Physical Activity Safety Checklist

In Manitoba, Canada, the government provides a safety handbook for which students are to refer when they are out of school. The handbook educates students and parents on how to safely select and participate in out-of-school physical activity. Primarily intended for students in grades 9 to 12, the handbook can be used to guide all students in choosing safe physical activities. Attached to the handbook is a checklist that, when used correctly, can guide students to an activity that is practical and safe for them.

  1. Individual Safety Checklists

    • The safety handbook is comprised of over 50 checklists for specific forms of physical activity. Checklists for activities aerobics, ballet, rugby (both flag and tackle forms) and lacrosse are included. In addition, checklists for less-intensive physical activities, such as qigong and yoga, are present in the handbook.

    Checklist Template

    • Each checklist has a similar template. The checklist states the name and a short description of the activity and rates the risk of the activity on a scale of one to four, four being the number that denotes a high-risk activity. General learning outcomes, a description of the supervision recommended and risk-management strategies for the activity are all listed on the checklist. You can use the checklist when touring facilities that offer the activity, asking questions about the amenities the facility offers and determining if it meets the requirements listed on the checklist.

    Considerations

    • A special portion of each checklist is dedicated to considerations that you and your child should take when choosing a specific physical activity. For instance, on the Dance (Ballet) checklist, considerations include a medical checkup and age-appropriate maturity. Use these special considerations to make sure that your child is not only physically, but mentally, capable of participating in the physical activity.

    Checklist Example: Athletics Checklist

    • The Athletics- Middle-Distance Running Checklist is a great example of the thorough detail used to compile each checklist packet. The middle-distance running packet defines middle-distance running: a collection of sporting events including throwing, jumping and running distances from 800 to 3000 meters. The general learning outcome, or goals, for the activity are to demonstrate safe behaviors to manage risks and prevent injuries pertaining to the activity. An instruction checklist contains recommendations such as that the coach be experienced in running or certified with an accredited coaching association, that skills are learned in a proper progression and that drinking water is available and consumed as needed. Checklists naming proper equipment, such as a cellular phone and first aid kit, proper athletic wear, including well-fitting sneakers, and facility/environment recommendations, are also included in the packet.

    Checklist Usage Outcome

    • These checklists can be used by parents and students and are useful when trying to determine what kind of physical activity would be appropriate for you or your child based on health, ability and mental maturity. Each checklist offers a variety of questions for you to ask facilities offering physical activities as well as questions for you to investigate or ponder to determine if your child is ready for physical activity.