Makes sure instructors have thorough knowledge of safety practices, equipment use and maintenance, and technique.

Reviews the rules and operating procedures with the girls before each session.

Makes sure the safety rules are written, understood, practiced, and posted at the site.

Secures all equipment in a dry, locked storage area.

Makes sure girls and adults avoid wearing jewelry, especially pierced earrings, looped earrings, bracelets, and necklaces in contact sports or where jewelry may become entangled in equipment.

Makes sure a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those for emergency rescue ser vices and the police, is posted or carried by the adult in charge.

Teaches girls to take shelter away from tall objects in a storm with lightning and thunder. Find the lowest point in an open flat area.. Squat low to the ground on the balls of the feet. Have girls place their hands on their knees with their heads between them. Instruct girls to make themselves the smallest targets possible and to minimize their contact with the ground.

See the activity checklists under Step 1 and under  Step 2 for “Land Sports”

Where necessary, trained officials administer the rules of the sport.

Girls do conditioning exercises and practice basic skills.

Girls are instructed in the rules of the sport, safety guidelines, expected behaviors, and issues of fair play.

Girls do warm-up, cool-down, and stretching exercises to reduce sprains, strains, and other injuries.

In competition, girls are matched in age, weight, height, skill, and physical maturity.

In team sports, positions and sides are rotated to prevent domination of the game and to allow for full participation.

Trained spotters and/or instructors’ assistants are used for individual sports such as gymnastics.

Practice sessions and games are properly supervised and of reason able length.

Practice or competition occurs only when an instructor and/or supervisor is present at the site of play.

Sufficient rest periods are given to avoid overexertion and to replen ish fluids.

See Step 1 activity checkpoints and Step Two activity checkpoints for “Land Sports”.

See Step 1 activity checkpoints and Step 2 activity checkpoints for “Land Sports”.

There are sufficient floor mats for gymnastics, tumbling, and similar activities.

Girls who wear eyeglasses have shatterproof lenses or wear eye glass guards. A band should be worn to hold eyeglasses securely.

See Step 1 activity checkpoints and Step 2 activity checkpoints for “Land Sports”.

Playing surfaces are smooth and clear of obstructions, broken glass, etc.

Playing areas have clearly marked boundaries and adequate space for girls to move around freely.

Where necessary, there is adequate protection for spectators.

Outdoor activity is suspended during an electrical storm or in very hot, humid weather.

Ample drinking water is available.

See Step 1 activity checkpoints and Step 2 activity checkpoints for “Land Sports”.

Fatigued or injured girls are removed from competition and cared for promptly.

A seriously injured girl is moved by trained rescue personnel. An injured girl is not returned to practice or competition without the written approval of a physician.