HORSEBACK RIDING ENGLISH OR WESTERN
Horseback riding is a high-risk activity. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities. Teachers who wish to instruct a high-risk activity like horseback riding require written permission from the board of education.
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
ALL GRADES
Have a first aid kit available on site. Use horses suitable for beginning riders. Use appropriate, safe tack, properly fitted to the horses. Adjust tack (girth, stirrups) for each rider and have instructor check tack.	Wear appropriate riding attire (e.g., boots with heels, loose or stretch pants). Wear properly fitted helmets with chin straps. Helmets reduce the potential for injury. No jewelry. Wear sun protection.	Use properly maintained, licensed riding establishments for instruction. Use riding areas (indoor or outdoor) that have adequate space and good footing free of potential hazards - (e.g., broken gates, roadways). Use an enclosed area for initial instruction of beginning riders before starting on the trail or larger space. Have ready access to a phone.	Instruct students on safe handling and riding techniques. Require students to follow the rules laid out regarding riding areas, treatment of horses, allowable activities, etc. Discuss implementation of the emergency action plan with facility staff.	Provide on-site supervision by qualified instructor for initial instruction. Provide in the area supervision after initial instruction and when out on trails. Teacher’s presence as a support person is important. Suggested instructor/student ratio: one qualified instructor for each 6 mounted students.

			ICE HOCKEY
ICE HOCKEY 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 ice hockey require written permission from the board of education.
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
SECONDARY LEVEL
Have a first aid kit available on site. Wear approved hockey helmet with cage, gloves, elbow pads, and throat protector. If using regulation hockey puck, wear full hockey equipment. Check sticks often for cracks and splinters.	No jewelry. Wear properly fitting skates.	Use ice surface that is free from debris and deep ruts.	No slap shots. No body contact and stick on body contact. Base games on skills that are taught. Modify the game to suit equipment available and ability of students. No goaltender unless all players are fully equipped. Outline and enforce all rules. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision.

			IN-LINE SKATING
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
ALL GRADES

Have access to a first aid kit.

Wear: a correctly fitting helmet. Helmets reduce the potential for injury elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards properly fitting skates. No jewelry. If skating outdoors, wear sun protection.

Use a skating surface that is dry and free of any obstacles and debris. Us a designated skating area that is free of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Don’t use parking lots, sidewalks, streets or driveways. Playground blacktops are suggested.

Provide beginning skaters with their own designated area within the total area provided for the class. This enables beginning skaters to skate without interference from faster moving peers. Give all skaters, regardless of ability, basic instruction in: motion stopping turning. Designate a skating direction for everyone (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). No racing, chasing or tag games. Teach skating courtesy: skate in the same direction as others skate on the right, pass on the left announce your intention to pass by saying, "passing on your left". Outline safety rules clearly to students. No Walkmans. Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision.

			MARTIAL ARTS
MARTIAL ARTS 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 martial arts require written permission from the board of education.
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
SECONDARY LEVEL
Use 5.1 cm (2") mats, wrestling mats, or mats of equivalent compaction rating when the activity involves throws or falls.	Bare feet are preferred. Tie back long hair. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. No jewelry.	Use a floor surface that is clear, smooth, level, dry and free of all obstacles (e.g., tables and chairs).	Stress the importance of anticipation, avoidance of risky situations, self-defence tactics and appropriate aggression. Select warm-up activities that emphasize conditioning and flexibility. Teach skills in proper progression.	Use qualified instructors to deliver the program. Provide on-site supervision.

			LACROSSE
Lacrosse is a high-risk activity. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities. Teachers who wish to instruct a high-risk activity like lacrosse require written permission from the board of education.
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
ALL GRADES
SOFT LACROSSE: Use "soft" lacrosse balls. Have goaltender wear a face mask. Use molded plastic sticks or wooden sticks. BOX/FIELD LACROSSE: If a goaltender is used, have him/her wear full equipment. Wear helmets, gloves and mouth guards if stick on stick contact is allowed. Use lacrosse sticks. Check lacrosse sticks often for cracks and splinters.	No metal cleats. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry. Wear sun protection.	Inspect the playing area regularly to be sure it is free of debris and obstacles, and provides good footing. Bring holes and severely uneven surfaces to the attention of the principal and make students aware of them.	Teach skills in proper progression. Base games on skills that are taught. SOFT LACROSSE: Play only non-contact lacrosse in physical education class. Modify rules to exclude stick on stick, or stick on body contact and to prevent accidental contact within 1 m of the gym wall or playground fence. Stress student responsibility regarding individual space. BOX/FIELD LACROSSE: No body contact. No stick on body contact. Establish a crease area around the goal and don’t allow anyone except the goalie in the crease.	Provide on-site supervision.

