News

FIBA Official updates valid from 1/10/08

Please review the following links provided by FIBA.

• Basketball Equipment Specifications 2008
• Official Basketball Rules 2008

Health and safety update

Trampolining:

Use of end-decks: As a consequence of new international requirements and the inevitable filtering down to grass roots activity it is very likely that they will become a mandatory requirement for all from 2010. Consequently, by way of anticipation, schools offering trampolining will need to consider building this added cost into their budget planning processes.

Lesson Changes:

A number of incidents have arisen recently arising from late changes to lesson delivery. Inclement weather or the use of specialist Physical Education facilities for other purposes, are usually the cause. This sometimes results in pupils being inadequately equipped for the alternative activity e.g. no indoor footwear for a lesson anticipated to take place outdoors but switched to an indoor facility (and vice-versa).

Colleagues need to be wary in these situations. Although the intention to sustain and maximise practical activity is well-intended injuries resulting from the use of inappropriate attire can leave staff vulnerable to accusations about failing in their duty of care. Wherever a late change is made try to ensure:

• There is evidence of an element of planning. This may take the form, for instance, of a file of alternative, back-up' lesson plans, used in circumstances where original lessons are not be possible
• That pupils are able to participate safely e.g. no 'mixed economies' in which some pupils are equipped with trainers whilst others are obliged to participate in bare feet etc.
• Where there exists some doubt that intended activity may not be possible communicate this as early as possible to pupils to ensure availability of appropriate alternative kit.

Click HERE to view a .pdf version of this Health & Safety update.