Saskatchewan Physical Education: Safety Guidelines for Policy Development

TRACK AND FIELD
DISCUS

DISCUS 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 discus require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Use a discus that is of a size appropriate for the age, gender and physical maturity of the student.
Use a discus that is free of cracks, chips and other damage. Check the discus regularly for damage.
Provide protective screening around the throwing area. (A baseball screen may provide suitable protection.)

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

Use a landing area that is well marked and free of people during the activity.
Choose a throwing area that is free of obstacles and completely closed to traffic. (No other activity in the area where discus is taking place.)
Ensure that the discus circle area provides safe footing.

Require instructor and students not throwing to be behind thrower (behind a screen).
Teach skills in proper progression.
Establish safe throwing and retrieving procedures.
Instruct students in safety prior to teaching and practice.
Establish precautions to ensure the safety of all students before any activity with the discus begins.

Provide constant visual supervision.

TRACK AND FIELD
HIGH JUMP
Grades 4-12

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

GRADES 4-12

Use a landing area that is appropriate for the age, size and skill level of the students. The minimum mat size is a single 1.5 m x 3 m x 50 cm (5’ x 10’ x 20") mat.
Wet rope or elastic may be used rather than a crossbar.
Check poles for cracks regularly.
Check pits regularly for damage.
Place standard utility mats around the landing surface with no gaps.
No metal crossbars.

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

For both indoor and outdoor jumping, design area so that approach area is clear, smooth, dry and traffic-free.
Indoor jumping only when the floor provides a non-slip surface.

Require student bar monitors to stay in front and to the side of standards at all times.
Stress progressions and technique rather than competition.
Stress a short, controlled approach (between 3 and 9 steps).
If student is using "flop style", encourage take-off closer to the nearest upright on approach.
Ensure that landing mats and velcro mats are firmly secured and do not slide when jumper lands.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide constant visual supervision.

TRACK AND FIELD
HURDLES

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use "scissor" hurdles, light hurdles or loose crossbars for classroom instruction.

No track spikes.
Wear suitable gym clothing and footwear.
No jewelry.
If hurdling outdoors, wear sun protection.

Use an appropriate area that provides a flat, clear surface.

Instruct students on how to set up equipment properly.
Modify heights and distances to accommodate different ability levels.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision.

TRACK AND FIELD
JAVELIN

JAVELIN 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 javelin require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Have inexperienced students use a blunted javelin or a substitute javelin such as a hockey stick minus the blade.

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

Use a runway that is smooth and flat.
Use a throwing area that is free of obstacles and completely free of traffic.
No other activity in the area where the javelin is being thrown.

Teach students to lead and throw with the elbow to avoid elbow injuries.
Enforce the "all throw" and "all retrieve" rule when more than one student is participating.
Have spectators and non-competing athletes remain behind the throwing area.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide constant visual supervision.

TRACK AND FIELD
POLE VAULT

POLE VAULT 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 pole vault require written permission from the board of education.

TRACK AND FIELD
SHOT PUT
Grades 6-12

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

GRADES 6-12

Use only shots designed for indoor activity in the indoor program.
Use equipment of appropriate size and weight for age and strength of student.

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

Use a landing area that is well marked and free of people during activity.
Use a putting area that is safe underfoot.

Establish safe routines for putting and retrieving of shots.
Have only one specified putting direction, completely free from traffic.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Transport all shots safely to and from throwing area.
Use only standing shot-put technique (no spin).

Provide constant visual supervision.

TRACK AND FIELD
TRACK EVENTS
SPRINTS, 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, RELAYS

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use plastic or aluminum relay batons.

Wear suitable footwear and clothing.
No spikes of any kind.
Wear shoes.
Wear sun protection.
No jewelry.

Use outdoor areas that are designated for running, clearly marked, away from other activities, checked for hazards, and that provide safe footing.
Inspect all tracks annually and maintain as necessary.

Teach the skills associated with running in a progression of developmental steps.
Include proper warm-ups and cool-downs in all in-class sessions.
For indoor sprinting in hallways:
no running where there are glass doors or showcases
position a safety barrier in front of doors
put pylons at stop points.
For distance running, modify length of run so it is appropriate to the age and ability level of the participant.
Take into account:
temperature of the day
previous training and length of preparation.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide on-site supervision for sprints and relays.
Provide in the area supervision for middle distance (400 m, 800 m and 1500 m) events.
When running above distances, students may be temporarily out of sight. Thus, running in pairs or groups is advised.

