Saskatchewan Physical Education: Safety Guidelines for Policy Development

SKATING (ICE)

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Wear a CSA approved helmet. Helmets reduce the potential for injury.
Keep a first aid kit available on site. If the school is not bringing a kit to the arena, ensure that the arena manager has a kit available and knows its location.

Clothing/gear includes:
properly fitted skates
gloves or mitts.
When skating outdoors, dress for weather conditions.
No jewelry.
If skating outdoors, wear sunscreen on exposed parts of the body.

Before skating on outdoor ponds, determine ice safety with absolute certainty. Contact local authorities for information.

Select activities that are appropriate to the skill level of the students.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Avoid tag type games, racing and "crack-the-whip".
Provide ice space for beginning skaters separate from accomplished skaters until beginning skaters master basic skills.
Make students and parents aware of the need for extra caution and control on the ice including common procedures such as skating in the same direction during a free skate.
Inform parents by letter of their child’s involvement in skating and the importance of wearing a helmet and proper hand covering.
Discuss recognizing and treating frostbite prior to outdoor skating.
Stress skating technique, not speed, in all games, challenges, and drills.

Provide on-site supervision.

SKIING (Alpine)
SNOWBOARDING

Alpine skiing and snow-boarding 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 alpine skiing or snowboarding require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use only rental equipment that is inspected and issued by a certified technician.
Make students supplying their own equipment aware that the equipment must be checked and in good repair.

No long scarves.
Tie back or tuck in long hair.
Wear clothing adequate for winter out-of-doors activity.
No jewelry.
Wear sunscreen on exposed parts of the body.

Ski/snowboard only on appropriate areas as identified by a qualified ski instructor.
Ski in a commercially operated ski facility.
Ski in an area patrolled by members of a recognized ski patrol.

Test and group students appropriately as determined by a qualified ski instructor. Require those identified as needing instruction to participate in an instructional lesson.
Teach students the importance of skiing in control at all times. Discourage hot-dogging and jumping.
Ensure that students are thoroughly familiar with alpine skiing safety rules (including lift procedures) and the role of the ski patrol.
Prior to the excursion, discuss the following:
proper clothing
frostbite and hypothermia
sunburn.
Inform parents by letter of their child’s involvement in skiing and make them aware of the importance of suitable clothing and equipment.

Have access to a vehicle for emergency.
Provide on-site supervision.
Clearly outline duties of the supervisors.
Designate a supervisor (e.g., teacher or parent) who is not the "in-charge" person to transport an injured student to hospital.

SKIPPING

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use ropes of appropriate length for size and ability of students.

Wear shoes at all times.
No jewelry.
Wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Use an area that is free from obstructions to enable safe movement.
Provide adequate personal space.

Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide in the area supervision.

SNORKELING

SNORKELING 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 snorkeling require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Use certified equipment.

Wear swimsuits.
If snorkeling outdoors, wear sun protection.
No jewelry.

Use a school or community swimming pool.
Don’t use backyard pools for class instruction.

Familiarize students with emergency procedures relating to the pool facility.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Have a qualified lifeguard on deck at all times.
Teacher accompanies students to the pool and remains in the area during instruction.
The ratio of qualified instructors to students: 1:20.
Have an instructor with one of the following certifications:
A.C.U.C. The Association of Canadian Underwater Councils, or
A.C.U.C. Snorkeling Instructor’s Program, or
N.A.U.I. National Association of Underwater Instructors, or
P.A.D.I. Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
Provide constant visual supervision.

SOCCER

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Secure moveable heavy wood and metal outdoor nets to the ground.
If using a moveable outdoor soccer goal, select one that is counter-balanced in order to reduce the potential for tipping.
Inspect nets regularly.
Use nerf balls or indoor soccer balls for indoor soccer.
Use indoor nets made of plastic.

No metal or molded cleats.
Wear suitable footwear and clothing.
Wear shin guards for additional protection.
Wear sun protection.
No jewelry.

Inspect outdoor playing area regularly for debris and obstructions.
Use an area that provides suitable footing and is well away from traffic.
Report holes and severely uneven surfaces to the principal and make students aware of them.
Identify a goal crease.
Use collapsible, soft pylons or field paint to mark boundaries and lines.

No tackling.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Limit the amount of time spent on heading drills.
Insist that students must never climb on moveable outdoor goals.
Instruct students in the safe handling of and potential dangers associated with moveable outdoor goals.

Provide on-site supervision.

SOFTBALL
REGULATION

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use bats that are uncracked with an adequate grip.
Ensure that back catcher wears a mask and a helmet.
Require batters and base runners to wear helmets.
Require umpire to wear a mask.
Suggest that umpire wears 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.
Use a playing field that is away from open roadways so that players don’t run 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, insure that a safe distance exists 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.
Require 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.

