Saskatchewan Physical Education: Safety Guidelines for Policy Development

OUTDOOR EDUCATION
ROCK CLIMBING/ROPE & FIXED-FACE CLIMBS
(Top Rope Climbs Only)
Grades 10-12

ROCK CLIMBING is not a recommended 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 high-risk activities like rock climbing or fixed-face climbs require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Wear helmets for rock climbing. Helmets reduce the potential for injury.
Use ropes and associated climbing equipment designed specifically for rock climbing.
Use ropes that are minimum 11 mm diameter and constructed for rock climbing.
Have a first aid kit available on site.
Use a mechanical belay system instead of a body belay (e.g., stitch plate, minute hitch, figure 8, carabiner brake).

No loose clothing.
No jewelry.
Wear sun protection for outdoor climbing.

Use a climbing area appropriate for age and ability levels of the students.

Design an emergency action plan and communicate it to all involved in the program.
Clearly outline safety procedures to students.
No climbs on slippery and/or wet rocks.
Unless tied in, stay clear of the top edge of the rock face.
Have access to completed medical forms at all times.
Instructor inspects all equipment prior to the climb.
No lead climbing or protection placement.
Ensure that instructor/leader is familiar with the climbing area.
Teach skills in proper progression.

For rock climbing, have an instructor who is a Rock Guide as certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
For gym climbing, have an instructor who is a Level 2 Instructor as certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
Have a suitable means of transporting an injured climber available.
Supervisor/student ratio: 1:8.
Teacher accompanies students to the site and remains on site for the instruction if a person other than the teacher is doing the instructing.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION
SAILING
Grades 10-12

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Inspect equipment supplied by a local sailing school for defects.
Check all personal safety equipment for any defects prior to use.

Wear proper shoes with a non-slip sole.
Wear correctly fitting, Transport Canada approved P.F.D./ life jacket with whistle attached at all times on the water.
No loose fitting clothing.
Wear sun protection.
No jewelry.

Use only facilities with designated sailing areas.

Expect students to know and obey acceptable standard of behaviour while in the boats.
Clearly outline safety procedures and an emergency action plan to students.
Prior to water activities 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.
Take weather and water conditions into consideration.
Obtain parent permission for participation.
Teach basic sailing safety in the classroom before going on the water.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Have instructors who are certified instructors (minimum Green Level Ontario Sailing Certificate from the Canadian Yachting Association) instruct the course.
Have one motorized safety boat for every 8 sailboats.
Teacher is present and accompanies students to and from facility.
Provide on-site supervision.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION
WINTER CAMPING
Warm winter camping means heat sources are inside shelters.
Cold winter camping means heat sources are external to shelters.
Grades 10-12

WINTER TENT CAMPING is not a recommended 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 winter camping require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Equipment includes:
first aid kit
whistle for each student
waterproof matches.
a lightweight camp stove.

Wear clothing that is appropriate for weather conditions.
Use layering principles for clothing.
Carry a dry change of clothing for each student.
No jewelry.
Wear sunscreen while outdoors.

Use facilities/site that is consistent with age and experience of campers.

Instruct students in the prevention and treatment of hypothermia/frostbite.
Instruct students in outdoor winter survival techniques.
Establish a systematic pattern for group travel and communication.
Leave a complete trip itinerary in the school.
Obtain parent permission for participation in winter camping.

Have instructor/supervisors with previous winter camping experience.
Have at least one supervisor with St. John Emergency First Aid Certificate or equivalent.
Supervisor/student ratio: 1:8.

PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Check the parachute to ensure that it is in good condition.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
No jewelry.

Establish a safety procedure.
Use a playing area that is free of all obstacles.
Clearly define court boundary lines.

No games played where any body part is put through the hole in the chute.
Teach proper skill progression before games are introduced.

Provide on-site supervision.
Provide constant visual supervision for
K-grade 3.

RACQUET SPORTS
RACQUETBALL, PADDLEBALL, HANDBALL, SQUASH

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Wear eye protection. Safety eye goggles reduce the potential for injury.
Use racquetball and paddleball racquets that are equipped with a thong that is worn around the wrist.
Use balls that are appropriate to the skill level of players (e.g., foam tennis balls or vinyl balls).

Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
No jewelry.
If playing outdoors, wear sun protection.

Clearly define court boundary lines.
In side-by-side court situations, establish safety procedures.

When teaching skills, allow adequate space for each player to make an uninterrupted swing.
Teach and enforce the code of etiquette for court play (e.g., not entering a court in use).
No more than 4 players on a playing area for handball, paddleball and racquetball.
Teach skills in proper progression.

