Safety+Issues

Curricular Activities

Safety Concerns

Action Plan

Badminton

Protective eye wear too large/loose for some students leading to reduced eye coverage.

Inform principle- purchase protective eye wear of smaller size or strap on types.

Field Hockey

Cracks on the hockey stick blade Inform principal purchase replacements. Ice Hockey Cracked helmet face visor Inform principal- replacement. Soccer Underinflated balls Use an inflation device with a gauge- Inflate ball to manufactures recommended pressure (e.g. 10psi) Skipping Missing rope handles Inform principal- purchase replacements. Basketball Net facing a wall with insufficient wall mat coverage (e.g. width <4.8meteres) Add additional wall mats to meet/exceed the minimum wall height/width requirements (1.8m/4.8m).

The following areas are in violation of the Ophea document and need to be addressed at my school:
 * 1) First Aid Kits. There is only one kit available in the Phys Ed office and it is not stocked properly. It needs to be updated and even have a portable version available for when teachers take the students out to the field. I will speak to the department head regarding getting this updated and taken out of the Phy Ed budget.
 * 2) The divider wall is cracked and pieces of the wall come off with contact. This is a matter for the principal to deal with reagarding the replacement of the broken pieces. Tape has been used in the past to cover the areas but this is inadequate.
 * 3) Jewelry, necklaces and rings should be removed and never worn in the gym. Teachers and students need to be aware of the dangers and teachers need to inforce this mandate.
 * 4) Walkie talkie or Cell phone accessiblility while on the field. The teachers need to be provided with either a school supplied walkie talkie linked with the office and or another teacher who is first aid trained in order to assist with any injuries that arise. This needs to be brought up to the Dept head.
 * 5) Goggles for badminton. The school spends very little money for the upkeep of the "other" sports equipment. This neds to be addressed at the headship level. An inventory should be preformed every semester to ensure the proper eye protection is available. Having students buy their own is inappropriate.
 * 6) Sunscreen. This is not provided or verified that students are wearing it any time they venture out side. This initiative is one that could be addressed at a department meeting. The school should provide sunscreen for all student who wish to use it. If a student has a skin allergy this must be accomodated either by the school or by the students parents.

At my last school, these were six major pieces that I want to address:

1. Track and Field: - We do not have any walkie-talkies. This is an issue as direct and immediate correspondence to the Phys-Ed office and Main Office is necessary. - One thing I noticed from the OPHEA document is that we, as teachers, must walk the course before sending any student on any type of long distance run. This is something we have failed to do.

2. Phys Ed Office: - Currently, we do not have enough first aid kits.

3. Weight/Fitness Room: - There is not enough pins/clamps for the weights. This is something that can lead to serious injury if doing a class in the weight room with 20 plus students using free-weights. - We also do not have enough weights in the lower poundage scale. There should be more weights in the lower poundage range (15-40lbs)as this would be more appropriate in a school with younger students.

4. Volleyball - currently we have no padding covering the polls when we facilitate volleyball. This is something the OPHEA document directly recommends.

5. Hockey - We should replace the majority of our sticks. Currently we are using sticks that have cracks in the blades which is unsafe.

6. Field activities - we have some serious pot holes in our main field. This is serious concerns as it could lead to injuries like ankle sprains, etc.

After reading the OPHEA documents, these are the primary concerns I have right now regarding the safety and well being of our students. My action plan is to contact the Principal about the above concerns. More pins for the weight room, new sticks for hockey, and padding for the volleyball nets are immediate concerns that we need to consider and address in our budget. First aid kits of course are no questions asked an essential addition that we must make.

After reviewing the ophea safety guidelines I found that my school needs to address the following: 1.We need communication devices such as Walkie Talkies when out in the field or during track meets. I will need to talk to my principal and lead phys-ed teacher about purchasing a set for the school. 2.Protective eye gear: my school has no protective eye wear, we will need them for activities such as badminton. Again I’ll need to talk to my principal about purchasing eye wear for the school. 3.In our gym we have two basketball nets that do not have mats attached to the wall behind the basket. This is a major concern as students could run into the wall or land against it. I will need to speak with my principal about ordering mats for the wall. 4.The football and soccer fields are uneven with dips and holes. This needs to be reported to the principal. 5.Unfortunately our fields are filled with debris from community use. The debris includes broken glass and garbage, this is a consistent problem. Every morning we do a sweep to clean as much as possible, we do this again before league games. 6.The school needs to provide sunscreen for students who wish to use it. Sunscreen will be need for outdoor activities such as track and field events. I will need to talk to the principal and lead phys-ed teacher about purchasing sunscreen for the school.

