Saskatchewan Physical Education: Safety Guidelines for Policy Development

CURLING

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Keep a first aid kit in an accessible location.
Wear a helmet. Helmets reduce the potential for injury among young and novice curlers.

Wear clothing that is appropriate for cold temperature activity.
Wear appropriate footwear.
No jewelry.

Use a curling rink for instruction.

Teach skills and etiquette in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision.

CYCLING

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Have students inspect bikes before use for working brakes and inflated tires.
Wear approved and correctly fitting helmets. Helmets reduce the potential for injury.
Have one rider carry a bicycle tool kit.
Have the supervisor carry a first aid kit.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear (no open-toed shoes).
Wear sun protection.
No jewelry.

Choose routes carefully in terms of the length, amount of gravel and pavement, frequency of traffic, and number of complex intersections and railway crossings.
Prior to initial use of route, have teacher do a safety ride-through to address safety and suitability.
For off-road routes, obtain permission of landowner.

Review and emphasize the safety procedures to be followed (including group riding procedures) before activities begin.
Leave a record of students and the route they will be traveling in the school with an appropriate person.
Make students aware of emergency procedures in case of an accident.
Racing is not a suitable in-class activity.
Use a buddy system.
Inform parents that cycling will take students off school property.
No Walkmans.

Provide in the area supervision.

DANCE, RHYTHMIC
ACTIVITIES

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use electrical equipment that is in good working order.

Wear appropriate footwear (gymnastics slippers or running shoes). Bare feet are acceptable.
No jewelry.

Use a gym or very large room free from obstacles for instruction.

Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision for rhythmic activities.
Provide in the area supervision for dance.

DIVING
SPRINGBOARD AND TOWER DIVING

DIVING is not a recommended in-class activity for 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 diving require written permission from the board of education.

DODGEBALL-TYPE GAMES
TAG GAMES

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use a "nerf" ball, soft foam ball, utility ball, volleyball (partially deflated) for dodgeball-type games.

No jewelry.
Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Wear sun protection if playing outdoors.

Remove obstructions (e.g., desks, chairs) from playing area.
Close all access/exit doors.
Use an outdoor playing area that is free of rocks and holes and provides good footing.

Modify rules to accommodate age, ability, and physical development of participants.
Establish rules for contact by the ball (e.g., no contact above shoulders/waists).
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide constant visual supervision.

FENCING

FENCING is not recommended as an in-class activity for 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 fencing require written permission from the board of education.

FIELD HOCKEY

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use regulation field hockey sticks.
Have goaltender wear mouth guard, shin guards and full goalie equipment if regulation ball is used.
Check sticks regularly for cracks.
Use regulation field hockey balls or indoor "soft" balls.

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

Bring holes and severely uneven surfaces to the attention of the principal and make students aware of them.
Check playing surface regularly. A good playing surface is clear from debris and provides good footing.

Never bring stick above waist level.
Implement a soccer-size crease area other than the scoring circle for the protection of the goalie.
Don’t allow any player except the goalie in the crease.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision.

FITNESS ACTIVITIES
AEROBICS, CIRCUIT TRAINING, ETC.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use stationary bicycles, benches, chinning bars, peg boards and other fitness equipment that is in good repair.
Use electrical equipment that is in good working order.
Use steps and/or slides that are in good repair and equipped with non-slip treads.
Use tubing/elastic strips that are the proper tension and length for level of participant.
Don’t use free weights at the elementary level.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
No jewelry.

Do fitness activities in a floor area that is free of all obstacles (e.g., tables and chairs).
Allow adequate space between fitness activities and equipment to provide free flow of motion.

Modify fitness activities to reflect the age and ability level of students, the facilities and the equipment available.
Where fitness equipment is being used (e.g., stationary bicycle, medicine ball, chinning bar, tubing) instruct students in the proper use of the equipment before they begin using it.
Use a proper progression of activities:
1) warm-up
2) stretching
3) peak work activities (which may include muscle strength and endurance activities)
4) cool-down activities including tapering off, stretching and relaxation.
Stress correct body alignment for injury prevention.
Permit students to work at personal levels of intensity (e.g., low impact to high impact, low intensity to high intensity).
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision.

FLOOR HOCKEY
GYM RINGETTE

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Check stick regularly to ensure the blade is securely attached to the stick and that there are no cracks and splinters.
For floor hockey, use only regulation plastic hockey sticks or hockey sticks with plastic blades.
Wear eye goggles, and teeth and mouth protection.
For ringette, use regulation ringette sticks.
Have goalies wear a protective mask (e.g., catcher’s mask).
Use a "soft" ball such as a nerf ball, or plastic or soft rubber puck.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
No jewelry.

Use a playing surface and surrounding area that is free of all obstacles (e.g., tables, chairs).
Make sure all floor plugs are in place.

Strictly enforce rules with penalties.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Base games and activities on skills that are taught.
No body contact.
No sticks above the waist.
Implement a crease for protection of the goalie and do not allow other players in the crease.

Provide on-site supervision.

FOOTBALL
FLAG OR TOUCH FOOTBALL

TACKLE FOOTBALL is not recommended as an in-class activity for 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 tackle football require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use footballs appropriate to the size and ability of the group (e.g., smaller football or nerf ball for younger students).

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

Play in an area that is free of debris and obstructions and provides safe footing.
Report holes and severely uneven surfaces to the principal and make students aware of them.

Teach skills in proper progression.
Clearly mark boundary lines.
Modify the rules of the game to accommodate differences in ability/age/physical development.
No blocking and tackling.

