“safety first, second, and always” - usa gymnastics · member club newsletter march 2011...

MEMBER CLUB NEWSLETTER March 2011

“SAFETY FIRST, SECOND, AND ALWAYS”

SUGGESTED STEPS FOR GYMNASTICS PROFESSIONALS

“2009 Gymnastics Risk Management Safety Course Handbook” - pg. 6

OBJECTIVES TOOLS

To lower the incidence of minor and serious injuries

Properly plan the activity

(Appendix N)

Supervise the activity appropriately

Provide proper instruction/coaching

Understand and implement Risk Management and correct Safety

Procedures

Lesson Plans should be specific to the following: • Level of athletes • Age of athletes • Apparatus/equipment available • Warm-up activities • Stations per apparatus • Skill progressions • Fitness activities within stations (maximize activity time)

#1 Rule of Supervision . . . ALWAYS!! 1.) Begins when athlete enters the facility 2.) Continues through class / practice 3.) Continues until athlete has left the property Guidelines of Supervision • Always being present • Watching the activity and all athletes within

your care • Controlling the situation through your

knowledge and planning • Ensuring that safety measures are

implemented


Provide adequate and proper

apparatus and equipment

Educate regularly

Provide appropriate emergency assistance

Keep informed

Know the gymnasts

Guidelines for Instruction/Coaching • Teaching knowledge of skills • Teaching knowledge of progressions • Continual review of safety practices (falling

and landing drills) • Emphasis on correct technique • Repetition of fundamentals • Provide a safe, physical

environment • Establish a plan for regular inspections and

maintenance (Appendix E)

Guidelines for a safe gym • Organized • Clean • Apparatus and equipment inspected prior to

each lesson • Avoid modifying apparatus and equipment

Continually educate the athletes about appropriate and safe behaviors – in writing and verbal • Establish a written emergency plan • Knowledge/certification of basic first aid • Knowledge/certification of CPR

Regularly updating knowledge • Gymnastics skills • Proper technique • Skill progressions and drills • Rule changes • Safety issues • Major health guidelines • Attend Congresses, clinics, workshops


Keep records

CONCLUSION

THIS IS RISK MANAGEMENT

Factors to consider when determining skills, drills, and teaching activities: • Name • Age • Medical status • Longevity in program • Height • Maturity • Skill Level • Experience • Emotional State

Maintain records of EVERYTHING that goes on with the gym – the list is endless! Examples: Written lesson plans Emergency action plans Incident report forms Progress reports Facility Inspection Student files – waivers and releases Communication – parents/guardians, staff, students

Doing everything possible to prevent: 1.) An injury 2.) A lawsuit

MEMBER CLUB NEWSLETTER April 2011


WHAT IS RISK MANAGEMENT?


OBJECTIVES TOOLS

To have a thorough understanding of Risk Management

Definition of Risk Management Why is Risk Management necessary? Understanding the RISK OF AN INJURY

Understanding the RISK OF A LAWSUIT Definition of Liability Definition of Negligence

Doing everything possible to avoid the risk of an injury and the risk of a lawsuit. Risk Management is a process, not an outcome. It is a method for identifying risks and developing and implementing programs to protect against those risks. Gymnastics carries inherent risks. Attaining information regarding the following questions:

1.) To whom injuries occur? 2.) Where injuries occur? 3.) How injuries occur? 4.) When injuries occur? 5.) Why injuries occur? 6.) Types of injuries?

Important terminology Lawsuits are centered around liability. Liability means one is held financially responsible for causing harm or damage. Liability may be based on the concept of negligence. Negligence is failing to act as a reasonable and careful person would act under the circumstances.

MEMBER CLUB NEWSLETTER April 2011

Questions to address prior to administering, directing, teaching, coaching, communicating (written, verbal), documentation, etc.

Effective Risk Management Program Can you identify to potential areas of Risk?

RISK + MANAGEMENT =

1.) What things can happen? 2.) What is the likelihood of them happening? 3.) What is the consequence if they do happen?

Four basic steps: Assess – identify, analyze, and prioritize potential risks Select methods to prevent injury and loss Implement the best methods Monitor the results and revise as necessary

SAFETY & INJURY PREVENTION

MEMBER CLUB NEWSLETTER May 2011


PLANNING: PROGRAM REVIEW AND EVALUATION


OBJECTIVES TOOLS

To ensure Risk Management is effective and keeps pace with change Evaluate your business and programs

1.) Safety Responsibilities

2.) Program Policies 3.) Facilities

4.) Hazard Recognition and Inspections 5.) Apparatus/Equipment

How? Continual assessment and education

Complete Safety Self-Audit Checklist Refer to Appendix G - pgs. 107

1.) Include in ALL employees job descriptions 2.) Employee Manual

3.) Signage - clear, visual, specific Sample Facility Inspection Form Refer to Appendix E - pg.103 4.) Sample Facility Inspection Form Refer to Appendix E - pg.103 5.) Sample Facility Inspection Form Refer to Appendix E - pg. 103

*Recommend annual inspection including form be completed by reputable manufacture

Specific Safety Considerations for Apparatus/Equipment Refer to Appendix M - pg. 115


6.) Transportation 7.) Employment 8.) Waivers and Releases 9.) Insurance 10.) Use of Your Facilities by an Outsider 11.) Injury/Incident Reporting 12.) Training 13.) Emergency Procedures

6.) Consult with your attorney and insurance agent Sample Consent to Treatment Form Refer to Appendix J – pg.111 7.) Recommend “Employee Agreement” designed by your attorney 8.) Sample Waiver/Release Forms Refer to Appendix D - pg. 100 *Recommend form be designed by your attorney 9.) Refer to types of necessary insurance on pg. 107 under Insurance

10.) Consult your attorney for rental agreement

11.) Sample Incident Report Form

Refer to Appendix E - pg. 106

12.) For coaches/instructors Understanding each Appendix For participants Completing required forms: *Waiver/Release (pg. 100) *Consent to Treatment (pg. 111) *PAR-Q (pg. 112)

13.) Sample Emergency Action Plan Refer to Appendix L - pg. 113


14.) Attorney Review

SUMMARY

Some Review and Evaluation occurs

on a daily basis

The overall Safety Program should be evaluated periodically so that new or modified policies and procedures

can be implemented

14.) All documents, contracts, policies

“safety first, second, and always” - usa gymnastics · member club newsletter march 2011...

Documents