Safety
Trampoline Safety
Steve Whitlock
Director, USAG Safety and EducationThe USA Gymnastics insurance program permits the use of rebound tumbling devices including trampolines, mini-tramps, double mini-tramps, and newer tumble-track devices. Our data indicates that gymnastics clubs are once again using these devices in increasing numbers. Unfortunately, the data also indicates that the number of injuries associated with the use of these devices is also on the rise.
There are many advantages for incorporating rebound devices into gymnastics programs.
These include:
- They are a fantastic tool for teaching “air-awareness” and developing kinesthetic sense
- They permit the development of increased muscular and cardio-vascular endurance
- They permit multiple repetitions of skills with less fatigue and body stress
- They provide another useful “learning station” in the gym situation
- Skills acquired on these devices carry over to other sports besides gymnastics such as diving, pole vaulting, and acrobatic skiing
- They are really FUN and enrich the learning experiences of the participants
Unfortunately, it is well known that the improper use of rebound devices can result in frequent, serious, and sometimes catastrophic injuries. The good news is that a well managed and supervised program of rebound device usage can be offered that is beneficial and safe.
If your club or school utilizes rebound devices, USAG strongly recommends careful review of the concerns and guidelines offered in the Safety Handbook (1994) for trampolines and other rebound devices.
Briefly, the Handbook suggests:
- Attention to proper equipment set-up, matting, and maintenance
- NO DOUBLE BOUNCING
- Prohibiting the use of rebound devices without trained supervision
- Requiring wearing proper attire
- Providing adequate instruction and the use of progressions for all skills with emphasis on how to stay in control at all times
- Providing adequate spotting of skills
- Establishing the rule of “NO SOMERSAULTING” for beginner and intermediate level participants
- Using overhead spotting rigs, spotting, and/or special mat configurations and pits for teaching somersaulting skills on trampolines or other rebound devices
- Posting trampoline and rebound device rules and guidelines via strategic Safety and Rules Posters
Also please note that recent USAG data indicates that some injuries have occurred to participants who were sitting on the edge of the trampoline waiting for their turn. They toppled over backwards and fell to the floor. These injuries could have easily been avoided with a gym rule of, “No sitting on the edge of the trampoline.”
Trampolines, mini-tramps, double mine-tramps, and tumble tracks offer great physical benefits to careful users. Follow the guidelines of the USAG Safety Handbook to establish safe procedures in your gymnastics facility.
Call-outs:
CAUTION!
Keep in mind that somersaulting skills, in general, are not recommended. These types of skills should be reserved for the intermediate to advanced level performers under the supervision of a competent instructor. Exercise extreme caution when teaching, learning, and practicing somersaulting skills.
Particular attention should be given to forward rotating somersaults. Body mechanics that rotate the body forward tend to be riskier than those that rotate the body backward.
NOTE!
In virtually every accident involving trampolines, on e of the primary causes is failure to provide adequate supervision or providing no supervision at all.
This article appears in the April 1995 issue of Technique, Vol. 15, No. 4, p. 13.
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