Saskatchewan Physical Education: Safety Guidelines for Policy Development

AQUATICS

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Wear suitable swim wear.
Tie hair back or wear it in a bun.
No jewelry.
If swimming outdoors, wear sunscreen.

Use school or community pools.
(For pond/lake swimming see outdoor education).

Adhere to the following regulations:
a) no running or pushing on deck
b) no gum chewing
c) no food in pool area
d) stay clear of diving area
e) no diving off deck into shallow end
f) follow pool rules
Take showers before entering the pool.
Outline emergency procedures to students prior to entering the water.
No students with infected cuts or sores in pool.
Do screening/testing in shallow end initially.
Use a parent permission form when students go off school board property to a pool.
Inform in-charge person on deck of any student having medical problems that may affect the student’s safety in the water. Conditions that require specific mention include a history of diabetes, asthma, heart condition, convulsions, epilepsy and frequent ear infections.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Ensure there is an individual in the immediate vicinity who is readily accessible and who has current first aid qualifications.
Ensure that teachers accompany pupils to the pool and stay on the deck or in the pool.
Ensure that teachers providing swim instruction have current Royal Life Saving Society Bronze Cross or equivalent certification.
Suggested ratio of qualified lifeguard/instructor to students: 1:25.
Monitor change rooms closely and frequently.
Provide on-site supervision.

ARCHERY

ARCHERY is not a recommended in-class activity for students from kindergarten to grade 9 and is a high-risk
activity at all grade levels. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities.
Teachers who wish to instruct a high-risk activity like archery require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Check all equipment regularly for defects.
Make arm guards and finger tabs available to students.
Match bow length and weight to the height and strength of the participant.
Use appropriate targets.

Wear close fitting clothes on the upper body.
No jewelry.
If sport takes place outdoors, wear sun protection.

Use an area free of obstructions and hazards.
For indoor shooting, use a properly installed safety net.
Control access/exit to the facility.
For outdoor activity, mark and control the shooting area.

Establish a "firing" line appropriate to the skill level of the students.
Keep everyone behind the firing line.
Establish a "start" and "stop" shooting and retrieving procedure.
Instruct students in safety procedures, shooting techniques, care and use of equipment and how to properly remove an arrow from a target butt.
Never point a loaded bow at anyone.
Load bows on the shooting line only.
Position all students not involved in shooting well behind the firing line and away from the archers on the line.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide constant visual supervision.

BASEBALL

BASEBALL (e.g., hardball) is not a recommended in-class activity for either elementary or secondary students.
Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities.
Teachers who wish to instruct a high-risk activity like baseball require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use uncracked bats with an adequate grip.
Have back catcher wear a mask and a helmet.
Have batters and base runners wear helmets.
Have umpire wear a mask.
Have umpire wear shin guards and a chest protector for added protection.
Have fielders wear gloves.

Wear suitable footwear and clothing.
Wear sun protection.
No jewelry.

Inspect the field for hazards: holes, glass, rocks, and slippery, muddy spots.
Ensure that the field of play is away from open roadways so that there is no danger of players running into traffic.
Report holes and severely uneven surfaces to the principal and make students aware of them.
If more than one activity is going on, provide a safe distance between the activities.

Teach skills in proper progression.
Teach players to lay down or drop the bat after hitting, not release it during the follow through of the swing.
Teach non-fielding players to stand well back (10 m or more) of the batter’s box or behind a screen or fence. (Keep fingers away from the screen.)
Have umpires stand behind the pitcher or outside the baselines.

Provide on-site supervision.

BASKETBALL
AND RELATED GAMES

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Where an end wall is close to the baseline, place protective gym mats or padding beyond the "key" area.
Extend protective end wall mats up the wall from the top of the baseboard up the wall and a minimum width of 6 metres across the wall.
Where a stage is close to the baseline, place gym mats over the edge of the stage and extend them to the floor.

Wear suitable footwear and clothing.
No jewelry.

Don’t locate winch for moving backboards up and down directly under the supporting wall-mounted structure.
Use a playing surface (indoor or outdoor) and surrounding area that is clean, free of all obstacles and provides good traction.
Use protective padding on rectangular backboard edges in secondary school facilities.
Ensure that only trained adults or students under supervision use motorized or hand winches to raise and lower baskets.

Teach skills in proper progression.
Base games and activities on skills that are taught.
If cross-court play involves immovable obstacles or confined space (e.g., doors and radiators under side baskets or wall close to the baseline) modify rules appropriately (e.g., no lay-ups).

