Physical Activities
This continuum portrays safe and potentially unsafe levels of physical contact and activity in youth programs. Level of contact and potential for injury are key factors in a safe vs. a riskier activity.
Very Low Risk Exposure
Minimal physical contact or activity with little risk of injury
Examples:
- Sitting
- Standing
- Walking on well-groomed pathways
Low Risk Exposure
Moderate age and skill appropriate physical activity with limited touching and low risk of injury
Examples:
- Games involving a limited amount of running
- Physical touch or using soft sports equipment (balls, etc.)
Moderate Risk Exposure
Moderate physical activity, moderate touch involved between youth; use of equipment that can cause injury
Examples:
- Base/soft-ball
- Soccer
- Gymnastics
- Lacrosse
- Racket sports
- Ropes course
High Risk Exposure
Strenuous physical activity with moderate risk of injury; Activities that require physical touch between adults and minors
Examples:
- Cardio intensive sports such as track and field
- Variable skill levels among participants
Very High Risk Exposure
Strenuous physical activity with high risk of injury or extensive physical contact; other risk of illness or injury due to inclement weather
Examples:
- 'Extreme' sports
- High contact sports
- Water sports
- Rock climbing
- Football
- Wrestling
Tips for reducing risk for Physical Activities
- Unless the program is primarily athletic in nature (e.g. a sports camp) keep physical activity to moderate levels. Avoid games that use equipment that can cause injury, or substitute softer equipment (nerf balls vs. baseballs).
- Choose locations that have dedicated space for your group
and safe perimeters (i.e., not adjacent to a street). - Ensure that parents have been made fully aware of the physical activity level and associated risks, and sign an acknowledgement of risk indicating their permission to participate.
- With prolonged or strenuous activity:
- Give youth scheduled breaks and water. Allow for additional unscheduled breaks as needed by a youth participant.
- Ensure that youth demonstrate physical fitness that matches the level of activity you will be requiring of them. Assess team compositions of youth to prevent less experienced youth from inadvertently being harmed by more experienced youth or vice versa.
- Only employ staff and volunteers who are trained in youth sports management, and also who understand varying sports developmental levels so as to prevent injury.