Secondary - Curricular 2023
- A Teacher must be the one in charge of the trip/activity.
- A Monitor is an individual who is 18 years of age or older who is approved by the Principal and has received instructions on their duties for the trip/activity.
- Consult Risk Management.
- The safety standards for this activity must be presented to the activity provider prior to the activity taking place. The activity provider must meet the minimum requirements listed in the safety standards. For more information on planning trips using outside providers, consult Outside Activity Providers.
Equipment
- Determine that all equipment is safe for use (for example, no sharp corners, cracks, or splinters). Students must be encouraged to report equipment problems to the Teacher.
- When snowboarding at facilities both within and outside of Ontario a properly fitted (as per manufacturer’s guidelines) and properly worn snow sport helmet certified by a recognized safety standards association (for example, ASTM F2040, CEN 1077, Snell RS98, CSA Z263.1) must be worn.
- When renting equipment, the facility operator must provide:
- snowboards appropriate for the size and ability of the student;
- snowboards with edges in good condition;
- an inspection and adjustment of boots and bindings by a knowledgeable equipment technician on-site;
- snow sport helmets that are in good condition and are certified by a recognized safety standards organization (for example, ASTM F2040, CEN 1077, Snell RS 98, CSA Z263.1);
- a check that rental helmets are properly fitted (as per manufacturer’s guidelines) and properly worn.
Refer to the First Aid section for first aid equipment requirements.
Clothing/Footwear/Jewellery
- Appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activity must be worn (for example, use layering principles, hats, mitts or gloves). (“Comfort Tips” guidelines within the Safety and Risk Awareness section of the Ontario Snow Resorts Association website can assist snowboarders in determining appropriate clothing for a comfortable outdoor snow sport activity.) Long scarves are not permitted.
- Long hair must be secured. Devices (for example, hair pins, elastics and barrettes) used to tie back long hair must not present a safety concern.
- Students must not participate when the length of fingernails poses a safety risk to themselves or others.
Facilities
- Determine that all facilities are safe for use. Students must be encouraged to report facility problems to the Teacher.
- Commercially-operated snowboarding facilities with suitable teaching areas (gentle slopes) must be used.
- The area must be patrolled by members of a recognized ski patrol.
- The facility provider must define the snowboarding area to the students so they are aware of the boundaries and hazards for the activity.
- When running takes place off school site for a warm up:
- Teachers must do a safety check ‘walk through’ in order to identify potential problems prior to initial use of route or course.
- Teachers must outline to the students the route or course (for example, notice of areas to approach with caution) before the start of the run.
- Teachers must determine that students are not crossing busy intersections unless directly supervised.
Environmental Considerations
- When environmental conditions may pose a risk to student safety (for example, thunderstorms [lightning] or student(s) with asthma, triggered by air quality), Teachers must take into consideration their school board/school’s protocols and procedures related to:
- environmental conditions (consult Weather); and
- snow conditions (for example, snow/ice storms) and visibility.
- Students must receive instruction on safety procedures related to environmental conditions and be made aware of ways to protect themselves (for example, frostbite, hypothermia).
- The school board’s weather procedures are the minimum standards at all times. In situations where a higher standard of care is presented (for example, outside activity providers, facility/program coordinators), the higher standard of care must be followed.
Special Rules/Instructions
- Be aware of students whose medical condition (for example, asthma, anaphylaxis, casts, previous concussion, orthopaedic device) may affect participation. Consult Medical Conditions.
- Students must not participate in the activity until they receive information on concussion prevention specific to the activity, inherent risks of the activity (for example, outline possible risks and ways to minimize the risks), and procedures and rules for safe play. Students must receive instruction on the importance of reporting symptoms related to a suspected concussion.
- Refer to school board policies and procedures (i.e., transportation, excursion/field trip) for communication with parents/guardians, the location of an off-site activity, means of transportation, supervision ratios, and parent/guardian permission.
- Activities must be modified according to the age, ability level, language, and experience of students, number of participants, and the facility available.