While reviewing the OPHEA document I found a number of discrepancies/concerns that would have to be discussed with the Phys Ed department head at the schools where I have taught. A working communication device is required for every single activity. Occasionally classes will walk to the park to play games in a more spacious environment and I don't believe that a communication device is always present. Ball Hockey - I know that some of the stick blades in our supply room are in poor condition and should be replaced. We also use turned over benches as the corners to keep the balls in play. Basketball - I think that the measurement from the baseline to the wall may be a bit sketchy. Many teachers assume that since basketball is so widely known that student already possess the skills and knowledge needed to play the game. This often leads to students not learning the proper progression of skills. One of the metal discs, used to fill the holes where the volleyball nets go, is very loose and students could potentially slip on it. Paddle tennis/Pickle Ball - Because of the size of the gym, students are often forced to play games like this one in a small space. This significantly increases the potential risk of injuries. Rugby - Although rugby doesn't require much equipmemt, many schools have old worn out rugby balls or balls that are not properly inflated. These balls can be dangerous and don't allow for success or properskill development. Many of these concerns could be easily dealt with by reviewing the OPHEA document with my department head. The Phys Ed. department as a whole could review the document and review their spaces, equipment and practice while taking inventory of things that need to be changed.

__Track and Field – Hurdles__ - Use ‘scissor’ hurdles, light hurdles or loose crossbars - Clear, flat surface for running area Action Plan: Check condition of hurdles and crossbar for splinters. Also, make sure hurdles are set up properly when used and the running area is inspected. Consult the principal or department head if hurdles need to be replaced. __Track and Field – Track Events__ - Use plastic or aluminum relay batons - Ensure proper footwear is worn - Outdoor running area must be clearly marked - Run-out areas must be in place Action Plan: Inspect track for hazards. Report hazards to principal or department head for repair or to find an alternative facility. __Wrestling__ - Mats are manufactured and approved by manufacturer for wrestling - Mats are in good condition with no holes or gaps between mats - There must be appropriate clearance from edge of wrestling mat. If mat is less than 2m from wall, surrounding wall must be padded. - Free of obstacles and provide sufficient traction. Action Plan: Inspect the condition and quality of mats. Any concern should be brought up with principal or department head. Ensure mats are set up properly when used and in the appropriate facility free of obstacles. __Volleyball__ - Poles are safely stored when not in use - Nets must have no frayed wires - Balls must be appropriate for age and ability - Playing area must be free of obstacles - Poles must be padded or game must be modified to avoid hazard Action Plan: Inspect pole storage and net condition. Replace or repair net if necessary. Ensure the playing area is safe and obstacle free. Ensure poles are stored properly and padded when in use. To ensure safety, recommend padding for poles and ensure it is used. __Softball –Slo Pitch__ - Wooden bats must not be cracked and have proper grips (Slo-Pitch Ontario Association ‘SPO’ bat policy ASA 2004) - Back catcher (in front of screen) must wear a mask with throat protector. - Softball helmets with flaps covering both ears. - Safety bag on first base - Bases must be properly secured - Field must have suitable footing inspected for debris and obstacles, well-removed from traffic areas, and has sufficient traction. - Must be played a safe distance from other activities and hazards must be marked with a cone. Holes in the fence should be covered with a mat. Action Plan: Inspect equipment and ensure all equipment listed above is found in good condition. Inspect field and make administration aware of any perils for players. Also, ensure equipment is set up properly when in use. Helmets should not have any cracks and bases should all be secured to the ground. __Dodgeball__ - Use soft objects (foam balls, sponges, elephant skin balls) and not underinflated balls and hard disks - Facility must be free of obstacles, doors must be closed, and there must be adequate space for participants Action Plan: Inspect facility for safety. Ensure that proper objects are in the gym storage. Request the purchase of foam balls or gator balls in not in storage. Teachers should also make sure that a first aid kit is fully stocked and readily accessible as well as having communication devices. The students’ skill level should always be taken into consideration as well as the conditions including temperature and sun exposure.

