1. Risk Assessment in Physical Activity

2. In this section we will look at: Potential hazards in PE Prevention of injuries / minimising risk – inc level of competition, clothing / footwear, correct technique, knowledge of safety procedures, rules / laws, warm up / cool down, personal protective equipment, personal hygiene Injury treatment

3. Potential Hazards Teachers have a legal and professional responsibility to make risk assessments and minimise the level of risk faced by their students, or to refrain from entering into situations where such risk cannot be brought within acceptable levels. Students (especially GCSE PE students) students) should also develop a sense of responsibility for their own welfare and that of others.

4. Potential Areas of Hazard (as identified by OCR) Court area Gymnasium Outdoor adventurous activities – on land and on water Playing field Sports hall Swimming pool

5. Court Areas Often used for netball and tennis. Also for basketball, football, fitness work. General playground for rest of school. Sometimes for community use as well as school. Possible hazards: litter – broken fencing – nails / splinters – wobbly posts / portable feet sticking out – rain, snow, frost, inadequate maintenance – projecting sockets – unprotected windows Explain how each of these might contribute to possible injury AND AND how they might be avoided

6. The Gymnasium Many gyms also used as indoor games area – what is the danger here? Before a gym lesson what should you / teacher check? –Floor –Floor is clean, dry, free from dust / grit. Why? –Portable –Portable apparatus safely stored away –Fixed –Fixed apparatus have been secured to wall –Any –Any projections, hooks etc you think are unsafe then bring to attention of teacher –Bolts –Bolts / catches are secured in place on equipment

7. The Playing Field Often difficult to close off effectively and often used by members of public. (Not always officially approved!) Potential hazards – you name some: Dog messCrushed drinks cans General litter Long grass / uneven surfaces Frost, ice, snow, heavy rain Wobbly goals – why? Boundary markers – why? Unprotected rugby posts – why? Non-flexi corner posts Smooth soled footwear – why?

8. The Sports Hall In lots of ways, similar to a gym but larger! Often more than one activity going on at same time – be mindful of this as a student! Greater numbers of people, lots of balls flying around Often more than one entry / exit point. Be aware!

9. The Swimming Pool Potential hazards are divided into 2 here: 1 pool-based activities2 pool and its immediate surroundings 1 ASA and RLSS publish clear guidelines on all aspects of safety and potential hazards, but the biggest danger is the behaviour and attitude of those who use it 2 People can drown – do not do anything you are not told to do by coach / teacher Read section on swimming p 131 – you are probably aware of many of the safety rules from your own leisure time in pool