- Previous training, fitness level, and the length of time and intensity of physical activity must be taken into consideration.
- Activities must be based on skills that are taught.
- Skills must be taught in proper progression.
- A proper warm-up and cool-down must be included.
- While moving, students must not be required to close their eyes or be blind-folded.
- Emphasize controlled movement when requiring students to walk or run backwards. Backward-running races are not permitted.
- All students must be tested and grouped appropriately as determined by a Qualified Snowboarding Instructor.
- An instructional component is mandatory for all students at all levels of ability.
- Students must be taught the importance of snowboarding in control at all times.
- Students must snowboard in areas identified as appropriate by the qualified instructor.
- In order to snowboard in more challenging areas of the facility/site, specific instruction must be given (for example, instruction on mogul hill, instruction on the half pipe/terrain park).
- Communicate to students the importance of being aware of the location of other skiers, around them, to avoid interference and collisions.
- All Teachers and/or Qualified Instructors must:
- be familiar with applicable elements of this activity page; and
- be aware of risks of the activity and the ways to minimize them and participate safely.
- A process must be in place by which Teachers/Monitors can contact students (for example, check-in time).
- When a student displays hesitation (verbally or non-verbally) with participating, the Teacher must determine the reason(s) for doubt. If the Teacher believes that a potential hesitancy during the skill could put the student at risk, the student must be directed toward a more basic skill, or be permitted to select a role within the activity at their comfort level, including the choice to not participate.
- Prior to participation, the Teacher must reference and apply their school board's policy on equity and inclusion as it affects student participation and makes appropriate accommodations/modifications to provide a safe learning environment. Consult the Intent subsection within the About section.
- Adequate liquid replacement (personal water bottles, water fountains) must be accessible for students before, during, and after physical activity to prevent dehydration.
- Students must be informed that the use of equipment and the gymnasium are prohibited without supervision. In addition to verbal communication, the doors must be locked or signs must be posted indicating that students are not allowed to use the gym unless appropriately supervised.
Supervision
- All activities must be supervised.
- The type of supervision must be commensurate with the inherent risk of the activity. The level of risk is related to the number of participants, the skill level of the participants, the type of equipment used, and environmental conditions.
- On-Site Supervision is required during the safety and initial skill instruction.
- In-the-Area Supervision is required by the Teacher when a Qualified Instructor(s) is providing safety and initial skill instruction, and monitoring.
- In-the-Area Supervision is required for the duration of all other components of the activity (e.g., equipment setup and take down, warm-ups/cool downs, application of the skills and games).
- A Volunteer, under the direction of a Teacher, can monitor students during physical education activities. Refer to your school board’s policy on Volunteers assisting with students’ physical activities.
- For additional Teachers who are supervising and Volunteers who are monitoring, their responsibilities must be clearly outlined, including circulating to all hills/terrains that students are using for skiing and in the chalet facility.
- Where a Qualified Instructor is used and the Teacher is not directly with the Qualified Instructor, the Qualified Instructor must provide safety and initial skill instruction, and monitoring for the safe application of skills and student behaviour for the duration of the activity.
Supervision/Monitoring Ratios
- Grades 9-10: 1 Teacher/Monitor per 15 students
- Grades 11-12: 1 Teacher/Monitor per 20 students
First Aid
- A working communication device (for example, cell phone) must be accessible.
- Follow the school's first aid emergency response (consult First Aid Plan and First Aid Emergency Response) and the school board’s concussion protocol (consult Concussions).
- An emergency action plan and response to deal with evacuations and lock downs must be followed and communicated to students.