Eight curricular activities running at the school are Badminton: no goggles for students Volleyball : no padding around the poles soccer: field get water once a month, the ground is very hard Football: goal post padding is worn and doesn’t fit properly Wrestling: all the walls need padding Baseball: no helmets Hockey: check sticks for breaks/cracks All staff dealing in phys education./ coaches: need mobile first aid kit, walkie talkies to communicate with office, community sun screen, action plan: that has strategies dealing with a medical emergency. These issues and concerns would be passed onto department head, members in the department, and administration

OPHEA Assignment

Secondary Interschool Guidelines

First Aid Kits: It must be ensured that first aid kits are appropriately stocked and portable to bring to extra-curricular competitions that are off school site. Action Plan: At the beginning of a season ensure that there is a portable first aid kit and that it is appropriately stocked with ice packs, gloves, etc. Speak with Athletic Director if kits are not available.

Soccer (outdoor activity): Be aware of the temperature for the day and receptive to the time individual athletes will be vigorous for. The playing field must be free from debris, obstacles, holes, uneven surfaces. Action Plan: The field must be checked prior to the beginning of a season and each time it is played on. The Athletic Director, convenor, and principal should all be made aware if the field is not playable.

Track and Field (High Jump): The landing area has a minimum mat surface that meets IAAF standard; the fibre-bar crossbar needs to be checked for cracks. Action Plan: ensure equipment is checked at the beginning of the Track and Field season. New equipment would need to be purchased if not suitable for usage and discussion with AD and principal would be necessary.

Badminton: Appropriate clothing and footwear are necessary by all athletes. Racquets need to meet inspection of proper grip and protective eye wear meeting ASTM F803 standard is required. Action Plan: Ensure there is enough and functioning protective eye gear for every athlete and purchase more if necessary. Ensure all students are wearing eye gear; many students/athletes rather go without.

Volleyball: Volleyball poles need to be safely stored when not in use. The nets cannot have any frayed wires, protective padding needs to be placed around poles including cranks, and the antenna is flush with the bottom of the net. Action Plan: Many times students help with the set up and take down of equipment during phys-ed classes and games, I need to ensure that equipment is stores properly and set-up according to OPHEA regulations.

Dodgeball: -having a fully stocked First Aid kit might not be fully stocked always -having enough fully inflated balls or balls that are not torn Volleyball: -can be difficult to ensure that the net poles are properly and securely stored when not in use -having a variety of balls to cater to the individual needs of the class Squash: -ensuring all students wear protective eyewear; might not have enough goggles for every student -racquets usually are damaged after a period of time Basketball: -some of the balls might be deflated -not enough mats covering the walls surrounding the net area Cross Country Running -having proper communication devices readily accessible for if students get injured -preventing natural, dangerous obstacles along the route or track Cycling -having enough bikes suitable for the size of the student -having a supervisor kit available for the teacher that has a bike pump, tool kit, whistle and First Aid kit

For all 6 of these issues I would immediately bring up to the principal of the school and let my department head know about it as well. I would take on some responsibility myself and look into different groups or organizations that might assist with donations to sports and Physical Education in the school. For example OFSAA Try-days. If there is not enough safe equipment I would try and split the class up and do two similar sports so every student is participating.

Ophea Assignment Secondary Interschool Module Action Plan: check all first aid kits andensure all are stocked properly, if not order supplies. Implement a department or school wideemergency plan if an injury occurswithin and outside of school. Ensure allFirst Aid training is up to date. ActionPlan: Remind students of proper attire, inspect every racquet and rewrap wornout racquets. Remind all staff and coaches that they must be present when setup and take down of the nets occurs. ActionPlan: Create a station for sunscreen and bug repellent. Have a daily log forcourse walks before practices and runs. Alter routes to stay away from busy intersections. Enforce the no audio device rule.
 * First Aid** : ensuring that kits are portable and properlystocked, access to a phone to dial 911,implement emergency plan, knowledge of medical conditions and First Aid training of all instructors.
 * Badminton** : no hanging jewellery,wraps on badminton racquets are not fraying, setting up of equipment needs tohave on site supervision.
 * Cross Country** : walk through of thecourse, proper protection from bugs and sun, ensure that the runners are notcrossing any busy intersections without supervision, no audio devices.
 * Rugby:** regulation ball size, fullmouth guards on all players, proper clothing must be worn, collapsible flagsand field inspections.
 * Action Plan:** purchase spare mouth guardsthat the players can purchase, insure all flags are collapsible and have afield log of where problem areas are and the action taken.
 * Soccer** : shin pads are worn,moulded cleats only, outdoor soccer balls are used when playing outside, fieldinspection is completed.
 * Action Plan** : purchase extra shin guardsto have, inform principal about the holes in field and have school boardrepair.
 * Tennis:** Ensure all racquets are ingood working order, playing surface is free of debris and cracks. Players areinformed of proper etiquette.
 * Action Plan:** Inspect all racquets rewrapand restring ones that are in need. Inspectplaying surface and clear away all debris. If instructor is not knowledgeable about the sport have a guest speakerfrom the club come in and teach.

