Throwing Events
Relative Risk: Medium

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Supervision

  • Constant visual supervision is recommended for initial skill instruction and when a regulation javelin is in use.
  • On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.

 

Instructional Considerations

  • Safe throwing and retrieving procedures should be taught and enforced.
  • Alternate screening (e.g., baseball backstop) should be used when appropriate throwing cage is not available.
  • Student athletes should be in a designated safe zone when not throwing implement.

 

Equipment/Facilities

  • Throwing implement should be of a size appropriate for the age and gender of the student athlete and based on national, provincial, or local guidelines.
  • Throwing implement should not be cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged, and checked regularly.
  • Throwing area should be free of obstacles and completely closed to traffic, e.g., no other activity should be located in the area where throwing activity is taking place.
  • Landing area should be well marked and void of people during the activity.
  • Throwing area should provide safe footing.
  • Run up area, if applicable, should provide safe footing.
  • Javelins should be transported safely to and from the practice and competition site, e.g., the javelin should point downward and not be carried on or over the shoulder, or securely stored in vehicle when driving.
  • When conditions are wet:
    • Provide more landing area as implements can slide farther on a wet surface.
    • Position all people out of all possible lines of flight as implement may slip out of thrower’s hand more easily under these conditions.
    • Towel or rag should be available for drying the implements.

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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