1.2.1b Risks associated with participation Learning objectives To be able to understand how rules and officials protect against injury To understand and identify specific equipment/clothing for particular sports To be able to explain the term ‘balanced competition’ and how this can be achieved

Prevention of injury

Warm up All performer should prepare well for exercise. A thorough warm up is vital to prepare the mind and body. Cool down A cool down will return the body to a complete resting state. Gentle stretching will remove lactic acid and prevent muscles cramps. A cool down will also prevent DOMS (delay onset muscle soreness)

Checking equipment and facilities Games activities: Equipment should be relevant for the age and experience of the performer. Playing areas and simplified rules can also be used to suit the individuals.

Gymnastics: WHAT SAFETY MEASURES SHOULD WE THINK ABOUT? Landing areas should be matted. 2 footed landings should be encouraged to ensure safety. Trampolining: Getting the trampoline out should be done by qualified people. Spotters are vital to the safety of the performer. What should SPOTTERS consider when doing their job?

Athletics: Throwing events require a safe throwing area. i.e. Netting, and clear distances between spectators and competitors. Jumping event require a safe clear landing area. Swimming: Swimming pool information signs state various safety rules including ‘no running’. Why? Goggles, flip flops and swimming caps are encouraged for health and safety reasons. Why? Open water is far more dangerous. List the hazards with open water. i.e. Swimming at sea

Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA): This includes activities like rock climbing, mountaineering and canoeing. Clothing should suit the climate and appropriate footwear is important. Other things to include are: Compass and map First aid kit

What factors will effect the safety of a OAA trip? Equipment condition Environmental conditions. e.g. storm, tide or adverse weather conditions. The experience of the group What factors will effect the safety of a OAA trip? Experience of the group leaders Planning of the trip

Correct clothing: Players in most sports wear protective equipment to prevent injury (SAFETY). In some sports it is compulsory to wear protective equipment. e.g. shin pads for football. What clothing is required for the following: HOCKEY? CRICKET? SWIMMING?

Etiquette What is etiquette? - Unwritten code of behaviour that a player stands by when competing. Each sport has its own code of behaviour and ‘sportsmanship gestures’. EXAMPLES?

Footwear: Activity Footwear needs Football Stability – studs Wearing the correct footwear is essential to all sports. The right footwear will PROTECT and ASSIST PERFORMANCE. Activity Footwear needs Football Stability – studs Basketball Support – high ankle Endurance runner Cushioning – soft sole Discuss Low friction – smooth sole Rock climber High friction – rubber grip sole

Balanced competition List reasons with students – size imbalance/ strength differences/ different skill levels/ same physical development – danger of injury etc. Discuss the following in a range of sports: Weight categories/ Age categories/ Gender categories Discuss where men and women compete together – mixed tennis, show jumping. What are the issues around mixed gender sports? Would you allow these two individuals to compete against each other in a boxing match? Why not?

Balanced competition: Another way to make sport safe is to try to level the competition by grading competitors in various ways. It also ensures FAIR competition. Grading/Skill ability (Handicap System)- Sportspeople are graded according to their skill level and will compete against people of similar ability. e.g. Karate, Judo and Golf. Weight: Participants will compete with opponents of the similar weight. E.g. Boxing, weight lifting. Age: Youth and adult groupings. E.g. U15 and seniors Gender: Men are generally more physically stronger than women. E.g. single sex competition.

Rules: Why do we have rules? Safer / Fairer Rules give each game its own individual style NGB’s make rules Rules and laws in sport are not just there to ensure fair play – they are also designed to protect participants.

The rules of the game Think of how the rules in the following sports help to protect participants. Ice hockey Boxing Track cycling Students could identify the different rules of their sport and state reasons why they exist. Officials make sure that rules are kept and discipline players when necessary. What are the consequences of rule breaking?

How to reduce the risk of injury: PLENARY: How to reduce the risk of injury: obey the rules balancing competition Warm up/cool down Correct clothing/footwear Correct and safe equipment Use the correct techniques for the activity Safe playing area