During initial instruction, provide on-site supervision.
After instruction, provide in the area supervision.

RACQUET SPORTS
TENNIS, BADMINTON, PICKLEBALL, PADDLE TENNIS

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use racquets that have a good grip and are in safe playing condition.
Wear eye protection. Safety eye goggles reduce the potential for injury.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
No jewelry.
If playing outdoors, wear sun protection.

Use a playing area that is free from debris and obstructions, and provides safe footing.

When teaching skills, allow adequate space for each student to make a free and uninterrupted swing.
Teach and enforce the code of etiquette for court play (e.g., not entering a court being used).
Teach skills in proper progression.
Modify activities/skills to the age and ability level of the participants.

During initial instruction, provide on-site supervision.
After instruction, provide in the area supervision.
During equipment set-up, provide on-site supervision.

RUGBY

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

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Use regulation rugby balls or footballs.

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

Pad goal posts if in field of play.
Select a playing area that is free from debris and obstructions, provides suitable footing and is well removed from traffic areas.
Bring holes and severely uneven surfaces to the attention of the principal and make students aware of them.
Use collapsible, soft pylons or field paint to mark boundaries and lines.

Modify rules to accommodate ability/age/physical development (e.g., non-contact rugby).
Permit full contact only if:
participation is completely optional
students are free to withdraw from activities they feel unprepared for
students have been physically prepared for contact rugby.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision.

SCOOPBALL

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use scoops and balls that are in good playing condition (e.g., no cracks and/or chips).
Use nets made of plastic or PVC material.
Have goalie wear a protective mask.

Wear suitable footwear and clothing.
No jewelry.

Choose a playing area that is free of obstructions including tables/chairs and other equipment around the perimeter.

Teach proper skill progression before games are introduced.
No intentional contact (e.g., body to body or scoop to body).
Stress student responsibility regarding the need for individual space.

Provide on-site supervision.

SCOOTER BOARDS

Activities involving scooter boards are high-risk. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to
replace high-risk activities. Teachers who wish to instruct high-risk activities
like those involving scooter boards require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use scooter boards that are in good repair (e.g., no cracks, broken edges, or loose wheels).

Wear shoes at all times.
No loose, hanging clothing.
Tie back long hair or put hair in a bun when lying on scooter.
Wear footwear and clothing that promotes unrestricted movement.
No jewelry.

Use an area that is free of obstructions including excess equipment around perimeter (e.g., tables, chairs, mats, boxes.).
Establish boundaries away from walls or use protective mats to eliminate protrusions (e.g., handles on stage storage).

No standing on scooter boards.
Stress to students that scooter boards are not to be used like skateboards.
In relay-type activities, allow room for slow-down or run-off area.
Teach skills in proper progression.
No scooter to scooter intentional contact.
In scooter soccer and scooter hockey, no high swings with legs and sticks.

Provide on-site supervision.

SCUBA DIVING

SCUBA DIVING 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 scuba diving require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Use certified equipment and have it checked before every class by a certified instructor.

Wear swimsuit, wet suit or T-shirt.
No jewelry.
If diving outdoors, wear sunscreen.

Don’t use backyard pools.
Use school or community pools.

Have students’ medical information sheets on-site.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Have qualified lifeguard on deck.
Have instructor with current certification from one of the following:
A.C.U.C. The Association of Canadian Underwater Councils, or
N.A.U.I. National Association of Underwater Instructors, or
Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
Teacher accompanies students to the pool and remains in the area during instruction.
Have certified scuba instructors present in the ratio of one instructor per 20 students.
Provide constant visual supervision.

			OUTDOOR EDUCATION ROCK CLIMBING/ROPE & FIXED-FACE CLIMBS (Top Rope Climbs Only) Grades 10-12

ROCK CLIMBING is not a recommended 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 high-risk activities like rock climbing or fixed-face climbs require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
Wear helmets for rock climbing. Helmets reduce the potential for injury. Use ropes and associated climbing equipment designed specifically for rock climbing. Use ropes that are minimum 11 mm diameter and constructed for rock climbing. Have a first aid kit available on site. Use a mechanical belay system instead of a body belay (e.g., stitch plate, minute hitch, figure 8, carabiner brake).	No loose clothing. No jewelry. Wear sun protection for outdoor climbing.	Use a climbing area appropriate for age and ability levels of the students.	Design an emergency action plan and communicate it to all involved in the program. Clearly outline safety procedures to students. No climbs on slippery and/or wet rocks. Unless tied in, stay clear of the top edge of the rock face. Have access to completed medical forms at all times. Instructor inspects all equipment prior to the climb. No lead climbing or protection placement. Ensure that instructor/leader is familiar with the climbing area. Teach skills in proper progression.	For rock climbing, have an instructor who is a Rock Guide as certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. For gym climbing, have an instructor who is a Level 2 Instructor as certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Have a suitable means of transporting an injured climber available. Supervisor/student ratio: 1:8. Teacher accompanies students to the site and remains on site for the instruction if a person other than the teacher is doing the instructing.