I found the Ophea guidelines very easy to access and use.The 6 activities I’m considering teaching are Badminton, Dancing/RhythmicActivities, Fitness Activities, Relay/TagGames, Volleyball and Yoga. - Ask Principal to provide cell phone approve my CPR Training - Locate first aid kit, using checklist from appendix B check kit and replace missing items. - Do CPR refresher - Speak to all students about their responsibilities’, see appendix I,ask them to wear appropriate Clothing and Footwear, to bring sunscreen,sunglasses, hat, insect repellent for outside activities and water every day. - No Communication device for outside and no protective eye gear. - ask Principal to provide cell phone and orderprotective eye gear meeting ASTM F803 standards - inspect racquets regularly for breakage and to determine proper grip - supervise equipment set-up - If outside consider the temperature, previous training and length of time students will be vigorously active, remind students about sun protection and insect repellent,check that playing surface provide safe footing, surrounding area is free of all obstacles and instruction students of procedure for severe weather conditions (see Lightning Appendix) - Barefeet permitted - make sure floor in good repair for bare feet. - make sure play area is free of obstacles and provide sufficient traction - Equipment must be appropriate in size and weight for the student - Steps do not have non-slip tread - make sure play area is free of obstacles andprovides sufficient traction - Purchase equipment to accommodate fitness level, different size and weight of students and steps with non-slip treads. - Not enough pylons or markers to define play area. - No soft items like foam balls and noodles - Uneven surfaces outside - keeping all door in and out of play area closed - Immovable posts outside - Purchase pylons, foam balls and noodles - Report holes and uneven surfaces to Principal’s attention - Lock doors - Identify and mark immovable post with pylon and pad post - If outside consider the temperature, previous training and length of time students will bevigorously active, remind students about sun protection and insect repellent,check that playing surface provide safe footing, surrounding area is free of all obstacles and instructionstudents of procedure for severe weather conditions (see Lightning Appendix) - When volleyball poles are removed, don’t misplace or forget floor plugs - If going outside uneven surfaces, obstacles and severs weather. - If outside consider the temperature, previous training and length of time students will be vigorously active, remind students about sun protection and insect repellent, check that playing surface provide safe footing, surrounding area is free of all obstacles and instruction students of procedure for severe weather conditions (see Lightning Appendix) - Not enough non-slip yoga mats - Keeping mats clean - Students are not to attempt: headstands, plow, crow, full shoulder stands and full lotus - Have students bring their own mat if they have one - Purchase equipment appropriate to the size and weight of the student. - Implement process to regularly disinfect equipment - Instruct all students not to attempt: headstands, plow, crow, full shoulder stands and full lotus.
 * General Action Plan for every activity:**
 * __Badminton:__**
 * Challenges**
 * ActionPlan**
 * __Dancing/RhythmicActivities:__**
 * Challenges**
 * ActionPlan**
 * __Fitness Activities:__**
 * Challenges**
 * Action Plan**
 * __Relay/Tag Games:__**
 * Challenges**
 * ActionPlan**
 * __Volleyball:__**
 * Challenges**
 * -** No padding for poles
 * ActionPlan**
 * -** Purchase appropriate padding for poles
 * __Yoga:__**
 * Challenges**
 * ActionPlan**