Provide on-site supervision.

GOLF

GOLF 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 golf require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

Additional Elementary Standards

Check equipment, especially grips, regularly and repair as needed.
Use plastic "whiffle" or rubber golf balls.
No real golf balls on school property except for putting and chipping.

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

Allow adequate space for full backswing and follow through.

Instruct students on proper golf etiquette.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Establish a safe routine for hitting and retrieving golf balls.
Designate a safe area for use of real balls while chipping.

Provide on-site supervision for initial instruction and when chipping with real golf balls.
Provide in the area supervision following initial instruction.

			CURLING

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
Keep a first aid kit in an accessible location. Wear a helmet. Helmets reduce the potential for injury among young and novice curlers.	Wear clothing that is appropriate for cold temperature activity. Wear appropriate footwear. No jewelry.	Use a curling rink for instruction.	Teach skills and etiquette in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision.

			CYCLING

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Have students inspect bikes before use for working brakes and inflated tires. Wear approved and correctly fitting helmets. Helmets reduce the potential for injury. Have one rider carry a bicycle tool kit. Have the supervisor carry a first aid kit.	Wear suitable clothing and footwear (no open-toed shoes). Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Choose routes carefully in terms of the length, amount of gravel and pavement, frequency of traffic, and number of complex intersections and railway crossings. Prior to initial use of route, have teacher do a safety ride-through to address safety and suitability. For off-road routes, obtain permission of landowner.	Review and emphasize the safety procedures to be followed (including group riding procedures) before activities begin. Leave a record of students and the route they will be traveling in the school with an appropriate person. Make students aware of emergency procedures in case of an accident. Racing is not a suitable in-class activity. Use a buddy system. Inform parents that cycling will take students off school property. No Walkmans.	Provide in the area supervision.

			DANCE, RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use electrical equipment that is in good working order.	Wear appropriate footwear (gymnastics slippers or running shoes). Bare feet are acceptable. No jewelry.	Use a gym or very large room free from obstacles for instruction.	Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision for rhythmic activities. Provide in the area supervision for dance.

			DIVING SPRINGBOARD AND TOWER DIVING

DIVING is not a recommended in-class activity for 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 diving require written permission from the board of education.

			DODGEBALL-TYPE GAMES TAG GAMES

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use a "nerf" ball, soft foam ball, utility ball, volleyball (partially deflated) for dodgeball-type games.	No jewelry. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Wear sun protection if playing outdoors.	Remove obstructions (e.g., desks, chairs) from playing area. Close all access/exit doors. Use an outdoor playing area that is free of rocks and holes and provides good footing.	Modify rules to accommodate age, ability, and physical development of participants. Establish rules for contact by the ball (e.g., no contact above shoulders/waists). Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide constant visual supervision.

			FENCING

FENCING is not recommended as an in-class activity for 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 fencing require written permission from the board of education.

			FIELD HOCKEY

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use regulation field hockey sticks. Have goaltender wear mouth guard, shin guards and full goalie equipment if regulation ball is used. Check sticks regularly for cracks. Use regulation field hockey balls or indoor "soft" balls.	Wear suitable footwear and clothing. No jewelry. Wear sun protection.	Bring holes and severely uneven surfaces to the attention of the principal and make students aware of them. Check playing surface regularly. A good playing surface is clear from debris and provides good footing.	Never bring stick above waist level. Implement a soccer-size crease area other than the scoring circle for the protection of the goalie. Don’t allow any player except the goalie in the crease. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision.

			FLOOR HOCKEY GYM RINGETTE

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Check stick regularly to ensure the blade is securely attached to the stick and that there are no cracks and splinters. For floor hockey, use only regulation plastic hockey sticks or hockey sticks with plastic blades. Wear eye goggles, and teeth and mouth protection. For ringette, use regulation ringette sticks. Have goalies wear a protective mask (e.g., catcher’s mask). Use a "soft" ball such as a nerf ball, or plastic or soft rubber puck.	Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry.	Use a playing surface and surrounding area that is free of all obstacles (e.g., tables, chairs). Make sure all floor plugs are in place.	Strictly enforce rules with penalties. Teach skills in proper progression. Base games and activities on skills that are taught. No body contact. No sticks above the waist. Implement a crease for protection of the goalie and do not allow other players in the crease.	Provide on-site supervision.

			FOOTBALL FLAG OR TOUCH FOOTBALL

TACKLE FOOTBALL is not recommended as an in-class activity for 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 tackle football require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use footballs appropriate to the size and ability of the group (e.g., smaller football or nerf ball for younger students).	No metal or molded cleats. Wear suitable gym clothing and footwear. No jewelry. Wear sun protection.	Play in an area that is free of debris and obstructions and provides safe footing. Report holes and severely uneven surfaces to the principal and make students aware of them.	Teach skills in proper progression. Clearly mark boundary lines. Modify the rules of the game to accommodate differences in ability/age/physical development. No blocking and tackling.	Provide on-site supervision.

			GOLF

GOLF 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 golf require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*Additional Elementary Standards*
Check equipment, especially grips, regularly and repair as needed. Use plastic "whiffle" or rubber golf balls. No real golf balls on school property except for putting and chipping.	Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry. Wear sun protection.	Allow adequate space for full backswing and follow through.	Instruct students on proper golf etiquette. Teach skills in proper progression. Establish a safe routine for hitting and retrieving golf balls. Designate a safe area for use of real balls while chipping.	Provide on-site supervision for initial instruction and when chipping with real golf balls. Provide in the area supervision following initial instruction.