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ACCIDENT CLASSIFICATION
In trampoline use, as in all active recreational sports, participants can be injured. However, there are steps that can
be taken to reduce the risk of injury. In this section, primary accident patterns are identified and the responsibilities
of supervisors and jumpers in accident prevention are described.
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 frame pad.
Do not grasp the frame pad to pull yourself onto the trampoline.
Striking the Frame or the Springs: 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 frame. The frame pad is not made or intended to support the weight of the
trampoline user. Do not step or jump directly onto 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 before over and 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 used when it 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.
Weather Conditions: A wet trampoline mat is too slippery for safe jumping. Gusty or high winds can cause jumpers
to lose control. To reduce the chance of injury, use the trampoline only when the weather is good.
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
