In trampoline use, as in all active recreational sports, participants can be injured. However, there are steps that can
be taken to reduce risk of injury. In this section, primary accident patterns are identified and the responsibilities of
supervisors and jumpers in accident prevention are described.
ACCIDENT CLASSIFICATION
Somersaults (flips):
Landing on your head or neck, even in the middle of the trampoline mat, increases the risk of
a broken back or neck, which can result in paralysis or death. Such events can occur when a jumper makes an
error trying to perform a forward or backward somersault (flip). Do not perform somersaults(flips) on this backyard
trampoline.
Multiple Jumpers:
More than one jumper at a time on the trampoline increases the chance of a jumper becoming
injured by losing control of his or her jump. Jumpers may collide with one another, fall off of the trampoline, fall onto
or through the springs, or land incorrectly on the mat. The jumper weighing the least is the jumper most likely to be
injured.
Mounting and Dismounting (Getting on and off):
The trampoline mat is several feet above ground level. Jumping from
the trampoline to the ground or any other surface may result in injury. Jumping onto the trampoline from a roof, deck,
or other objects also presents a risk of injury. Smaller children may need assistance getting onto or down from the
trampoline. Climb carefully onto and off of the trampoline. Do not step onto the springs or the fame pad. Do not grasp
the frame pad to pull yourself onto the trampoline.
Striking the Frame or the Stretch Bands:
Injury may result from hitting the frame or falling through the springs while
jumping or getting onto or off of the trampoline. Stay in the center of the mat when jumping. Be sure to keep the
frame pad in place to cover the fame. The frame pad is not made or intended to support the weight of trampoline
user. Do not step or jump directly on the frame pad.
Loss of Control:
Jumpers who lose control of their jumps may land on the mat incorrectly, land on the frame or
springs, or fall off of the trampoline. A controlled jump is one where the landing is in the same spot as the takeoff.
Before learning a more difficult stunt, you should be able to do one over an over with control. Attempting a stunt
beyond present skill levels increases the chance of loss of control. To regain control and stop your jump bend your
knees sharply when you land.
Alcohol or Drug Use:
The chance of injury increases when a jumper has consumed alcohol or taken drugs. These
substances impair a person’s reaction time, judgment, and physical coordination.
Encountering Objects:
Jumping on a trampoline while other people, pets, or objects are underneath it will increase
the chance of getting hurt. Jumping while holding or having an object on the trampoline, particularly one that is
sharp or breakable, will increase the chance of injury. Placing a trampoline too close to overhead electrical wires, tree
limbs, or other objects can increase the chance of injury.
Poor Maintenance of The Trampoline:
Jumpers may be injured if a trampoline is in poor condition. A torn mat, bent
frame, broken spring, or missing frame pad, for example, should be replaced before anyone is allowed to jump.
Inspect the trampoline before each use.
Access:
To prevent access to the trampoline by unsupervised smaller children, the optional access ladder should
always be taken away and stored in a safe place when the trampoline is not in use.
TRAMPOLINE SAFETY INFORMATION
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