TRACK AND FIELD
TRIPLE JUMP, LONG JUMP

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Equipment includes:
sand pit
rake
shovel or spade.

No spikes of any kind.
Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Wear shoes.
No jewelry.
If jumping outdoors, wear sun protection.

Use a pit filled with sand.
Ensure that landing area is soft with plenty of sand and no foreign objects.
Use a blacktop takeoff area that is firm and flat.
Dig pit at least once a season.
Locate pits so they are removed from high traffic areas and away from other activity sites (e.g., ball diamonds).

No jumping when there are slippery conditions.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Train students to be rakers. As part of training, include rules such as:
remove rake before next competitor begins approach
begin raking after competitor is out of pit
rake sand into the middle of the pit rather than out to the sides.

Provide constant visual supervision during initial lessons.
Provide on-site supervision after skills have been taught.

VOLLEYBALL

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Store poles so that there is no danger of them falling onto anyone.
Use nets that are free of exposed wires along top or frayed wires along poles.
Use ball appropriate for age and ability of students.

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

Use a playing surface that provides good traction.
Use outdoor volleyball courts that provide safe footing.
Use a gym that is free of hazards (e.g., equipment and furniture in corners/on sidelines).
Require students who are attaching net to pole to stand or chair or ladder.

Replace floor plugs when volleyball poles are removed.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Organize drills so as to minimize the risk of being hit with an errant ball.
Modify activities/rules to the age and ability level of participants.

Provide on-site supervision of activity.
If students are involved in setting up and putting away volleyball poles, provide constant visual supervision.

WATERPOLO

WATERPOLO 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 waterpolo require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

SECONDARY LEVEL

Wear appropriate swimming attire.
No jewelry.
Tie hair back or wear it in a bun.
If playing outdoors, wear sunscreen.

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

Inform swim instructor of any students having any medical problems that may affect the student’s safety in the water.
Require students to meet a minimum swimming standard (e.g., swim 100 m any stroke and tread water for 3 minutes).
Trim fingernails closely.
Modify rules to accommodate age and ability of participants.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Have a certified lifeguard on duty at all times.
Provide constant visual supervision.

WEIGHT TRAINING

WEIGHT TRAINING is not a recommended in-class activity for students from kindergarten to grade 6 and is high risk for students at these 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 weight training for K-6 students require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

GRADES 7-12

Inspect all equipment regularly and repair as necessary.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
No jewelry.

Secure weights in a secure storage area that can be locked when it is not in use.

Instruct all students in proper lifting techniques and safety procedures.
Use a buddy system when lifting free weights over body.
Secure free weight plates in place before using.
Individualize all programs.
Teach skills in proper progression.

Provide in the area supervision for use of weight machines and free weights, following instruction on safe use.

WRESTLING

EQUIPMENT

CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR

FACILITIES

SPECIAL RULES/
INSTRUCTION

SUPERVISION

ALL GRADES

Use 5.1 cm (2") mats with velcro sides.

No jewelry.
Wear suitable clothing.
No glasses.

Check mat surfaces regularly for irregularities.

During warm-up activities emphasize conditioning and flexibility.
Teach skills in proper progression.
Keep fingernails closely trimmed.
Match participants of similar weight, strength and gender.
Ensure that area surrounding the mats is free of obstructions/hazards.
Provide suitable distance between the edge of wrestling area and surrounding walls.
Encourage "down" wrestling for beginner wrestlers.
Outline rules and illegal moves.
Permit students to be referees only under the direct supervision of the instructor.

Provide on-site supervision.

			TRACK AND FIELD DISCUS

DISCUS 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 discus require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
Use a discus that is of a size appropriate for the age, gender and physical maturity of the student. Use a discus that is free of cracks, chips and other damage. Check the discus regularly for damage. Provide protective screening around the throwing area. (A baseball screen may provide suitable protection.)	Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry. Wear sun protection.	Use a landing area that is well marked and free of people during the activity. Choose a throwing area that is free of obstacles and completely closed to traffic. (No other activity in the area where discus is taking place.) Ensure that the discus circle area provides safe footing.	Require instructor and students not throwing to be behind thrower (behind a screen). Teach skills in proper progression. Establish safe throwing and retrieving procedures. Instruct students in safety prior to teaching and practice. Establish precautions to ensure the safety of all students before any activity with the discus begins.	Provide constant visual supervision.

