What are some safety hints when teaching gymnastics?
In gymnastics, as with any physical activity, the issue of safety is particularly important. All skills should be taught in a developmental sequence that includes a number of gymnastic opportunities and lead-up activities. Lessons need to include a warm-up, developmental activities and a warm-down. The developmental activities will form the main body of the lesson and should provide the opportunity for students to be guided through a variety of learning experiences that lead to the development of student confidence and eventual achievement of each movement skill.
Teachers should also consider the following safety considerations when planning and implementing gymnastics lessons.
- Provide adequate warm-up before engaging in vigorous activity. As students move into Stage 2 and again into Stage 3, stretching becomes an increasingly important component of warm-up routines.
- Incorporate a warm-down routine at the completion of activity.
- Have a clear, predetermined signal to stop all students moving. This may be a whistle, a verbal cue or a visual cue such as the teacher raising an arm above their head.
- Check that equipment is in good condition before use and select appropriate equipment for each task.
- Use an appropriate surface for each activity and ensure that the area is free of obstacles.
- Use space effectively by limiting the number of students using an area.
- Teach students to be aware of others when moving about a space.
- Students should be encouraged to wear clothing that allows for freedom of movement and to wear appropriate footwear, such as sports shoes for indoor and outdoor activities.
Particular caution is required with jumping and landing activities, particularly when using mini-trampolines or when mounting or dismounting apparatus. Adequate supervision, correct technique and a safe landing area are required.
The document Guidelines for the safe conduct of sport and physical activity in schools (Department of Education and Training) was issued to all schools in 1999. The guidelines are designed to support teachers in implementing, leading and supervising sport and physical activities. Schools need to ensure that sport and physical activity is safe and enjoyable for all students. The gymnastics safety guidelines in this document apply to a range of gymnastics activities and should be followed by supervising teachers.
NB: Primary school teachers do not need to be certified to teach primary school gymnastics.
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