Provide on-site supervision

BENCHES AND CHAIRS

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use stacking chairs that are free of cracks or chipped corners with seats and backs that are secured to the supports.
Use benches that are free of cracks, chipped corners or splinters on the usable surface.
Secure bench tops to all supports.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
No jewelry.

Provide enough space around chairs/benches for safe usage.
Place benches and chairs so that landings occur safe distances away from walls and other equipment.

Teach all skills in a logical progression from simple to complex. Ensure that student demonstrates control of basic movement before moving to more complicated skills (e.g., forward jumping and landing before backward jumping and/or jumping with turns).
Instruct students to jump up from chair/bench and land close so that chair/bench does not move.
Instruct students never to jump from seat over back of chair.

Provide on-site supervision.

BOARDSAILING

BOARDSAILING is not a recommended in-class activity for students from kindergarten to grade 9 and is a high-risk
activity at all grade levels. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities.
Teachers who wish to instruct a high-risk activity like boardsailing require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Keep a first aid kit in an easily accessible location.

Wear a life jacket/P.F.D.
Wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen and swimsuit.
No jewelry.

Sail in water that is above 15°C in temperature. Choose an area for sailing where students can be seen from shore at all times.

Prior to water activities require students to successfully complete the following swim test:
swim 100 m continuously any stroke
tread water for 3 minutes
put on a life jacket in the water
demonstrate the help/huddle position
Familiarize students with emergency procedures and self-rescue skills related to facility.
Familiarize students with basic first aid and hypothermia.
Instructor awareness of weather and water conditions is important.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Have a qualified lifeguard on site at all times.
Suggested ratio of qualified lifeguard/instructor to students: 1:20 in partners with a maximum of 10 students on the boards at once.
Provide on-site supervision.
Ensure that at least one supervisor has emergency first aid certification or equivalent.
Have a small rescue craft on-site to aid in supervision of students out from shore.

BOWLING

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Wear proper shoes at all times, as provided or approved by the facility.
Street clothes are acceptable.
No rings and dangling bracelets and watches.

Make parents aware of any off-campus activity and the mode of transportation being used.
Follow rules and etiquette as outlined by the facility.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide in the area supervision.

BROOMBALL
NON-ICE AND ICE

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Wear CSA approved hockey helmets if playing on ice. Helmets reduce the potential for injury.
Have goalies wear a protective mask.
Use regulation broomball sticks.
Use hockey nets or pylons for goals.
Use nerf ball, utility ball or regulation broomball ball.

When broomball is played on fields, blacktop, or on rinks, wear suitable footwear and clothing for weather conditions.
No jewelry.

Use a playing surface that is free from obstructions.

Keep sticks below waist at all times.
Play only non-contact broomball in physical education class.
Extend crease 2 m from goal line - defensive or offensive player cannot be in the crease area.
Make parents aware of any off-campus activity and means of transportation.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision.

CRICKET

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use uncracked bats with an adequate grip.
Have batsman and wicket keeper wear regulation helmets and padding.

No cleats.
Wear suitable footwear and clothing.
Wear sun protection.
No jewelry.

Inspect the playing surface for hazards such as holes, glass and rocks.
Report holes and severely uneven surfaces to the principal and make students aware of them.
Use a playing field that is located away from roadways and sidewalks so that students will not run into traffic.
Organize play so there is a safe distance between the cricket pitch and all other activities.

Observe rules concerning forbidden types of pitches.
Teach players to lay down or drop the bat after hitting, not release it during the follow through of the swing.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision.

CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING
AND ORIENTEERING

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

No bare feet.
Wear suitable footwear and clothing.
No jewelry.
Wear sun protection.

Prior to initial use of cross-country route or orienteering course, do a safety check "walk through" to identify potential hazards.
Familiarize students with the route or course before initial attempt (e.g., point out areas to approach with caution).
If route includes sidewalks around the school , ensure that students do not cross intersections unless directly supervised.

Instruct students in basic road safety.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Be aware of students with a history of asthma and other respiratory problems.
Notify parents when students will be running off the school campus.
Modify length of route to suit the age and ability level of the participants (e.g., design route so that primary students are in sight of the teacher most of the time).
Include a proper warm-up and cool-down in all classes.
Give attention to:
temperature of the day
length of time in sun
previous training and length of preparation

Provide in the area supervision.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
SNOWSHOEING

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Keep a first aid kit in an accessible location.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING:
Use skis, boots and poles that are in good repair and of appropriate size for the skier.
SNOWSHOEING:
Use snowshoes with frames and bindings that are in good repair.

