Interschool High Jump

High Jump
Relative Risk: Medium

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Supervision

  • Constant visual supervision is recommended during initial skill instruction.
  • On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.

 

Instructional Considerations

  • Bar monitors should stay in front and off to the side of standards at all times.
  • Short, controlled approaches should be taught.
  • If student athlete is using “flop” technique, encourage take-off closer to the nearest upright on approach.
  • Observe proper lifting technique (using legs and keeping back straight) while moving heavy high jump mats.
  • Student athletes should not be allowed to play, lounge, or jump on landing mats.

 

Equipment/Facilities

  • Landing area should be appropriate for the age, size and skill level of the  student athletes and adequately covered with a minimum of one landing mat. Use a mat with a minimum size of 1.5 m x 3 m x 60 cm (5ft. x 10ft. x 24in.) for secondary student athletes doing back layout technique.
  • Standard gymnasium mats should be placed around the landing surface with no gaps and should cover the bases.
  • If two jumping pits are used side by side they should be securely fastened together and be of the same thickness and compaction rating.
  • Landing mats and velcro mats should be firmly secured and should not slide when landed on. Teacher/coach should frequently check and fix position of mats.
  • Fiberglass crossbars are recommended during interschool athletic activities.
  • Metal crossbars should not be used.
  • Alternative crossbars are recommended during practice, i.e., elastic.
  • Crossbars should be inspected for cracks before use.
  • Standards should be weighted at base so they do not tip over easily.
  • Landing mats should be regularly inspected for damage.
  • Indoor and outdoor approach area should be clear, smooth, dry and traffic-free.
  • For indoor jumping, the floor should provide a suitable surface to prevent slipping.

Need more information?

Athletics Alberta
www.athleticsalberta.com
780-427-8792

Last revised on 21 February, 2020.

Magnitude of Risk

Interschool athletic activities have been divided into three categories based on guidelines determined by the Sport Medicine Council of Alberta. These include higher magnitude of risk sports, medium magnitude of risk sports and lower magnitude of risk sports. Guidelines for determining risk level include assessing the nature of the sport in consideration of:

  • Potential for injuries with severe consequences;
  • Contact: person to person and person to equipment;
  • Uniqueness of equipment used;
  • Speed of action;
  • Type of supervision required.

Although the magnitude of risk of injury is lower in some interschool athletic activities than in others, it is always in the best interest for teachers/coaches to document attendance and practice plans, and be prepared to handle injuries should they occur.

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