Information for Parents/Guardians
- Parents/guardians must be informed of the following:
- The location of the activity is off school property
- The means of transportation
- The education program content:
- Assigned groups by ability
- Mandatory lesson
- Designation of trails commensurate with ability as determined by snow resort teaching staff (for example, progressive sticker procedure, opportunity to upgrade)
- The importance of wearing suitable clothing
- The importance of sun protection
- The Alpine Responsibility Code found in the Safety and Risk Awareness section of the Ontario Snow Resort Association website
- (Where appropriate) Freestyle terrain information
- That their child/ward must wear a properly fitted (as per manufacturer’s guidelines) and properly worn snow sport helmet certified by a recognized safety standards organization (for example, ASTM F2040, CEN 1077, Snell RS 98, CSA Z263.1) as appropriate for snowboarding
- Of the importance of their child/ward wearing wrist guards
- That when their child/ward uses their own personal equipment or borrows equipment:
- Of the importance of instructing their child/ward on how to wear their helmet properly
- An equipment inspection by a knowledgeable equipment technician must take place prior to the activity to ensure:
- snowboards are appropriate for the size and ability of the student
- all bindings are in working order and set to the proper tension
- all bindings meet current manufacturer's guidelines
- boots and bindings are compatible
Information for Students
- Review with the students prior to the trip:
- Emergency procedures
- A properly fitted (as per manufacturer’s guidelines) and properly worn snow sport helmet certified by a recognized safety standards association (for example, ASTM F2040, CEN 1077, Snell RS 98, CSA Z263.1) as appropriate for snowboarding must be worn
- The importance of wearing wrist guards
- Possible risks of the activity (for example, the dangers of impact with obstacles, notably: trees, lift towers, fences, and snow-making and –grooming equipment) and the ways to minimize them and participate safely (for example, watching a safety video such as A Little Respect: ThinkFirst).
- An instructional component, that includes the proper wearing and use of equipment, is mandatory for all students at all levels of ability
- All students must be tested and grouped appropriately as determined by a Qualified Snowboarding Instructor
- The importance of:
- snowboarding only on designated trails commensurate with ability as determined by snow resort teaching staff
- selecting proper clothing for the activity and weather of the day (for example, no jeans)
- taking rest/breaks during the day and not getting overtired
- Safety procedures related to cold weather conditions (for example, temperature, wind chill) and methods for preventing frostbite and hypothermia
- Ways to protect themselves from environmental conditions (for example, use of hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, personal water bottles)
- Activities that are not permitted include jumping and inversions (hips must be below head level at all times)
- The Alpine Responsibility Code found in the Safety and Risk Awareness section of the Ontario Snow Resort Association website
- Lift use guidelines
- Where appropriate freestyle terrain information
Definitions
- In-charge Person:
- Some activities refer to an “In-Charge” person. While the teacher is in-charge and responsible for the overall safety and well-being of students under their care, sometimes there are other personnel who must be identified as “In-Charge” related to specific situations (for example, a pool lifeguard). In activities where an “In-Charge” person is designated, that person, in consultation with the teacher, must make final decisions regarding safety of the students
- Monitor:
- An individual who assists the Teacher with a group of students, (e.g., Volunteer, Qualified Instructor) and has a responsibility to monitor student behaviors for the duration of the activity.
- Monitoring:
- The role of monitoring is to observe, identify, act, and report:
- Observe: Observe with attention to detail the actions of the students.
- Identify: Identify the student and the unsafe behaviour.
- Act: Take appropriate actions to safeguard students and others (e.g., stop the activity).
- Report: Provide the name of the student and the unsafe behaviour to the teacher for management and direction.
- Outside Activity Provider:
- A commercial company, volunteer organization, or individual, not associated with the school board, who possess the required qualifications to provide safety and initial skill instruction, and monitoring for the duration of an activity.
- Qualified Instructor:
- An individual who provides safety and skill instruction, and monitoring for an activity, and possesses the required qualifications (e.g., experience, certifications). This role could be fulfilled by a teacher, volunteer, or an employee of an outside provider. An instructor does not have the authority to supervise.
- Supervision:
- The vigilant overseeing of an activity for management or direction. Activities, facilities, and equipment have inherent risks, but the more effectively they are supervised, the safer they become.
