OUTSTANDING SAFE SPORT PRACTICES, PETER WYNN'S SCORE AWARD (STATEWIDE)
GOLD
St Ives YMCA
Girls Levels Gymnastics Program
The St Ives Levels artistic gymnastics squad was determined to make safety risks visible to everyone and developed a creative idea that has successfully reduced the incidence of injuries.
Squad members designed posters that each communicated an important safety message. Designs included reminders to 'Stop and look before you cross the floor', ensure that there was appropriate matting under all equipment and to turn up to class early to ensure adequate warm up time.
More than 30 posters were designed and then displayed across the gym as a constant reminder of safety, not just the squad members, but their parents and coaching staff.
The squad enjoyed catching each other out on the things they should be doing to ensure their safety and the project successfully taught members about accountability for safety, while raising awareness of risks and how to address them.
As a result, this year, just one broken bone was reported in this squad.
As part of the program, all new trainee Levels coaches were educated about the injuries specific to gymnastics and particular apparatus and were also trained in first aid techniques for common injuries such as strapping techniques for ankle sprains. The YMCA also developed a fact sheet for trainee coaches, which requires thorough risk assessments prior to each class and risk reporting.
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