2. 1 Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines - Revised 2008 - Curricular Programs Intramural Activities and Clubs Interschool Athletics Presenters: Nancy Schad Nancy Popovich

3. 2 FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH EXPERIENCE OF MANY YEARS

4. 3

5. 4 Safety is the recognition that all Physical Activity involves an element of risk and implies an obligation on the part of all participants to minimize that risk.

6. 5 The primary responsibility for the care and safety of students rests with the school board and its employees.

7. 6 Physical Education ELEMENTARY SAFETY DOCUMENTS l Interschool Athletics l Intramural Curricular

8. 7 Physical Education SECONDARY SAFETY DOCUMENTS l Interschool Athletics l Intramural Curricular

9. 8 WHY DO I NEED THESE DOCUMENTS? l They will help make programs safer. l They will enhance the working relationship between teachers and administration. l They will answer many questions for staff.

10. 9 Look at the next slide to see a sample of the wide variety of accidents that occur in the gym.

11. 10 Video - bb

12. 11 LEGAL/EDUCATIONAL LIABILITY Court settlements are a result of injuries which occur in schools where there is negligence by a Board of Education and/or its employees.

13. 12 NEGLIGENCE Is the doing of something which a reasonable and prudent person would not do or the omission to do something that a reasonable and prudent person would do.

14. 13 The scenarios portray some examples of negligence.

15. 14

16. 15

17. 16

18. 17 FORESEEABLE RISK To foresee is to plan ahead, to anticipate potential risks and to take the necessary steps to reduce or eliminate them. Video – skateboarding/swimming

19. 18 TEACHERS Is that of a careful and prudent parent of a large family. As the inherent risk of injury increases, so does the standard of care. STANDARD OF CARE PREMISES The Occupiers Liability Act requires an occupier of the premises (school) to ensure its’ property is safe for people entering onto it. This includes the use and operation of physical education equipment.

20. 19 CAREFUL/PRUDENT PARENT TEST: l What would the average reasonable parent have done in the same circumstances? l Reasonableness is determined by three situational elements: -the activity -the environmental conditions -the participants

21. 20 Acknowledgements Table of Contents Generic Section Background Intent of the Guidelines Risk Management Generic Issues Introduction to Sport/Activity Page Components Introduction to Appendices Sport/Activity Pages Appendices

22. 21 Safety Services Package for 2008-2010  The new guidelines were released this summer, they were launched on a new, interactive user-friendly website.  Some of the features include:  ability to quick search and print individual pages;  ability to browse all documents;  immediate alerts to new/changed information;  ability to download the documents in sections or as a whole; and  ability to search/browse FAQs database.

23. 22 Safety Services Package for 2008-2010 continued Other features:  Ask an Expert feature – timely email response to questions  New/revised pages posted in “What’s New?”  Safety news and research feed  Discounts on Ophea Safety Guidelines workshops

24. 23

25. 24

26. 25

27. 26

28. 27 Revisions 2008 Throughout the three modules (curricular, intramural and interschool): - most recent safety information available to writers - inconsistencies between activities and pages - activities renamed (e.g. aquatics becomes swimming) - language clarified - reorganization of column content For student/athlete safety, teachers need to read and implement the ‘revised’ safety criteria from the generic, activity page and appendices sections of the 2008 v2 revised safety guidelines.

29. 28 Implementation Timelines  For some items implementation should be immediate.  Changes requiring significant financial cost may be done in stages over a period of years (three years).  A process should be drawn up to ensure full implementation is achieved, e.g., taking inventory, gap analysis and devising a plan to implement.

30. 29 Revisions Generic Section (Elementary and Secondary) Curricular, Intramural and Interschool  Risk Management Statement  Introductory information on: Lightning, Concussion  Activity Provider requirements  Statement on helmets  Definition of ‘running shoes’

31. 30 Risk Management Statement A Risk Management Statement was added to all modules, outlining some of the elements of risk a teacher must take into consideration prior to offering an activity. The outlined elements of risk assist the teacher in meeting their Duty of Care by reminding them of their obligations/responsibilities to safety.

32. 31 Risk Management Statement continued The following elements of risk must be taken into consideration by the teacher:  educational value of the activity  environmental factors  appropriate for the students’ age, physical/mental abilities and behavioural patterns.