Wear clothing appropriate for outdoor activity.
Wear layered clothing.
Carry hats and gloves.
Wear sunscreen.
No jewelry.

Define specific routes to the students, so they are aware of the boundaries for the activity, whether using a commercial or noncommercial site.
Consider sun, wind and snow conditions, and suitability of terrain when choosing a site. An ideal noncommercial site would include:
a level field with practice tracks skied in by the instructor
a hill with a gentle slope and a long run out, or the bottom section of a larger hill
a variety of terrain
proximity to warmth, food, waxing and other facilities.

Establish emergency procedures and explain those procedures to the students.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Discuss recognizing and treating frostbite and hypothermia with the students.
Have students check to be sure boots are secure in bindings.
Ski poles have sharp tips. Caution students about their use, especially when working close to others.
Be aware of students with a history of asthma and other respiratory problems.
Use a buddy system.
Make parents aware of off-campus activities.

Designate a supervisor (teacher, parent or responsible adult) who has a vehicle and is not the supervisor "in charge" to accompany an injured student to hospital.
Clearly outline duties of supervisors, including supervisors of small groups of students.
Provide in the area supervision for all sites within walking distance of the school and during field trips.

			AQUATICS

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
	Wear suitable swim wear. Tie hair back or wear it in a bun. No jewelry. If swimming outdoors, wear sunscreen.	Use school or community pools. (For pond/lake swimming see outdoor education).	Adhere to the following regulations: a) no running or pushing on deck b) no gum chewing c) no food in pool area d) stay clear of diving area e) no diving off deck into shallow end f) follow pool rules Take showers before entering the pool. Outline emergency procedures to students prior to entering the water. No students with infected cuts or sores in pool. Do screening/testing in shallow end initially. Use a parent permission form when students go off school board property to a pool. Inform in-charge person on deck of any student having medical problems that may affect the student’s safety in the water. Conditions that require specific mention include a history of diabetes, asthma, heart condition, convulsions, epilepsy and frequent ear infections. Teach skills in proper progression.	Ensure there is an individual in the immediate vicinity who is readily accessible and who has current first aid qualifications. Ensure that teachers accompany pupils to the pool and stay on the deck or in the pool. Ensure that teachers providing swim instruction have current Royal Life Saving Society Bronze Cross or equivalent certification. Suggested ratio of qualified lifeguard/instructor to students: 1:25. Monitor change rooms closely and frequently. Provide on-site supervision.

			ARCHERY

ARCHERY is not a recommended in-class activity for students from kindergarten to grade 9 and is a high-risk activity at all grade levels. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities. Teachers who wish to instruct a high-risk activity like archery require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
Check all equipment regularly for defects. Make arm guards and finger tabs available to students. Match bow length and weight to the height and strength of the participant. Use appropriate targets.	Wear close fitting clothes on the upper body. No jewelry. If sport takes place outdoors, wear sun protection.	Use an area free of obstructions and hazards. For indoor shooting, use a properly installed safety net. Control access/exit to the facility. For outdoor activity, mark and control the shooting area.	Establish a "firing" line appropriate to the skill level of the students. Keep everyone behind the firing line. Establish a "start" and "stop" shooting and retrieving procedure. Instruct students in safety procedures, shooting techniques, care and use of equipment and how to properly remove an arrow from a target butt. Never point a loaded bow at anyone. Load bows on the shooting line only. Position all students not involved in shooting well behind the firing line and away from the archers on the line. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide constant visual supervision.

			BASEBALL

BASEBALL (e.g., hardball) is not a recommended in-class activity for either elementary or secondary students. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities. Teachers who wish to instruct a high-risk activity like baseball require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use uncracked bats with an adequate grip. Have back catcher wear a mask and a helmet. Have batters and base runners wear helmets. Have umpire wear a mask. Have umpire wear shin guards and a chest protector for added protection. Have fielders wear gloves.	Wear suitable footwear and clothing. Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Inspect the field for hazards: holes, glass, rocks, and slippery, muddy spots. Ensure that the field of play is away from open roadways so that there is no danger of players running into traffic. Report holes and severely uneven surfaces to the principal and make students aware of them. If more than one activity is going on, provide a safe distance between the activities.	Teach skills in proper progression. Teach players to lay down or drop the bat after hitting, not release it during the follow through of the swing. Teach non-fielding players to stand well back (10 m or more) of the batter’s box or behind a screen or fence. (Keep fingers away from the screen.) Have umpires stand behind the pitcher or outside the baselines.	Provide on-site supervision.

