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.

Teacher/Instructor Qualifications and Experience

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

There must be a teacher present who has recognised current emergency care training.

Supervision

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

Equipment

Shorts, sports briefs, casual shirts or leotard should be worn.

Students should wear sports shoes. Bare feet must not be permitted.

If mats are used they must be checked to ensure that they are in good condition. Mats with holes and tears must not be used. Mats must not overlap, but joined using velcro edging.

Staging is recommended for competition programs.

A sprung floor, 9m x 9m with 7m x 7m markings is preferred. A well-equipped medical kit must be readily available.

Venues

An indoor location with wooden floors is preferred with sufficient space for the number of students participating.

The use of concrete or asphalt surfaces should be avoided.

Safety

Students must remove jewellery and other ornaments likely to cause injury. Long hair should be tied back and finger nails should be kept short.

Each school should have a coaching program based on conditioning and progressive skill training methods. Students are to be instructed in safety procedures. Concentration, body awareness and control provide the basis for safety in aerobics.

Stretching and warming up are vital elements in preventing injury. The following principles should be incorporated in the program:

• warm-up prior to stretching
• stretch prior to and after work-outs
• stretch alternate muscle groups
• stretch gently and slowly
• never bounce or stretch rapidly
• stretch to the point of tension or discomfort but never pain
• do not hold the breath when stretching, breathe slowly and easily while stretching

Consider the number of students in the space available, ensuring that students do not contact others in group practices.

Where possible, ice should be available for the treatment of injuries.

For inter-school competition, rules and regulations should be those endorsed by the Australian Gymnastics Federation.

Infectious Diseases (Blood Procedure)