33. 32 Risk Management Statement continued Specifically for Curricular/Intramural modules:  The teacher has the knowledge and ability in accordance with the activity page(s) to teach the activity safely.  The teacher has the knowledge and ability in accordance with the activity page(s) to manage the intramural activity safely. Specifically for the Interschool module:  The teacher/coach has the knowledge/experience and certification (where applicable) in accordance with the activity page(s) to instruct/coach the activity safely.

34. 33 Concussion and Lightning Introductory information statements about Concussion and Lightning have been added to all Generic Sections. Detailed information for both areas are located in two new appendices (Appendices D & E – Curricular, Intramural guidelines and Appendices B-2, C & F – Interschool)

35. 34 Activity Provider Requirements A statement has been included to remind teachers to provide outside activity provider(s) with the relevant safety guideline activity page(s), (e.g., climbing pages). The activity provider must guarantee to fulfill all of the ‘mandatory minimum standards’ outlined on the activity page(s) prior to program instruction.

36. 35 Helmet Revisions  As of January 2008, the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) has safety standards for the manufacture of ice hockey helmets and cycling helmets ONLY.  The CSA has mandatory regulations for ice hockey helmets ONLY.

37. 36 Running Shoe Revisions  Appropriate athletic footwear is defined as a running shoe with a flat rubber treaded sole that is secured to the foot.  Running shoes with higher heels, wheels, rubber, plastic or metal cleats, open toes, open heels are not appropriate.

38. 37 New - Elementary Curricular Module, special section on Daily Physical Activity (DPA) Safety procedures for DPA, included in the Elementary Curricular module, outline the safety criteria to be considered under the critical components:  equipment  clothing/footwear  facilities  special rules and instruction  supervision This section covers the following locations: gymnasium, classroom, multipurpose room, outdoors, community facilities.

39. 38 Activity Page Revisions

40. 39 Sport/Activity Page Revisions For all three modules (curricular, intramural, interschool): “Also see Generic Issues and Introduction to Activity Page Components Section to view complete safety requirements.”

41. 40 Elementary Curricular Activity Pages – Designated Grades Designated grades/divisions were removed from many of the activity pages. Note: Where a grade/division has been removed, the activity page has been modified (in the special rules and instructions and supervision columns) to accommodate the lower grade level.

42. 41 Elementary Curricular Activity Pages Designated Grades continued Example: Alpine skiing - previously a Junior/Intermediate activity. Now, without division identification, primary students can participate. Primary Supervision: Ratio: 1:4 during activity (skiing) - while on the chair/T-bar/rope,1 adult on every chair

43. 42 Elementary Curricular Activity Pages Designated Grades continued The grades/divisions were not removed from all of the activity pages because experts in specific activities recommended an age-appropriate designation. Example: Climbing – Ascending Lines - appropriate for grades 7 and 8 only.

44. 43 Elementary and Secondary Curricular Activity Pages: Not Recommended Status The ‘Not Recommended’ designation assigned to some activities has been removed. (e.g., Archery at the elementary level is no longer classified as ‘not recommended’). Activities are either: AppropriateNot Appropriate Those in which students can participate and that have a safety guideline activity page. Those in which students cannot participate.

45. 44 Elementary and Secondary Curricular Activity Pages: Not Recommended Status continued Elementary ArcheryAppropriate HurdlesAppropriate Ringette, Rock Climbing Sailing, Winter Camping Not Appropriate Secondary Tackle RugbyNot Appropriate JavelinAppropriate using Styrofoam javelin

46. 45 Elementary and Secondary Curricular Activity Pages: Unfamiliar Activity - Seek Assistance For all three modules (curricular, intramural, interschool): “It is advisable that any teacher who is unfamiliar with an activity/technique seek assistance from appropriate staff and/or refrain from teaching the activity until help is received.” e.g., archery (elementary and secondary), snorkeling (secondary), track & field - high jump, shotput (elementary).

47. 46 Activity Pages – Elementary/Secondary Specific Changes Each revised activity page reflects current best practice and mandatory changes.

48. 47 Activity Pages – Elementary/Secondary Specific Changes A number of specific changes have been made to individual activity pages. For all three modules (curricular, intramural, interschool):  ‘Swim to Survive’ Test - now the standard across water based activities  Swimming –  Supervision ratio for instruction is 2:50  Supervision ratio for recreational/free swims has been raised: 2 lifeguards: 0-125 bathers  3 lifeguards: 126-250 bathers

49. 48 Activity Pages – Elementary/Secondary Specific Changes  Badminton – protective eye wear mandatory for singles and doubles play  High jump – mat/landing surface requirements

50. 49 Intramural Activity Pages – Specific Changes For elementary and secondary:  Direction to reference the Curricular safety module is included in: Supervision of Sport Imitations and Supervision of Clubs.  Direction as to who can make ‘school made equipment’ is included.  Martial Arts Club – new activity page.

