Instructional Considerations for Indoor Activities

• Correct turning and stopping techniques must be taught to prevent collisions with walls and other immovable objects around activity area. 
• Teachers should inform their students of the locations of fire alarms, fire exits, AED and alternative routes from the gymnasium or activity station. 

Equipment and Facilities for Indoor Activities

• Gymnasium space should be free of stored furniture, boxes, and equipment along the perimeter walls and corners 
• Floors should be smooth, level, clean and dry, provide safe foot traction, be clear of objects which may cause tripping or slipping, have floor sockets covered and flush with the floor, and floor plates secure in the floor with hooks and plate in good condition and flush with the floor. 
• Spectators’ chairs and benches should be located a safe distance away from activity area. 
• Entrances and exits should be free of obstructions, should have no door knobs or handles protruding on the gymnasium side of the door, and should have doors that open away from the gymnasium area. 
• Stairs should be clear of obstacles, free of protruding nails, cracks, or splinters, have treads in good condition, and secure railings. 
• Ceilings should have secure tiles and mesh on lights. 
• Walls should have all outlets, switches, registers, fire extinguishers, and other fixtures posing an unreasonable hazard padded or made flush with the surface of the wall and should be free of protruding hooks and nails. 
• Walls and stages should not be used for finish lines. A line or pylon should be designated in advance of the wall. 
• The edge of a stage should be covered with gymnasium mats that extend close to the floor if vigorous activities are nearby. 
• In the storage room the floor should be clean and the centre area free of equipment. Equipment should be stored on designated shelves, and volleyball poles should be secured to wall when stored standing upright. 
• Locker rooms should have clean showers and washrooms with no accumulation of water, electrical outlets appropriate for a wet environment, emergency exit signs and lights in good operating condition, and lockers and benches in good repair with no sharp edges.
• Benches and bleachers should have top and supports free from cracks and splinters and all bolts and screws secure.

Special Considerations When Using Alternative Activity Rooms

(non-gymnasiums used for activities, e.g., concourse, church hall, empty classroom, school basement)

Choice of Suitable Activities

• Choose activities that have a controlled amount of movement, e.g., aerobics, mat work, fitness stations, skipping, wrestling, dance, bean bag activities, chair activities, etc. 
• Avoid throwing balls for distance, dodgeball-type games and games which are “action-packed” and go end to end, e.g., tag, soccer, and floor hockey.

Special Precautions

• Keep activity away from drinking fountains, stage steps, trophy cases or other hazards. Centre all activities to allow for a “safety zone” of at least one meter around the perimeter. If possible, mark area with pylons. 
• If the activity room is in an open area, student traffic should go around, not through, the class. 
• Ensure floor surface is conducive to activity (e.g., not slippery from water or dirt) and equipment/furniture is not in the way of activity. 
• Precautions are needed to guard against doors opening into the playing area.

Modification of Rules

• Strictly enforce the ‘no body contact’ rule. 
• Plan towards accommodating the appropriate number of participants that can safely take part in any activity area based on the size of the area, risk level of the activity and maturity of the participants. 
• Structure activity to provide well-organized participation. 
• Caution students not to throw objects at the ceiling, thereby knocking down tiles, dust or lights.