SOFTBALL
SLOW PITCH

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use bats that are uncracked with an adequate grip.
Ensure that catcher wears a helmet and mask.
Require umpire to wear a mask.
Use regulation slow pitch ball.

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

Inspect the field for hazards: holes, glass, rocks, and slippery, muddy spots.
Use a playing field that is away from open roadways so that players don’t run 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, ensure that a safe distance exists 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.
Ensure that non-fielding players 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.

SYNCHRO SWIMMING

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use electrical equipment that is properly grounded (GFI).

No jewelry.
Clothing/gear includes:
swimsuits
bathing caps
nose plugs.
If swimming outdoors, wear sunscreen.

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

Outline emergency procedures to the students prior to entering the water.
Inform swim instructor of any child having history of diabetes, asthma, heart condition, convulsions, epilepsy, frequent ear infections or any medical problems that may affect the child’s safety in the water.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Teacher accompanies the students to the pool and stays on deck.
Ratio of qualified instructors to students: 1:25.
Have instructor with current certification.
Provide on-site supervision.

TABLE TENNIS

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use regulation size table tennis paddles and balls.
Check tables and paddles to be sure they are in good condition.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
No jewelry.

Set up tables so that students can move around them.
Play where floor surfaces are smooth, level and dry.
Play in an area that is free of all obstacles.

Teach skills in proper progression.
Establish a careful routine for set-up and dismantling of tables with direct teacher supervision.

Provide on-site supervision during set-up and dismantling of tables.
Provide in the area supervision during play.

TEAM HANDBALL

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use indoor nets that are padded or made of plastic.
Use a nerf ball, soft utility ball, soft volleyball or team handball.

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

Play in an area that is free from debris and obstructions and provides safe footing.

No body contact.
Modify activities and rules to suit the age and ability of students and the facilities/equipment available.
Clearly identify a crease area if using a goalie (e.g., full key area).
Allow only the goaltender in the crease area.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision.

TETHERBALL

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use a tetherball that is in good repair, with properly working connections at ball and at pole.
Use a rope that is in good repair and not excessively frayed.
Check pole periodically. Repair a pole with a severe lean or one that is loose at the base.

Wear suitable footwear and clothing that permits unrestricted movement.
No jewelry.
If playing outdoors, wear sun protection.

Place tetherball poles in areas away from traffic and away from areas where other games are played.

Instruct children in skills and rules before the game is played.
Teach skills in proper progression.
No tetherball games in slippery, wet conditions.

Provide in the area supervision.
Require that tetherball be set up by an adult or a student under adult supervision.

			SKATING (ICE)

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Wear a CSA approved helmet. Helmets reduce the potential for injury. Keep a first aid kit available on site. If the school is not bringing a kit to the arena, ensure that the arena manager has a kit available and knows its location.	Clothing/gear includes: properly fitted skates gloves or mitts. When skating outdoors, dress for weather conditions. No jewelry. If skating outdoors, wear sunscreen on exposed parts of the body.	Before skating on outdoor ponds, determine ice safety with absolute certainty. Contact local authorities for information.	Select activities that are appropriate to the skill level of the students. Teach skills in proper progression. Avoid tag type games, racing and "crack-the-whip". Provide ice space for beginning skaters separate from accomplished skaters until beginning skaters master basic skills. Make students and parents aware of the need for extra caution and control on the ice including common procedures such as skating in the same direction during a free skate. Inform parents by letter of their child’s involvement in skating and the importance of wearing a helmet and proper hand covering. Discuss recognizing and treating frostbite prior to outdoor skating. Stress skating technique, not speed, in all games, challenges, and drills.	Provide on-site supervision.

			SKIING (Alpine) SNOWBOARDING

Alpine skiing and snow-boarding 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 alpine skiing or snowboarding require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use only rental equipment that is inspected and issued by a certified technician. Make students supplying their own equipment aware that the equipment must be checked and in good repair.	No long scarves. Tie back or tuck in long hair. Wear clothing adequate for winter out-of-doors activity. No jewelry. Wear sunscreen on exposed parts of the body.	Ski/snowboard only on appropriate areas as identified by a qualified ski instructor. Ski in a commercially operated ski facility. Ski in an area patrolled by members of a recognized ski patrol.	Test and group students appropriately as determined by a qualified ski instructor. Require those identified as needing instruction to participate in an instructional lesson. Teach students the importance of skiing in control at all times. Discourage hot-dogging and jumping. Ensure that students are thoroughly familiar with alpine skiing safety rules (including lift procedures) and the role of the ski patrol. Prior to the excursion, discuss the following: proper clothing frostbite and hypothermia sunburn. Inform parents by letter of their child’s involvement in skiing and make them aware of the importance of suitable clothing and equipment.	Have access to a vehicle for emergency. Provide on-site supervision. Clearly outline duties of the supervisors. Designate a supervisor (e.g., teacher or parent) who is not the "in-charge" person to transport an injured student to hospital.