- The Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education includes three Types of supervision, Direct Supervision, On-Site Supervision, and In-the-Area Supervision. These types of supervision take into consideration the level of risk, which is related to the number of participants, the skill level of the participants, the type of equipment used, the environmental conditions, the age, and developmental stage.
- The three types of supervision described are not hierarchical but represent the type of supervision that activities require and the type of supervision that is inherently possible.
- Some activities in OPASSE transition from one type of supervision to another type of supervision (e.g., Direct Supervision to On-Site Supervision OR On-Site Supervision to In-the-Area Supervision).
- Teacher:
- A person with a current certification from the Ontario College of Teachers and under contract by the school/school board (i.e., teacher, vice-principal, principal). This person is legally responsible for the students and has the authority and responsibility to supervise.
- Types of Supervision:
- Direct Supervision:
- Direct Supervision requires that the Teacher is physically present at the activity, providing visual and verbal oversight for management and direction of both, the activity and student safety.
- Provisos:
- No other activity can occur when part of the activity or the entire activity is under Direct Supervision when there is only one Teacher supervising.
- The Supervision section of the relevant activity safety standards page in the Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education describes when parts of an activity are under Direct Supervision.
- Where a Qualified Instructor(s) is providing the safety and initial skill instruction and monitoring for one activity and requires the Teacher to be present at that activity for management and direction.
- An activity may be under Direct Supervision:
- During the entire duration of the activity;
- During the set up and take down of equipment; .
- During the safety and initial skill instruction;
- During the performance/practice of the activity skill; and
- When the activities transition from Direct Supervision to On-Site Supervision.
- In-the-Area Supervision:
- The Teacher is located in proximity to a combination of locations where the student activities take place, is circulating, and is accessible for providing management and direction of the physical activity and student safety.
- Provisos:
- The Teacher is circulating between the activities occurring at separate locations, and is readily accessible, or the location of the Teacher is communicated to the student.
- Where a Qualified Instructor(s) is providing the safety and skill and instruction and is monitoring at a combination of locations, the Teacher is located in proximity to where the student activities take place, is circulating between the activity locations, and is accessible for management and direction.
- Students may be out of sight for periods of time.
- An activity or a component of the activity is under In-the-Area Supervision:
- Where the same activity is located in separate locations (e.g., Fitness activities);
- Where two or more activities under In-the-Area Supervision occur in separate locations (e.g., Badminton, Table Tennis, Handball (Wall));
- Where the skill application of the activity takes place at a separate location from the teacher (e.g., Cross Country Running, Skiing (Alpine), Cycling, hiking on trails);
- When the activities occur in double or triple gymnasiums; and
- Where more than one Qualified Instructor is providing activities at a combination of locations.
- On-Site Supervision:
- The Teacher is present at one location where the student activity takes place (e.g., gymnasium, sports field, climbing wall at an Outside Activity Provider’s facility, campsite) and is accessible for providing management and direction of the physical activity and student safety.
- Provisos:
- Where more than one activity occurs in one location, the Teacher is circulating between the activities and is accessible for management and direction.
- Momentary presence in adjoining rooms (e.g., equipment room, outdoor storage shed, boathouse, staff tent) is considered to be On-Site Supervision.
- Where a Qualified Instructor(s) is providing the safety and initial skill instruction and monitoring for an activity or a combination of activities at one location and the Teacher is present and is circulating and accessible for management and direction.
- An activity may be under On-Site Supervision:
- During the entire duration of the activity;
- During the safety and initial skill instruction;
- With activities using multiple stations while the Teacher is circulating;
- When combining two or more activities at one location while the Teacher is circulating; and
- When activities transition from On-Site Supervision to In-the-Area Supervision.
- Volunteer:
- A responsible adult (e.g., Educational Assistants, Retired Teachers, Co-op Students, Parents/Guardians, Teacher Candidates) approved by the Principal/Designate who is under the direction of a Teacher and has been instructed on their monitoring responsibilities. Refer to your school board’s policy on volunteers assisting with student’s physical activities.
Tue, 08/20/24 11:22 am