			LOW ORGANIZATIONAL GAMES
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
ALL GRADES
Use equipment that is in good repair. Use a ball that is appropriate for the age, size, strength and skill level of students.	Wear suitable footwear (e.g., shoes for outdoor games). No jewelry. Wear sun protection for outdoor games.	Use an outdoor playing area that is free of debris and obstructions and provides safe footing. Use an indoor playing area that is free of hazards such as tables and chairs both in the area and on the perimeter of the area.	Teach students to stop playing immediately when a signal (such as a double whistle blast) is given. When students are playing games indoors that involve a goal line or running to a line, don’t use walls as a goal. Draw a goal line at least 3 metres from the wall and mark with cones.	Provide on-site supervision.

			OUTDOOR EDUCATION GENERAL GUIDELINES
				SUPERVISION
ALL GRADES
Have all outdoor education excursions approved by principal or designate. Approval can include consideration of itinerary, suitability of trip activities to the curriculum, travel time, safety factors, supervision arrangements, age appropriateness (refer to board of education’s field trip policy). Have board of education official sign a detailed application form for all overnight trips. Have parents complete parental consent forms prior to any student going on outdoor education trip. For all trips requiring transportation, prepare a list of all the students in each vehicle, provide it to the chaperones, and leave a copy at the school. For overnight trips, have students provide medical information to the chaperone, including their health card number and any special health information. Make supervisors on trip aware of any students with medical problems and any student on medication. Have students on vital medication bring an extra supply. Be sure this medication is in a clearly marked container in the supervisor’s possession. Handle all medications in accordance with the board of education’s policy on dispensing medication. Provide trip supervisors with a list of parent contact/emergency contact numbers. Use only staff or volunteer drivers who comply with board of education requirements for insurance. Provide the teacher supervising the trip with telephone number and location of nearest doctor, and location of nearest hospital and nearest phone. Define maximum number of days allowed for outdoor education trips in board of education policy. Typical information on parent consent forms includes itinerary, date, relationship of trip activities to curriculum, supervision arrangements, cost per student, behavioural expectations, inherent risks, and where applicable, date and time of parent information meeting. Provide students with a list of recommended clothing and personal items suitable for the specific activity. Wear sun protection for all outdoor education activities.				Provide both male and female chaperones for mixed gender groups on overnight trips. Have access to a vehicle for emergency purposes. Designate a supervisor (e.g., teacher or parent) who is not the supervisor in charge of the trip to transport an injured student to hospital.

			OUTDOOR EDUCATION BACKPACKING Day trips from school or base camp - Grades 6-12 Extended trips with overnight camping - Grades 10-12
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
GRADES 6-12
Collect and check all necessary equipment before the trip. Equipment includes: compass whistle or other signaling device first aid kit nutritious food which does not require preparation adequate water sun protection matches in waterproof container.	Wear comfortable and durable flat shoes or boots. Wear clothing in layers suitable for the season. Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Use only designated trails. Take a map of the route on the trip and leave a copy with the supervisor at the school. Ensure that teacher is familiar with the route. If backpacking trip originates from base camp, leave a map with the supervisor at base camp.	Have trip supervisors carry any necessary medication for designated students. Plan trip so that length and difficulty is appropriate for age and ability of students. Use a buddy system. Familiarize students with the route. Postpone trip if there is any indication of threatening weather that could put student safety at risk. Make students aware of: emergency procedures signal to assemble. Avoid traveling in darkness. Ensure that trip supervisors are aware of location of nearest phone and/or help in an emergency.	Provide on-site supervision. Recommended ratio of supervisors to students: day hikes - 1:15 local overnight hikes - 1:15 distant overnight hikes -1:8.

		OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPING An extended overnight camping experience in an outdoor environment with students using tents and doing their own food preparation. No canoeing. Dorm camping - Grades 1-12 Tent camping - Grades 1-12 Overnight camping - Grades 4-12
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
ALL GRADES
If cooking on stoves, use propane/liquid gas type stoves. Collect and check all necessary equipment before the trip. Equipment includes: whistle or other signaling device first aid kit flashlight shovel sun protection waterproofed matches.	No bare feet in campsite area. Wear clothing in layers suitable for the season. Clothing for overnight camping includes: sleeping bag/blanket rain gear. Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Plan trip so that washroom facilities are accessible. Have access to a phone (cell phone or regular phone within walking distance).	Plan program in detail with contingency plans for inclement weather. Remove all food items, gum and cosmetics from tents at night and keep in bear-proof containers or cars. Filling and lighting camp stoves is an adult responsibility. Make students aware of behavioural expectations, boundaries for activity, assembly procedures. Plan program activities that are age and skill level appropriate. No open flames near tents. Develop a process to account for students and to identify any students who may be missing. Provide food and drink of a nutritious quality and quantity appropriate for high energy outdoor activity.	Provide constant visual supervision when filling and lighting camp stoves. Provide on-site supervision for other activities. Have at least one leader with current first aid certification. Have some leaders with previous tent camping experience. Have access to a vehicle for emergency purposes. Designate an adult supervisor who is not the "in-charge" supervisor to accompany an injured student to hospital. Recommended ratio of supervisors to students: Grades 4-9 - 1:8 Grades 10-12 - 1:15.

		OUTDOOR EDUCATION CANOE TRIPPING Traveling in groups by canoe through wilderness or semi-wilderness areas for a period of time which includes at least one overnight camp - Grades 10-12
CANOE TRIPPING 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 canoe tripping require written permission from the board of education.
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
SECONDARY LEVEL
Equipment includes: extra paddle per canoe first aid kit waterproof matches 8 m length of rope • repair kit for canoe.	Wear properly fitting, Transport Canada approved life jacket/P.F.D., with whistle attached, at all times while on the water. Clothing includes: rain gear appropriate clothing in layers dry change of clothing. Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Plan a route that is appropriate to age/ability of students.	Complete a trip itinerary and file it with an appropriate school official. Develop an emergency action plan and communicate it to all involved with the trip. No trips through white water. Test all candidates for participation in a school canoe trip for the minimum standards in each of the areas as outlined below: 1. WATER SAFETY Prior to water activities successfully complete the following swim test: swim 100 m continuously any stroke tread water for 3 minutes put on life jacket in water demonstrate the help/huddle position.	Have at least one supervisor with Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association Level II Canoe Tripping certification. If the group is divided into two trips, then have two supervisors with these qualifications. Have at least one supervisor with: 1) National Lifeguard Service Lifeguard Certificate, or 2) Current first aid qualifications such as: St. John Emergency First Aid Certificate, or Canadian Red Cross Emergency First Aid Certificate, or Royal Life Saving Society Aquatic Emergency Care Certificate, or • Canadian Ski Patrol First Aid Certificate.

			OUTDOOR EDUCATION CANOE TRIPPING continued
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
SECONDARY LEVEL (Continued)
			2. CANOEING SKILLS Demonstrate basic competence in the following skills: power stroke "J" stroke sweep strokes draw stroke backwater strokes proper entry/exit from canoe self rescues in dry and/or swamped canoes canoe over canoe rescue procedures synchronized strokes packing a canoe portaging techniques. Have mastered the "J" stroke. Instruct students on how to handle unexpected wind and wave conditions. 3. RELATED AREAS Familiarize students with: basic first aid and hypothermia personal camping and canoeing equipment and repairs suitable clothing camping skills and safety environmental concerns use of a compass map reading. Postpone trip if there is any indication of inclement weather or cold water conditions severe enough to put students’ safety at risk. Teach skills in proper progression.	Have at least one supervisor who has experience with: bug season cold water rapids (recognize inherent danger and ways to avoid) cooking over open fire without a grate campcraft waterproofing methods during wet weather. Have at least one supervisor with general knowledge of the area. Establish a systematic pattern for group travel and communication. Have two adult supervisors on overnight trips. Where female and male students participate in a trip, provide both female and male supervisors. Ratio of supervisors to students: 1:8.