		OUTDOOR EDUCATION WINTER CAMPING Warm winter camping means heat sources are inside shelters. Cold winter camping means heat sources are external to shelters. Grades 10-12

WINTER TENT CAMPING is not a recommended 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 winter camping require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
Equipment includes: first aid kit whistle for each student waterproof matches. a lightweight camp stove.	Wear clothing that is appropriate for weather conditions. Use layering principles for clothing. Carry a dry change of clothing for each student. No jewelry. Wear sunscreen while outdoors.	Use facilities/site that is consistent with age and experience of campers.	Instruct students in the prevention and treatment of hypothermia/frostbite. Instruct students in outdoor winter survival techniques. Establish a systematic pattern for group travel and communication. Leave a complete trip itinerary in the school. Obtain parent permission for participation in winter camping.	Have instructor/supervisors with previous winter camping experience. Have at least one supervisor with St. John Emergency First Aid Certificate or equivalent. Supervisor/student ratio: 1:8.

			PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Check the parachute to ensure that it is in good condition.	Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry.	Establish a safety procedure. Use a playing area that is free of all obstacles. Clearly define court boundary lines.	No games played where any body part is put through the hole in the chute. Teach proper skill progression before games are introduced.	Provide on-site supervision. Provide constant visual supervision for K-grade 3.

			RUGBY

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

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
Use regulation rugby balls or footballs.	No metal cleats. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry. Wear sun protection.	Pad goal posts if in field of play. Select a playing area that is free from debris and obstructions, provides suitable footing and is well removed from traffic areas. Bring holes and severely uneven surfaces to the attention of the principal and make students aware of them. Use collapsible, soft pylons or field paint to mark boundaries and lines.	Modify rules to accommodate ability/age/physical development (e.g., non-contact rugby). Permit full contact only if: participation is completely optional students are free to withdraw from activities they feel unprepared for students have been physically prepared for contact rugby. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision.

			SCOOPBALL

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use scoops and balls that are in good playing condition (e.g., no cracks and/or chips). Use nets made of plastic or PVC material. Have goalie wear a protective mask.	Wear suitable footwear and clothing. No jewelry.	Choose a playing area that is free of obstructions including tables/chairs and other equipment around the perimeter.	Teach proper skill progression before games are introduced. No intentional contact (e.g., body to body or scoop to body). Stress student responsibility regarding the need for individual space.	Provide on-site supervision.

			SCOOTER BOARDS

Activities involving scooter boards are high-risk. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities. Teachers who wish to instruct high-risk activities like those involving scooter boards require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use scooter boards that are in good repair (e.g., no cracks, broken edges, or loose wheels).	Wear shoes at all times. No loose, hanging clothing. Tie back long hair or put hair in a bun when lying on scooter. Wear footwear and clothing that promotes unrestricted movement. No jewelry.	Use an area that is free of obstructions including excess equipment around perimeter (e.g., tables, chairs, mats, boxes.). Establish boundaries away from walls or use protective mats to eliminate protrusions (e.g., handles on stage storage).	No standing on scooter boards. Stress to students that scooter boards are not to be used like skateboards. In relay-type activities, allow room for slow-down or run-off area. Teach skills in proper progression. No scooter to scooter intentional contact. In scooter soccer and scooter hockey, no high swings with legs and sticks.	Provide on-site supervision.

			SCUBA DIVING

SCUBA DIVING 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 scuba diving require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
Use certified equipment and have it checked before every class by a certified instructor.	Wear swimsuit, wet suit or T-shirt. No jewelry. If diving outdoors, wear sunscreen.	Don’t use backyard pools. Use school or community pools.	Have students’ medical information sheets on-site. Teach skills in proper progression.	Have qualified lifeguard on deck. Have instructor with current certification from one of the following: A.C.U.C. The Association of Canadian Underwater Councils, or N.A.U.I. National Association of Underwater Instructors, or Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Teacher accompanies students to the pool and remains in the area during instruction. Have certified scuba instructors present in the ratio of one instructor per 20 students. Provide constant visual supervision.