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

• Student athletes should refrain from jumping if there are slippery conditions.
• A jumping procedure should be established, e.g., remove a cone from the takeoff board when ready.
• Student athletes should be trained to:
  • Begin raking after student athlete is out of the pit.
  • Rake and remove rake before the next student athlete begins their approach.
  • Rake sand into the middle as opposed to out to the sides.
  • Hold rake prongs downward.
• Ensure that spectators and student athletes remain a safe distance from the jumping pit and runway.

Equipment/Facilities

• Rake and shovel should be kept away from the landing area and run up area when not in use.
• Runway should be free of obstacles, i.e., clear flat surface with good traction.
• Take-off area should be firm, flat and swept if “blacktop.” Boards must be firmly attached and level with the surrounding area.
• Landing area should be well-raked and free of debris.
• Landing area should be filled with sand to a depth of 30 cm and 2.75 m wide to meet International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) specifications which are available in the current IAAF Track and Field Facilities Manual available at: www.iaaf.org/competitions/technical/regulations/index.html
• Landing area should be maintained throughout the season, especially after heavy rain (e.g. turned over regularly).