Introduction

Where considered appropriate, for example inclusion in a school sport program, parents or caregivers must be informed of full details of the location, supervision to be provided and activities to be undertaken when seeking their written permission.

Students are to be instructed to use adequate sun protection, eg. an SPF15+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen reapplied regularly and a hat.

Teacher/Instructor Qualifications and Experience

The teacher/instructor must have appropriate expertise and/or training in the teaching/coaching of skateboarding.

A teacher must be present who has recognised current training in emergency care.

Supervision

The teacher:student ratio must not exceed 1:20. Principals and organising teachers should take into account such factors as experience and maturity of the students, venue charateristics and experience and qualifications of adult supervisors when arranging supervision.

Where an adult other than a teacher is engaged to provide instruction, a teacher must be present to take overall responsibility for the activity.

Equipment

A hard shell helmet of a Standards Australia approved design, must be worn. Helmets designed specifically for skateboarding, roller and in-line skating are commercially available. Standards Australia approved design cycling helmets are also suitable.

In addition to helmets, inexperienced and beginning participants who have not mastered the basic fundamentals of skateboarding must wear knee, elbow pads and wrist guards.

Students must wear wrist, knee and elbow guards when using and learning tricks on ramps.

Students are to be instructed to keep skateboards in good operating condition.

Students should wear comfortable clothing (preferably long sleeves and long pants) and soft-soled sports shoes.

A well-equipped medical kit must be readily available.

Venues

It is recommended that riding be confined to a designated area for skateboard riding such as a skatepark.

Activities at school must be sited away from obstacles, other activities and pedestrians. Where necessary, barriers should be erected to contain 'uncontrolled' boards.

Skateboarding on streets or sidewalks must not be permitted under any circumstances.

Safety

The following safety strategies must be employed:

• establish rules and procedures for the use of the venue
• prohibit behaviour which could cause interference to other skateboarders or cause others
  to fall
• where appropriate, define an area for beginners
• activities should match the skill and fitness levels of students as well as the surface being
  used.

In addition to helmets, inexperienced and beginning skateboarders who have not mastered the basic fundamentals of the sport must wear knee, elbow pads and wrist guards.

Activities should be planned to match the skill levels of the students as well as the surface being used.

Infectious Diseases (Blood Procedure)