			SKIPPING

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use ropes of appropriate length for size and ability of students.	Wear shoes at all times. No jewelry. Wear suitable clothing and footwear.	Use an area that is free from obstructions to enable safe movement. Provide adequate personal space.	Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide in the area supervision.

			SNORKELING

SNORKELING 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 snorkeling require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
Use certified equipment.	Wear swimsuits. If snorkeling outdoors, wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Use a school or community swimming pool. Don’t use backyard pools for class instruction.	Familiarize students with emergency procedures relating to the pool facility. Teach skills in proper progression.	Have a qualified lifeguard on deck at all times. Teacher accompanies students to the pool and remains in the area during instruction. The ratio of qualified instructors to students: 1:20. Have an instructor with one of the following certifications: A.C.U.C. The Association of Canadian Underwater Councils, or A.C.U.C. Snorkeling Instructor’s Program, or N.A.U.I. National Association of Underwater Instructors, or P.A.D.I. Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Provide constant visual supervision.

			SOCCER

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Secure moveable heavy wood and metal outdoor nets to the ground. If using a moveable outdoor soccer goal, select one that is counter-balanced in order to reduce the potential for tipping. Inspect nets regularly. Use nerf balls or indoor soccer balls for indoor soccer. Use indoor nets made of plastic.	No metal or molded cleats. Wear suitable footwear and clothing. Wear shin guards for additional protection. Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Inspect outdoor playing area regularly for debris and obstructions. Use an area that provides suitable footing and is well away from traffic. Report holes and severely uneven surfaces to the principal and make students aware of them. Identify a goal crease. Use collapsible, soft pylons or field paint to mark boundaries and lines.	No tackling. Teach skills in proper progression. Limit the amount of time spent on heading drills. Insist that students must never climb on moveable outdoor goals. Instruct students in the safe handling of and potential dangers associated with moveable outdoor goals.	Provide on-site supervision.

			SOFTBALL REGULATION

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use bats that are uncracked with an adequate grip. Ensure that back catcher wears a mask and a helmet. Require batters and base runners to wear helmets. Require umpire to wear a mask. Suggest that umpire wears 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. Use a playing field that is away from open roadways so that players don’t run 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, insure that a safe distance exists 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. Require 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.

			SOFTBALL SLOW PITCH

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use bats that are uncracked with an adequate grip. Ensure that catcher wears a helmet and mask. Require umpire to wear a mask. Use regulation slow pitch ball.	Wear suitable footwear and clothing. No metal or molded cleats. Wear sun protection. No jewelry.	Inspect the field for hazards: holes, glass, rocks, and slippery, muddy spots. Use a playing field that is away from open roadways so that players don’t run 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, ensure that a safe distance exists 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. Ensure that non-fielding players 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.

			SYNCHRO SWIMMING

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use electrical equipment that is properly grounded (GFI).	No jewelry. Clothing/gear includes: swimsuits bathing caps nose plugs. If swimming outdoors, wear sunscreen.	Use school or community pools. Don’t use backyard pools.	Outline emergency procedures to the students prior to entering the water. Inform swim instructor of any child having history of diabetes, asthma, heart condition, convulsions, epilepsy, frequent ear infections or any medical problems that may affect the child’s safety in the water. Teach skills in proper progression.	Teacher accompanies the students to the pool and stays on deck. Ratio of qualified instructors to students: 1:25. Have instructor with current certification. Provide on-site supervision.

			TABLE TENNIS

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use regulation size table tennis paddles and balls. Check tables and paddles to be sure they are in good condition.	Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry.	Set up tables so that students can move around them. Play where floor surfaces are smooth, level and dry. Play in an area that is free of all obstacles.	Teach skills in proper progression. Establish a careful routine for set-up and dismantling of tables with direct teacher supervision.	Provide on-site supervision during set-up and dismantling of tables. Provide in the area supervision during play.

			TEAM HANDBALL

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use indoor nets that are padded or made of plastic. Use a nerf ball, soft utility ball, soft volleyball or team handball.	Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry. If playing outdoors, wear sun protection.	Play in an area that is free from debris and obstructions and provides safe footing.	No body contact. Modify activities and rules to suit the age and ability of students and the facilities/equipment available. Clearly identify a crease area if using a goalie (e.g., full key area). Allow only the goaltender in the crease area. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision.

			TETHERBALL

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use a tetherball that is in good repair, with properly working connections at ball and at pole. Use a rope that is in good repair and not excessively frayed. Check pole periodically. Repair a pole with a severe lean or one that is loose at the base.	Wear suitable footwear and clothing that permits unrestricted movement. No jewelry. If playing outdoors, wear sun protection.	Place tetherball poles in areas away from traffic and away from areas where other games are played.	Instruct children in skills and rules before the game is played. Teach skills in proper progression. No tetherball games in slippery, wet conditions.	Provide in the area supervision. Require that tetherball be set up by an adult or a student under adult supervision.