Jumping Events

This Schedule refers to the field jumping events: high jump (scissors technique only), long jump and triple jump.

As part of the process of safety self-regulation, all persons engaging in this activity should identify the hazards, assess their significance and manage the potential risks including any additional hazards not mentioned here

Hazards that may be encountered in athletics activities involving jumping events include:

• equipment (e.g. landing surface, high-jump bar, uprights, crossbar, take-off board, long-jump pit, pole); and
• spikes.

A major potential for injury results from the forces involved during the conversion or take-off phases of these jumps. These forces may measure up to five times the body weight of the athlete.

The categorisation of these conditions is subjective and offered as a starting point for risk management planning. The actual degree of risk is best ascertained by persons with intimate local knowledge present at the site of the activity.

High jump (scissors technique), long jump and triple jump are categorised as Medium risk (level 2):

One adult present should have knowledge of, and an ability to perform, first aid procedures.

If an adult other than a registered teacher is engaged for instruction, a teacher should be present to take overall responsibility.

The qualifications listed in this section are minimums for each type of situation. Leaders are encouraged to seek training to raise their qualification level above the minimum listed.

For Medium Risk (Level 2) activities, the leader should be:

• a registered teacher with experience (previous involvement in the activity) in the teaching of the specific jump; or
• an adult who has Level 1 Accreditation from the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association, if a teacher with these qualifications is not available.

A first aid kit should be available at all venues where lessons and competitions are conducted.

Activities should be sited away from buildings, pedestrians and other activities.

Approach and take-off areas should be level and have an even surface.

The landing area should be of impact absorbing material, and large enough to ensure that students remain within the confines until the jump is completed.

Landing and take-off areas should be well maintained to avoid risk of injury to students.

The teacher should:

• supervise the approach, take-off and landing areas
• clear the landing area before students commence their approach
• instruct students regarding safety procedures in the use of spikes; and
• clear spectators of the landing area before the activity commences.

High Jump - Scissor Technique

Where the landing area consists of several mats, these should be held together firmly with straps or ties or the whole area should be covered with a one-piece overlay.

Mats should be carried by hands at the side and not carried aloft on backs, shoulders or heads.

The run-up and take-off areas should be dry and free from any slippery material.

The bars for training may be collapsible or circular fibreglass as a preparation for competition. Triangular bars should not be used. Circular fibreglass bars are recommended for competition.

A distance of approximately 20 centimetres should be allowed between the vertical planes of the crossbar and the front edge of the landing area, to allow a displaced bar to fall to the ground rather than fall on the landing area.

The landing area should measure not less than 5 metres long by 3 metres wide and should contain sufficient materials to adequately reduce shock on landing. It is recommended that the height of the landing mats be 15 centimetres.

Approach markers should be used when teaching novice jumpers, to avoid their landing off the mats.

Long/Triple Jump

Landing pits should be dug and raked before any jumping takes place. Any hard or sharp objects should be removed.

The pit should be raked to ensure a safe, level landing surface.

The take-off board should be clearly visible, flat and level with ground surface. The rigid board may be replaced with carpet or similar material. The type of take-off board should be considered when spikes are worn.

Markers should not be left in or adjacent to the pit.

The approach area should be clearly defined and kept free from any obstructions.

Jumping should take place from one direction only.

Rakes, forks and shovels should not be left unattended in, or beside, the jumping area.

• Queensland School Sport
• HLS-PR-013: Developing a Sun Safety Strategy
• SCM-PR-002: School Excursions
• HLS-PR-005: Injury, Illness and Dangerous Event Recording and Reporting
• HLS-PR-003: First Aid for Schools and Non-school Locations