51. 50 Interschool Activity Pages – Specific Changes For elementary only:  Track and Field – wearing of 5mm spikes is allowed For elementary and secondary:  Higher risk activities – coaching requirements: ‘experience as a player or coach in that sport in the last 10 yrs.’  Basketball - portable basketball systems described.  Ice Hockey – prior to first game multiple practices on ice must have occurred.

52. 51 Elementary and Secondary Appendices Elementary: Appendix A Sample Letter to Parents/Guardians contains: - curricular information and intramural permission - collects medical information Secondary: Appendix A Sample Letter to Parents/Guardians contains: - curricular information - collects medical information Note: Intramural permission form is in Intramural Module.

53. 52 Elementary and Secondary Appendices Two new appendices 1. Concussion: Appendix D (Curricular & Intramural), Appendices B-1, B-2, C (Interschool) - Procedures were developed to provide guidance for teachers/coaches in situations when students are suspected of having a concussion. 2. Lightning: Appendix E (Curricular & Intramural), Appendix F (Interschool) - Procedures developed for teachers/coaches in situations when lightning is imminent.

54. 53 Elementary and Secondary Appendices continued Concussion  Recent events including tragic deaths from concussion and secondary impact concussions have highlighted the need for a detailed appendix dealing with this topic. Concussion information includes:  Common signs and symptoms  Initial response  How long for student to ‘get better’?  When student can return to physical activity?  Second impact syndrome  Concussion management  Minimizing the risk

55. 54 Elementary and Secondary Appendices continued Concussion cont’d… Appendix B-2 - “Request to Resume Athletic Participation – Concussion Related Injuries” Note: that this is a form specific to returning to play following a concussion.  It includes a step by step process for to returning play  It is mandatory for students with a suspected concussion to have a medical doctor sign this form

56. 55 Elementary and Secondary Appendices continued Lightning information includes:  Chain of command  Planning evacuation and safety measures in advance  Detection and response ‘If you see it, flee it; If you hear it, clear it.’  Resumption of activity Video - lightening

57. 56 Accessing the Safety Guidelines  The Safety Guidelines are purchased as part of the Safety Services Package (SSP) by school boards. Only schools whose board has purchased this subscription have access to the guidelines online as well as other services such as email and phone consultations.  Password required to access the SSP area on www.ophea.net.

58. 57 Accessing the Safety Guidelines continued  Ophea does not give the password to callers.  School board contacts (to obtain password) are:  TVDSB – Jayne McCullough  LDCSB - Sue McMahon or John Vandommelen  WCDSB – Kathy Doherty-Masters  posted online at http://www.ophea.net/safetycontacts.cfm http://www.ophea.net/safetycontacts.cfm

59. 58 Safety Services Package for 2008-2010 continued Associate Members can purchase hardcopy documents.  include organizations such as Outdoor Education Providers, Camps, Climbing Providers, Faculties of Education Libraries, Law Firms, Private Schools.  More information is available at www.ophea.net/safety www.ophea.net/safety

60. 59 Subscription Renewal  The previous 3-year subscription in ended August 2008.  The new subscription period is September 1, 2008 – August 31, 2010.  Comments/questions about the guidelines can be directed to safety@ophea.netsafety@ophea.net

61. 60 Safety Guidelines Maintenance  The guidelines are reviewed in their entirety every 10 years.  Yearly updates are made to activities as required/requested.  To request a new activity page, or a revision to an activity page, complete a Request for New/Revised Activity Page form. Forms must be submitted to Ophea by October 31 of the current school year. To access the form email: safety@ophea.org or the Safety Services website.safety@ophea.org

62. 61 Safety Guidelines Maintenance  Ophea is always looking for volunteers with an interest in safety and physical education to be part of the Safety Writing Team. Inquiries: safety@ophea.org

63. 62 The Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines are produced by the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (Ophea), in partnership with: - OSBIE - Ontario School Boards’ Insurance Exchange - OASPHE - Ontario Association for the Supervision of Physical and Health Education - CIRA - Canadian Intramural Recreation Association - Ontario - OFSAA - Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations Ophea acknowledges the volunteers and the many hours spent in the maintenance of this dynamic document. Video – bb trampoline

64. 63