				OUTDOOR EDUCATION CANOEING Pools - Grades 6-12 Lake Water Canoeing - Grades 6-12
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION		SUPERVISION
GRADES 6-12
No aluminum canoes in pools. Check paddles for cracks and splinters.	Wear correct fitting, Transport Canada approved P.F.D./life jackets, with whistle attached for open water canoeing. Wear clothing that is appropriate for open water canoeing. Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Select water conditions appropriate for the skill level of the group.	Before open water canoeing, demonstrate competency in: power stroke "J" stroke sweep stroke draw stroke backwater stroke proper entry/exit from canoe self rescues into dry and/or swamped canoes canoe over canoe rescue procedures synchronized strokes, positioning of paddlers, and packing the canoe. Have a rescue craft on shore and accessible while students are canoeing on open water. 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.		Have an instructor with Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association Level One Lakewater Canoeing Certification. Provide on-site supervision when students are canoeing. Have access to a vehicle for emergency purposes. Designate a supervisor (e.g., teacher or parent) who is not the "in-charge" person to transport an injured student to hospital. Have at least one supervisor with: National Lifeguard Service Lifeguard certificate, or Current first aid qualifications, or St. John Emergency First Aid Certificate, or Royal Life Saving Society Aquatic Emergency Care Certificate, or Canadian Ski Patrol First Aid Certificate. Ratio of supervisors to students: Grades 6-9 - 1:10 Grades 10-12 - 1:15

			OUTDOOR EDUCATION FLAT WATER KAYAKING Pool - Grades 6-12 Base Camp Kayaking - Grades 6-12
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
GRADES 6-12
Equipment includes: kayak with adequate flotation in nose and stern to prevent the kayak from filling with water and sinking kayak paddle.	Wear correctly fitting and Transport Canada approved P.F.D./life jacket, with whistle attached for open water kayaking. Wear clothing that is appropriate for open water kayaking. Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Choose water conditions appropriate for the type of kayak being used and the skill level of the group. (Flat water involves paddling on lake water or river where no rapids exist and eddies are very slight).	As a prerequisite for open water kayaking, demonstrate basic competence in: launching kayak getting in and out emptying the kayak (beach and dock) T-rescue wet exit forward stroke back stroke front sweep stopping draw stroke bracing. Prior to water activities, successfully complete the following swim test: swim 100 m continuously any stroke tread water for 3 minutes put on life jacket in water demonstrate the help/huddle position. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision by qualified instructor when students are kayaking. Have instructors with a basic kayaking instructor’s certification from the Ontario White Water Association, the Canadian Canoeing Association, the American Canoeing Association or the British Union of Sea Kayaking. Have a rescue craft on shore and accessible while students are kayaking on open water. For the purpose of providing first aid coverage, have at least one supervisor with: 1) Lifeguard certificate, or 2) Current first aid qualifications such as: St. John Emergency First Aid Certificate, or Canadian Red Cross Emergency First Aid Certificate, or Royal Life Saving Society Aquatic Emergency Care Certificate, or Canadian Ski Patrol First Aid Certificate. Ratio of instructors to students: Grades 6-8 - 1:8 Grades 9-12 - 1:10

			OUTDOOR EDUCATION LAKE SWIMMING - Grades 4-12
Lake, creek and river swimming are high-risk activities. Schools are encouraged to consider alternative program options to replace high-risk activities. Teachers who wish to instruct high-risk activities like lake, creek or river swimming require written permission from the board of education.
EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
GRADES 4-12
Equipment includes: buoy line whistle or other signaling device first aid kit(s) throw line reaching assists.	Wear appropriate swimming attire. Wear sunscreen. No jewelry. Tie back long hair or wear it in a bun.	Use a swimming area that is: clearly marked free from hazards roped off with floating devices of suitable water temperature reasonably clear. No swimming in fast moving rivers or streams. Prior to trip, check with local authorities to determine whether water is safe for swimming.	Written parental permission for child to be involved in any swimming activity is desirable. Permission note can indicate child’s swimming ability (e.g. non-swimmer, capable swimmer). Identify and observe non-swimmers. Follow posted rules and regulations of swimming area. Use a definite counting system at regular intervals (e.g., number students and every 15 minutes blow whistle and have them count off). Use a buddy system. No swimming if there are any indications of bad weather. No swimming after dark. Swimming allowed only in designated area. No distance swims. Position lifeguard so s/he is clearly visible to all swimmers at all times. In an emergency situation, lifeguard is in charge. Have an emergency action plan in place. Inform students of acceptable standards of behaviour in the water. No diving. No flotation devices. Practice an emergency water drill (e.g., assemble on shore with 3 loud whistle blasts). Length of swim depends on skill and age of swimmers, condition of atmosphere, condition of water, time of day. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision. Have one supervisor with current certification : National Lifeguard Service Lifeguard Certificate Waterfront option, or National Lifeguard Service Pool Certificate with two years waterfront experience Provide at least one other adult supervisor in addition to the lifeguard. Have access to a vehicle for emergency purposes. Designate a supervisor (e.g., teacher or parent) who is not the "in charge" supervisor to transport an injured student to hospital. Lifeguard to swimmer ratio: 1:25.