			BASKETBALL AND RELATED GAMES

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Where an end wall is close to the baseline, place protective gym mats or padding beyond the "key" area. Extend protective end wall mats up the wall from the top of the baseboard up the wall and a minimum width of 6 metres across the wall. Where a stage is close to the baseline, place gym mats over the edge of the stage and extend them to the floor.	Wear suitable footwear and clothing. No jewelry.	Don’t locate winch for moving backboards up and down directly under the supporting wall-mounted structure. Use a playing surface (indoor or outdoor) and surrounding area that is clean, free of all obstacles and provides good traction. Use protective padding on rectangular backboard edges in secondary school facilities. Ensure that only trained adults or students under supervision use motorized or hand winches to raise and lower baskets.	Teach skills in proper progression. Base games and activities on skills that are taught. If cross-court play involves immovable obstacles or confined space (e.g., doors and radiators under side baskets or wall close to the baseline) modify rules appropriately (e.g., no lay-ups).	Provide on-site supervision

			BENCHES AND CHAIRS

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use stacking chairs that are free of cracks or chipped corners with seats and backs that are secured to the supports. Use benches that are free of cracks, chipped corners or splinters on the usable surface. Secure bench tops to all supports.	Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry.	Provide enough space around chairs/benches for safe usage. Place benches and chairs so that landings occur safe distances away from walls and other equipment.	Teach all skills in a logical progression from simple to complex. Ensure that student demonstrates control of basic movement before moving to more complicated skills (e.g., forward jumping and landing before backward jumping and/or jumping with turns). Instruct students to jump up from chair/bench and land close so that chair/bench does not move. Instruct students never to jump from seat over back of chair.	Provide on-site supervision.

			BOARDSAILING

BOARDSAILING is not a recommended in-class activity for students from kindergarten to grade 9 and is a high-risk activity at all grade levels. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities. Teachers who wish to instruct a high-risk activity like boardsailing require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
Keep a first aid kit in an easily accessible location.	Wear a life jacket/P.F.D. Wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen and swimsuit. No jewelry.	Sail in water that is above 15°C in temperature. Choose an area for sailing where students can be seen from shore at all times.	Prior to water activities require students to successfully complete the following swim test: swim 100 m continuously any stroke tread water for 3 minutes put on a life jacket in the water demonstrate the help/huddle position Familiarize students with emergency procedures and self-rescue skills related to facility. Familiarize students with basic first aid and hypothermia. Instructor awareness of weather and water conditions is important. Teach skills in proper progression.	Have a qualified lifeguard on site at all times. Suggested ratio of qualified lifeguard/instructor to students: 1:20 in partners with a maximum of 10 students on the boards at once. Provide on-site supervision. Ensure that at least one supervisor has emergency first aid certification or equivalent. Have a small rescue craft on-site to aid in supervision of students out from shore.

			BOWLING

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
	Wear proper shoes at all times, as provided or approved by the facility. Street clothes are acceptable. No rings and dangling bracelets and watches.		Make parents aware of any off-campus activity and the mode of transportation being used. Follow rules and etiquette as outlined by the facility. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide in the area supervision.

			BROOMBALL NON-ICE AND ICE

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Wear CSA approved hockey helmets if playing on ice. Helmets reduce the potential for injury. Have goalies wear a protective mask. Use regulation broomball sticks. Use hockey nets or pylons for goals. Use nerf ball, utility ball or regulation broomball ball.	When broomball is played on fields, blacktop, or on rinks, wear suitable footwear and clothing for weather conditions. No jewelry.	Use a playing surface that is free from obstructions.	Keep sticks below waist at all times. Play only non-contact broomball in physical education class. Extend crease 2 m from goal line - defensive or offensive player cannot be in the crease area. Make parents aware of any off-campus activity and means of transportation. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision.

			CRICKET

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use uncracked bats with an adequate grip. Have batsman and wicket keeper wear regulation helmets and padding.	No cleats. Wear suitable footwear and clothing. Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Inspect the playing surface for hazards such as holes, glass and rocks. Report holes and severely uneven surfaces to the principal and make students aware of them. Use a playing field that is located away from roadways and sidewalks so that students will not run into traffic. Organize play so there is a safe distance between the cricket pitch and all other activities.	Observe rules concerning forbidden types of pitches. Teach players to lay down or drop the bat after hitting, not release it during the follow through of the swing. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision.