Potential Hazards performers need to be aware of potential hazards, both to yourself and to others the environment in which you are playing could potentially be a danger there are potential hazards in the following, in which you need to be aware of:

COURT AREAS THE GYMNASIUM OUTDOOR AND ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES THE PLAYING FIELD THE SPORTS HALL THE SWIMMING POOL

COURT AREAS - court areas can be used for a variety of different sports such as netball, basketball, tennis, football, etc. As well as sport they are widely used as the general playground for schools where pupils spend break time and lunch litter can be a problem causing people to slip, drink cans are especially dangerous along with other sharp objects it is vital that the playing area is checked before use and maintained, all potential hazards need to be removed

they might include: broken/ protruding bits of surround fencing nails and splinters corners of building that are too close wobbly portable posts or portable posts with feet sticking out into the playing area surfaces affected by the weather projecting post sockets which may not be in use but which may be in the middle of the playing area e.g. tennis post sockets nearby windows not protected by grills or fencing

THE GYMNASIUM potentially the gymnasium can be the most hazardous activity areas wall bars, window ladders and beam uprights can often project into the working area even if they are stored away correctly all of the equipment that may appear around the gymnasium could potentially be very hazardous if not used appropriately sometimes pupils will need to remove shoes/trainers before entering the gym. The reason for this is it can leave dirt on the floor that can unsafe and dangerous before a lesson in the gym you should check:

the floor is clean and dry if portable apparatus items have been stored away If items of fixed apparatus such as beams, ropes, etc have been stored away in their fixed position check wall fixing to ensure they are safe and have not come away that fixed bolts or catches are securely in place on equipment to be used and that the equipment is safe to use

OUTDOOR ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES adventurous activities take place: ON LAND ON WATER ON BOTH LAND AND WATER

ACTIVITIES ON LAND the location on land may be remote. It could be exposed to bad weather and the terrain may be difficult to walk on this means the way we dress and communicate becomes extremely important land-based activities include: assault courses camping or expeditions caving and potholing cycling and mountain biking rock climbing and many more

ACTIVITIES ON WATER the main hazard when on water may be whether the water is enclosed like a swimming pool or whether its open or coastal, how deep it is and whether there are dangerous currents water-based activities include: angling canoeing and kayaking rafting rowing windsurfing swimming and many more

THE PLAYING FIELD playing fields like courts can be difficult to close off effectively these spaces can often be used for all kinds of activities and by ordinary members of the public potential hazards include dog faeces, broken glass, crushed drink cans and general litter the grass on rugby pitches can often be quite long and potentially dangerous objects can be difficult to see as with all surfaces it is important to check before a session

other potential hazards that may cause injury include: long grass, uneven or pitted surfaces frost , ice, snow or heavy rainfall use of sticks or poles wobbly portable goalposts rugby goalpost without protective padding at their base corner flags or other marker posts that are not flexible and which could snap people wearing smooth-soled footwear, particularly in contact sports can be very dangerous

THE SPORTS HALL the sports hall potentially has many hazards like the gymnasium it is important to wear the correct footwear sports halls often have more than one means of access and the number of students entering or leaving during activities may be greater than in a gymnasium you need to check its safe to enter before entering the room potential hazards in the sports hall are; apparatus and other equipment which is not in use must be safely stored or fastened away in order to minimise obstacles walls and other surfaces should be smooth and free from projections or jagged/sharp objects

All playing areas need to be checked that they are safe

THE SWIMMING POOL the potential hazards could be: pool-based activities the pool and its immediate surroundings

POOL - BASED ACTIVITIES the governing bodies of activities that take place in water such as the ASA and the RLSS, publish clear guidelines on all aspects of safety and potential hazards the biggest potential hazard in any swimming pool are the people who use it people can drown in swimming pools to ensure safety it is essential that you: only enter the pool when you are told engage in activity you asked to perform only leave the water when and in the manner you are instructed

potential hazards might include: wet floor surfaces around the pool and in the showering and changing areas diving boards, spring boards, etc the use of swimming aids in the water by inexperienced swimmers venturing out of your depth submerging grating or grilles - danger of swimmers being caught on these and held under water swimming pools are sometimes used for other activities such as the teaching of basic canoeing skills or for training and testing in life-saving and personal survival its obvious but there is a general rule that swimmers and canoes do not mix

Prevention Of Injury there are risks involved with virtually every single physical activity or sport as with the surroundings in which they take place recognising and removing potential hazards is very important for helping the prevention of injuries particular attention needs to be given in the following areas:

APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF COMPETITION CLOTHING/ FOOTWEAR CORRECT TECHNIQUE KNOWLEDGE OF APPROPRIATE SAFETY PROCEDURES LIFTING/ CARRYING/ PLACING EQUIPMENT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT RULES, CODES, LAWS WARM UP/ COOL DOWN

APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF COMPETITION problems can be associated in some sports with big differences between contestants in: AGE - there are regulations controlling the age of participants playing together. Physically it is not safe for someone who is bigger and stronger to play or compete against a person who is younger, and therefore usually not as strong

SEX - as boys get a little older they usually become physically more stronger than girls so this can be a problem. It is also important to identify both activities and the age at which segregation is desirable. In sports where it is a problem governing bodies usually publish regulations on such matters PHYSICAL SIZE/WEIGHT - being big can be an advantage and a disadvantage. There can be a safety concern when different sizes play together. There are few regulations that restrict people of different sizes and weight from competing in the same high contact sports

CORRECT CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR - in most sports, clothing fulfils three major purposes: identity (e.g. team strips) protection from cold weather in the warm-up period (e.g. a tracksuit) suitability / safety for the specific activity

FOOTWEAR ideally sports shoes should be designed to provide support to the arches of the feet, to cushion the ankle joint when impact is made with the ground in activities such as running and jumping some sports require specialist footwear for example cricketers wear spikes or rubber soles whereas rugby and football players wear boots with studs JEWELLERY all jewellery must be removed before any physical activity takes place. If for any reason it cannot be removed then it must be taped or covered so it cannot cause an injury

CORRECT TECHNIQUE one benefit of using the correct technique is improved performance. The correct technique can also minimise the chance of personal injury and injuries to others. For example a badly executed tackle in football could have serious implications personally or to the opposition, an example could be thought off in all sports a poorly directed javelin in athletics could result in death it is important to know the appropriate safety procedure for particular activities. Safety procedures are important in: setting up/preparing for an activity ensuring safe play completion and clearing away

LIFTING/ CARRYING/ PLACING EQUIPMENT it is important that everyone who uses the equipment helps to store it away safety do not just leave it to the teacher however, it is as equally important that equipment is stored away under the guidance of the teacher. E.g. javelins you should always be aware of the following; how to take out and move or carry equipment safely how to make secure and use equipment safely how to put the equipment away safely

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT personal protective equipment is very important and indeed in some sports and schools compulsory. In cricket batsmen have to wear helmets, in football shinpads must be worn, in hockey the goal keeper wears protective clothing. Sometimes it is up to the individual if they wear protective equipment in rugby for example with gum shields, scum caps and shoulder pads

Batsman and wicket-keeper both wearing appropriate protective clothing

RULES, CODES, LAWS the rules of any sport aim to: establish a framework of rules, which as far as possible ensures fair competition set clear guidelines as to what is safe and fair practice and to identify a range of sanctions for use against offenders

WARM/ COOL DOWN a proper warm up reduces the risk of injury a gradual and controlled cool down contributes to the most effective recovery from physical exertion

GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE personal hygiene is an essential consideration for any athlete. It helps to keep you healthy you need to wash after physical activity to remove body odour and bacteria, deodorant will only disguise the smell of body odour not remove the bacteria it is also important to keep clothes clean as they absorb sweat and allow bacteria to bread

athlete’s foot and verrucas are common feet infections ATHLETE’S FOOT - this is a fugal growth between the toes, found in war places that are moist. It causes the skin to crack ad peel making it feel itchy. It is important that feet are keep clean and dry particularly between the toes. Athlete’s foot cream, spray or talcum powder can be used

VERRUCAS - these are warts on the feet and are easily spread VERRUCAS - these are warts on the feet and are easily spread. They can be painful and difficult to get rid of. They are caused by a virus. It is important that verruca shock is used to prevent others from becoming infected. Ointment can also be used, in severe cases doctors will freeze dry the verruca off you foot USING FLIP-FLOPS IN COMMUNAL AREAS WILL HELP PREVENT INFECTIONS IN THE FIRST PLACE

USING FLIP-FLOPS IN COMMUNAL AREAS WILL HELP PREVENT INFECTIONS IN THE FIRST PLACE

Injury Treatment Signs and symptoms can often be confused; SIGNS are what you can SEE - swelling, bleeding, etc SYMPTOMS are what the injured person can TELL you - pain, discomfort, etc

it is the teachers or coaches responsibility to help the injured person. Serious or potentially serious injuries should be dealt with by a professional

you should know about the following: blisters concussion cuts/grazes dehydration exhaustion ligament injuries muscle injuries tendon injuries winding RICE

BLISTERS blisters form when the skin repeatedly rubs against another surface and causes friction a tear occurs between the upper layers of the skin an although the outer surface remains unbroken fluid seeps into the space immediately beneath it CONCUSSION concussion is normally the result of a severe blow to the head, this causes jarring of the brain against the inside of the skull and swelling of the brain’s surface signs may be that the person is pale and breathing in short little breaths, they could be cold and have a fast pulse

Medical attention must be sought as a matter of urgency try and ensure they remain conscious and have no liquid CUTS AND GRAZES a cut is the breaking of the skin with the release of blood from the damaged blood vessels a graze is the scraping of the skin both can occur during physical activity DEHYDRATION dehydration often occurs in sport as a result of excessive perspiration

Combined with an inadequate fluid intake conditions usually found in endurance events - e.g. marathon signs are usually that the person looks exhausted and are weak on their feet symptoms are dry and tacky feel in the mouth, dizziness, sickness and problems with their balance/co-ordination fluid intake is the best course of action, if this does not help get medical advice serious dehydration which is untreated can cause seizure, brain damage or even death in really extreme cases

Martin Johnson: taking in plenty of fluid (isotonic drink) “Isotonic drinks are ideal for rehydrating and refuelling” Steven Gerrard, Liverpool

EXHAUSTION can be associated with activities in extreme environments signs can be similar to dehydration problems co-ordinating their movement low temperature dilated pupils weak pulse pale, moist skin fainting spells they could also complain of headaches, dizziness, sickness and physical weakness if the exhaustion is related to the heat or cold, then the person should be either cooled down or heated up

INJURIES TO LIGAMENTS, TENDONS AND MUSCLES STRAINS - to a muscle or tendon is often caused by overuse, excessive force or over stretching SPRAINS - is an injury to a ligament surrounding a joint can often be caused by a wrench or twist TEARS - may be compete or partial. It is caused when muscle fibres are torn away from the tendons attaching them to the bones. Usually happens when over stretching. Tears can also occur in muscles and ligaments

WINDING is usually caused by a blow to the abdominal area, which temporarily paralyses the diaphragm signs include difficulty in breathing and often grasping for air and the inability to speak place the person in a reclining seated position until breath is regained RICE the RICE method is recommended for all minor injuries. It stands for R EST I CE C OMPRESSION E LEVATION

REST - allow the injury time to recover REST - allow the injury time to recover. Activity too soon will cause further damage and increase the recovery time ICE - cover the injured part in ice for 10 to 20 minutes. The coldness results in less blood flowing to the injured part reducing bleeding and swelling COMPRESSION - wrap a bandage not too tightly around the injured part, this provides support and immobilisation. Preventing further damage and reduce swelling

ELEVATION - raise the injured part ELEVATION - raise the injured part. Gravity will reduce the amount of fluid collecting in the injured tissue and the flow of blood to it