Being a teacher who just graduated, I have never run a physical education class, or been a part of a school community. However, I have volunteered in a Phys Ed classroom, so I will use many experiences from volunteering there. 1) To be able to be in constant communication with the school. For one class we travelled by foot to a nearby (1-2 km) baseball diamond to play baseball. It would be critical for the teacher to have their cell phone on them and the number to the school, but more importantly to the administration directly. I would ask for the cell phone of the principal (or vice) to make sure if there was an incident, they could be contacted immediately, so that the injured students parents could be contacted as soon as possible. 2) Eye protection for sports such as hockey and badminton. If your school does not have adequate eye protection, there could be serious and lifelong damage done. You must implore you principal to assist you to find the funds to purchase proper eye protection for your students. Eye injuries can be some of the most severe. 3) Having a cold place to store icepacks. Icepacks may be the most used piece of medical equipment in gym class, and it is obviously extremely important to keep them cold. Asking your administration for either a Physical Education fridge or room in an existing fridge would be a great idea. 4) Dehydration can be a major issue with physical activity, especially on hot days. This is something the teacher can control. It is important to allow your student time for drink breaks, and when the heat is very high, make sure there are multiple drink breaks. Also ask the students to bring their own water to class. 5) The field conditions at the school I volunteered at were absolutely terrible. Many potholes and craters littered the field making it very dangerous for many activities. To replace the field is a HUGE undertaking, but constant pressure on the administration and the public at large is instrumental to getting the funding to replace the field. 6) To make sure all jewellery is off before and during any physical activity. To do this the teacher must be vigilant and make sure none of the students are wearing any. The best thing a teacher can do is lead by example. Make sure you don't wear any jewellery either, and there will be a higher chance the students will follow suit.

Our school runs many sports activities throughout the year which include Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Fencing, Golf, Squash, Swimming, and Yoga/Pilates. When I compare to the OPHEA safety guidelines, there are several areas that we need to improve for every participant’s safety.
 * · Badminton; every participants need to wear protective eye gear at all times while they are playing
 * · Basketball; place protective gym mats or padding on the ‘key’ area
 * · Bowling; proper shoes must be worn at all times as provided or approved by the facility
 * · Fencing; all equipment and appropriate clothing/food wear must be worn before fencing an opponent
 * · Golf; plastic whiffle or foam golf balls must be used on school property
 * · Yoga/Pilates; mats must be non-slip and suitable for yoga/plates

After I checked the OPHEA safety guidelines, I realized that most sport activities in secondary school curriculum required to have a working communication device must be accessible. Our school does not have enough for every single sport activity. Therefore, my action plan is to have working communication device accessibility as all times. The first step, I will discuss with department head if he knows where we could find them more. Secondly, I will send an e-mail to all staff that if they have any working communication device that I could use. Lastly, I will go to the office and discuss with administrator for a permanent solution.

Activity

Safety Issue

Action Plan

Gymnasium

First-aid kit inaccessible

Speak to department head. Have first-aid kit placed in the equipment room of gym.

Gymnasium

Unpadded walls

Speak to principal and department head. Point out walls under basketball nets should be padded.

Gymnasium

No floor markings

Speak to principal and department head. Without markings there is no buffer zone between playing surface and wall.

Outdoors

Uneven field

Speak to principal and department head. Request that caretakers patch bare patches over the summer holidays.

Outdoors

Debris on field

Walk field before class.

Outdoors

Entrance doors lock with no easy way to return to building.

Speak to principal and caretaker. Get key to outside doors.

Community

Facilities

Teachers often do not wear helmets as dictated by board policy when skating at community arena

Ask principal to email all teachers and remind them to wear their helmets when skating.

Curricular

Archery

First Aid Kits needs to be easily accessible and regularly re-stocked.

This can be a point of discussion at a department meeting or brought to the attention of the department head.

Communication devices need to be available

Offices usually have walkie-talkie devices. Teacher or department head could discuss with Vp/Principal if a few could be designated for phys ed department use

Football-Flag/Touch

Sunscreen should be made available for students (Outdoors)

Funds (school or department) should be allocated to purchase and have available for teacher/student use. Discussion with department head or admin team

Goal posts need to be padded

Discussion with department head for allocation of funds. If funds are unavailable another option could be to organize a fundraiser, example sports buy out

Intramural

Supervision

More supervision is required for intramural activities.

Teachers are often reluctant to help out. Admin could assign “on-calls” to account for shortage of supervising staff

Teacher supervising intramurals often don’t have adequate (or any) skills training on the activities.

Teachers volunteering or assigned to supervise should be given instructions on skills and basic safety rules, before supervision begins.

Interschool

Handball

Appropriate protective eyewear is not provided

Department head or teacher can discuss with admin regarding funds to purchase eyewear. Fundraiser can also be held.

Soccer

Debris on the field

Speak to admin and/or custodial staff lead regarding removal of debris.