Trampoline Rules

Trampolines meld fun and fitness, providing aerobic exercise while giving the jumper a hint of what it might be like to have super powers. Fun and fitness come crashing to a halt, however, if improper use results in an injury. In 2001, an estimated 91,870 people were treated in emergency rooms for trampoline injuries, reports the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most trampoline victims are children. If you or your children use a trampoline, establish and follow rules to assure everyone's safety.

Warning

Before you purchase, replace or repair a trampoline at your home, consider the advice of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP advises parents to never buy a trampoline for the home and recommends that parents not allow their children to use friends' or neighbors' trampolines. A majority of trampoline injuries happen to children at home, reports the Consumer Product Safety Commission and occur while a parent is supervising, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Using a trampoline at a health club or gym, with trained personnel providing supervision, can reduce the risk of injury.

Supervision

An adult should be present when children use a trampoline to assure that children follow the rules. The adult should routinely examine the trampoline, frame, springs, bracing and pads for wear and rips, and children should be instructed to inform the adult if they notice any wear and tear on the trampoline or the trampoline safety enclosure. Children should understand that they are never to use the trampoline without first obtaining permission from an adult, who will be able to supervise. Obtain verbal consent from children's parents before allowing them to use the trampoline. Children younger than 6 are the most vulnerable to injury. Children younger than 6 should not be allowed to use a trampoline, suggests ConsumersReports.org.

Equipment

The trampoline should be used only when there is adequate light. The supportive springs, bars and land surfaces should have adequate protection or cushioning.

Clothing

Shoes, watches, jewelry and belts with large buckles should be removed before using the trampoline. You should check pockets and remove any objects that may fall out. Users should wear non-slip socks.

Use

Only one person should use the trampoline at a time. Injuries may be more likely when more than one person is using the trampoline, and the person who is the lightest has the greatest risk of being injured, according to the Royal Society for Prevention of Injuries. Somersaults and other complicated maneuvers should be attempted only with proper instruction, supervision and use of spotters or protective equipment, such as a harness. Users should bounce only in the middle of the trampoline. Users should never jump off the trampoline, and should never jump off of another object onto the trampoline.