Pre-Use Trampoline Environment Checks
▪ Check there are no overhead obstructions such as beams or heating pipes
▪ Check there are no items protruding from the walls such as basketball hoops
▪ Ensure fire exits, and escape routes are freely accessible
▪ Avoid dull, dazzling and or blinding lights
▪ There should be no objects under or around the trampolines (drink bottles, sweaters, trainers – all trip and fall hazards)
▪ Other sports should be screened off by netting to protect the area from projectiles such as shuttlecocks, footballs, basketballs, etc
▪ Make sure the noise levels are acceptable and that all pupils can hear the coaches instructions at all times.
Ceiling Heights
Recreational Trampolining
The minimum recommended ceiling height for recreational trampolining in 5 metres although this is not always essential The key is to risk assess your activity based on the pupils and level of trampolining skill being performed. A group of special needs pupils with restricted movement will not need much height as their activity will most likely be in close contact with the trampoline bed.
Competitive Trampolining
For competitive trampolining a minimum of 8 metres is advisable.
How To Measure Ceiling Height for Trampolining
When measuring the height it is taken from the top of the trampoline frame to the lowest protruding item on the ceiling that may interfere with someone bouncing on the trampoline.
Risk Assessing Ceiling Height for Trampolining
The measurement for recreational trampolining and/or competitive trampolining are not set in stone. It is up to the head coach or teacher in charge to risk assess the area and decide if the ceiling height is appropriate to the trampolining activity taking place and the pupils being taught.
If you have primary aged children practicing simple skills they will not require as much height as an experienced secondary school pupil performing the same skills. If you have disabled pupils bouncing on their backs or in a seated position you will not require much ceiling height at all.
The key is to risk assess. Draw up a written risk assessment to show you have taken steps to protect the pupils and reduce the risks involved during your trampolining sessions.