General Safety Guidelines

Specific conditions for the vast majority of physical activities conducted as a part of school sport programs, physical education or recreation programs are listed in this section. Additional guidelines and revisions will be issued from time to time, either on request or because new developments are recognised.

The safety conditions for specific sports and activities in these guidelines must only be varied where experts in the particular sport/activity advise accordingly. This may apply to activities undertaken by physical education teachers in physical education lessons and considering the nature of the activity, the teaching-learning processes employed and the experience and physical development of the participants.

Remember:

The safety conditions outlined for the specific activities listed in this section apply whether the activity is taken as part of school sport, within school excursions, physical education lessons or on any other school sponsored occasion.

Note:

The teacher in charge of each sport activity should have a copy of the guideline specific to the sport under their control. Copies may be attached to sports rolls for ready use and reference.

Where combined activities occur, for example, bushwalking which includes swimming, the guidelines for both activities must be observed.

Principals may wish to include an activity in the school sport program which is not listed in this document (refer to Memorandum to Principals 91/020 Devolution of Decision-Making to Schools). For such an activity to be approved by the principal, a set of guidelines clearly setting out all requirements and safety procedures (eg. supervision, equipment, venues and safety) is required. The format may be the same as for any listed sport or activity.