Tennis
Relative Risk: Low
Interschool Tennis
Supervision
- On-site supervision is recommended during set-up of equipment and initial instruction.
- In-the-area supervision is recommended following initial instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
Instructional Considerations
- Positioning and movement should be taught for singles and doubles.
- Code of etiquette for court play should be taught and enforced, e.g., not entering a court in use.
- When teaching skills, there should be adequate spacing for each student athlete to make a free and uninterrupted swing.
- Benefits of eye protection should be communicated to student athletes.
Equipment/Facilities
- Racquets should have a good grip and be in safe playing condition.
- Court boundary lines should be clearly defined.
- A safety procedure should be established for side-by-side courts.
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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