			TRACK AND FIELD HURDLES

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use "scissor" hurdles, light hurdles or loose crossbars for classroom instruction.	No track spikes. Wear suitable gym clothing and footwear. No jewelry. If hurdling outdoors, wear sun protection.	Use an appropriate area that provides a flat, clear surface.	Instruct students on how to set up equipment properly. Modify heights and distances to accommodate different ability levels. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide on-site supervision.

			TRACK AND FIELD JAVELIN

JAVELIN 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 javelin require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Have inexperienced students use a blunted javelin or a substitute javelin such as a hockey stick minus the blade.	Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. No jewelry. Wear sun protection.	Use a runway that is smooth and flat. Use a throwing area that is free of obstacles and completely free of traffic. No other activity in the area where the javelin is being thrown.	Teach students to lead and throw with the elbow to avoid elbow injuries. Enforce the "all throw" and "all retrieve" rule when more than one student is participating. Have spectators and non-competing athletes remain behind the throwing area. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide constant visual supervision.

			VOLLEYBALL

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Store poles so that there is no danger of them falling onto anyone. Use nets that are free of exposed wires along top or frayed wires along poles. Use ball appropriate for age and ability of students.	No jewelry. Wear suitable footwear and clothing. If playing outdoors, wear sun protection.	Use a playing surface that provides good traction. Use outdoor volleyball courts that provide safe footing. Use a gym that is free of hazards (e.g., equipment and furniture in corners/on sidelines). Require students who are attaching net to pole to stand or chair or ladder.	Replace floor plugs when volleyball poles are removed. Teach skills in proper progression. Organize drills so as to minimize the risk of being hit with an errant ball. Modify activities/rules to the age and ability level of participants.	Provide on-site supervision of activity. If students are involved in setting up and putting away volleyball poles, provide constant visual supervision.

			WATERPOLO

WATERPOLO 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 waterpolo require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*SECONDARY LEVEL*
	Wear appropriate swimming attire. No jewelry. Tie hair back or wear it in a bun. If playing outdoors, wear sunscreen.	Use a school or community swimming pool. Don’t use backyard pools for class instruction.	Inform swim instructor of any students having any medical problems that may affect the student’s safety in the water. Require students to meet a minimum swimming standard (e.g., swim 100 m any stroke and tread water for 3 minutes). Trim fingernails closely. Modify rules to accommodate age and ability of participants. Teach skills in proper progression.	Have a certified lifeguard on duty at all times. Provide constant visual supervision.

			WEIGHT TRAINING

WEIGHT TRAINING is not a recommended in-class activity for students from kindergarten to grade 6 and is high risk for students at these 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 weight training for K-6 students require written permission from the board of education.

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*GRADES 7-12*
Inspect all equipment regularly and repair as necessary.	Wear suitable clothing and footwear. No jewelry.	Secure weights in a secure storage area that can be locked when it is not in use.	Instruct all students in proper lifting techniques and safety procedures. Use a buddy system when lifting free weights over body. Secure free weight plates in place before using. Individualize all programs. Teach skills in proper progression.	Provide in the area supervision for use of weight machines and free weights, following instruction on safe use.

			WRESTLING

EQUIPMENT	CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR	FACILITIES	SPECIAL RULES/ INSTRUCTION	SUPERVISION
*ALL GRADES*
Use 5.1 cm (2") mats with velcro sides.	No jewelry. Wear suitable clothing. No glasses.	Check mat surfaces regularly for irregularities.	During warm-up activities emphasize conditioning and flexibility. Teach skills in proper progression. Keep fingernails closely trimmed. Match participants of similar weight, strength and gender. Ensure that area surrounding the mats is free of obstructions/hazards. Provide suitable distance between the edge of wrestling area and surrounding walls. Encourage "down" wrestling for beginner wrestlers. Outline rules and illegal moves. Permit students to be referees only under the direct supervision of the instructor.	Provide on-site supervision.