Trampoline Safety and Games for Kids

Trampoline Safety and Games for Kids

If you do decide to buy a trampoline, knowing and observing trampoline safety rules is vital for avoiding accidents. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a set of guidelines for families for details but the main points to remember are:

• Only one person should be on a trampoline at a time
• The trampoline must be properly maintained and any damage promptly repaired
• Under 6s need to take extra care as they are most likely to get hurt
• There should be responsible supervision at all times
• A safety net should be used and children should not jump on or off the trampoline
• Stunts should be avoided

Going to a club is advisable to learn the basics properly For a full list of local clubs nationwide see Nightflyers or call your local leisure centre as many run open classes for both children and adults.

And to help keep your children's interest in the trampoline, why not suggest the following games:

Simon Says:
One person outside the trampoline shouts out various instructions and the trampoliner performs those actions eg Simon says jump on one leg, Simon says land on our bottom, Simon says jump up and clap your hands.

Follow Me:
One child starts out by making a move, which the second child must then copy. Additional moves are added one at a time to make a routine and when the second child fails to copy the routine accurately he is out and it is then his turn to create a routine.

Ring around the Rosy:
This game is a favourite with young children. They chant: 'Ring around the rosy, pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down!' and they will have great fun falling down. In fact many little ones really just enjoy and kind of singing and dancing on the trampoline.