Supervision

• Constant visual supervision is required when students are attempting difficult moves for the first time on an apparatus.
• On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.

NB: The Kids CanMove program promoted a non-spotting approach. Skills which require spotting should be left out of school gymnastics classes.

Instructional Considerations

• Springboards should be used on their own and not in conjunction with other apparatuses such as box horse or vault.
• The springboard should be introduced as an elevated surface, as a balance area, before being used as a springboard.
• The approach to the springboard should be restricted to 3 walking/running steps from the end of the board.
• Students should be instructed to pause (e.g., count to three) at the end of the board prior to jumping or springing.
• Springing/jumping action should be for height, not distance.
• Students should be instructed to land on both feet.
• The single most important gymnastic skill is the ability to fall and land safely.
• Encourage students to work within their own comfort zone.
• Teach students to be aware of personal and general space for activities space, and to watch for others at all times.

Skills that should not be performed:

• Inverted skills, without support. No saltos (flips).
• Hanging on bars without hand support. No hanging by knees only.
• Inverted skills from a springing device. No dive rolls from a mini trampoline.
• Vaults using mini trampolines.
• No headstands, very minimal time on heads is recommended.

Equipment/Facilities

• Gymnastics mats of 30.5 to 60.0 cm (12 in. to 24 in.) should be placed in the designated landing area.
• Manufactured take-off board with carpeted top and non-skid feet should be used, e.g., Speith-Anderson, Laurentian, AAI, etc.