legs and keeping back straight) while
moving heavy high jump mats.
• Student athletes should not be allowed to play, lounge, or jump on landing mats.
Equipment/Facilities
• Landing area should be appropriate for the age, size and skill level of the
student athletes and adequately covered with a minimum of one landing mat.
Use a mat with a minimum size of 1.5 m x 3 m x 60 cm (5ft. x 10ft. x 24in.) for
secondary student athletes doing back layout technique.
• Standard gymnasium mats should be placed around the landing surface with no
gaps and should cover the bases.
• If two jumping pits are used side by side they should be securely fastened
together and be of the same thickness and compaction rating.
• Landing mats and velcro mats should be firmly secured and should not slide
when landed on. Teacher/coach should frequently check and fix position of
mats.
• Fiberglass crossbars are recommended during interschool athletic activities.
• Metal crossbars should not be used.
• Alternative crossbars are recommended during practice, i.e., elastic.
• Crossbars should be inspected for cracks before use.
• Standards should be weighted at base so they do not tip over easily.
• Landing mats should be regularly inspected for damage.
• Indoor and outdoor approach area should be clear, smooth, dry and traffic-free.
• For indoor jumping, the floor should provide a suitable surface to prevent
slipping.
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Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta - February 2012