It's just about that time of year again - where the air is warmer, the kids
begin playing outdoors and thirteen neighbor kids pile on to your backyard
trampoline. During the spring and summer seasons area doctors prepare
themselves for the increase in emergency room visits due to trampoline-related
injuries. Why are backyard trampolines so dangerous? What can you do in
order to prevent your child from getting injured on a backyard trampoline in
the upcoming warmer months?

According to a 2000 20/20 CNN special on the dangers of using backyard
trampolines, the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that
physicians advise parents against buying trampolines or allowing their children
to use them. This is because as backyard trampoline sales have increased,
so too have the number of injuries. Trampoline-related injuries have tripled
over the past decade. There were one hundred thousand injuries in the year
2000 alone. Injuries occur from landing incorrectly, colliding with another person,
or being ejected off. A third of these injuries are fractures.

What makes these trampolines so different from the ones used in a gymnastics
facility? Trampolines sold for backyard purposes are round in shape, so it is
easy for the force to push the jumper out of the center. Trampolines used at
gymnastics facilities, such as the Elite Sports Complex are rectangular and
students are instructed to face the "long ends" of the trampoline when they are
jumping. This ensures the students remain in the center so as not to get ejected
from the trampoline- a common problem with round trampolines.

In order to better prevent your child from getting injured on a trampoline, it
would be beneficial to enroll them in a trampoline class. In a recreational class,
they can learn the importance of following trampoline safety rules, and can be
guided through safe instruction on how to properly perform trampoline skills
from an experienced instructor. Participating in a formal class will ensure your
child is jumping with "mature, knowledgeable supervision," a guideline for use
of any trampoline, including backyard trampolines.

Your child will also be made aware of safety rules for jumping that children often
ignore in the comfort of their back yard. At most gymnastics and trampoline clubs,
only one student may jump on the trampoline at a time, a rare observation when
you see children jumping at home. This is because the repulsion of another
person jumping on the trampoline causes a force that can be too strong for our
bones to handle. Students are taught the ways to fall correctly and safely. In a class, students must be able to perform these falling and landing techniques during
several weeks of training before they are allowed to perform flips or somis with
the hands-on spotting of a certified instructor.

There are many benefits to jumping on a trampoline and jumping can be a fun way
to keep in shape. Receiving formal instruction on trampoline can ensure that your
child will have fun and stay safe. If you still own a trampoline, keep in mind that
backyard trampolines are recognized by insurance companies as a liability and may
cost you an increase in your homeowners policy. Please, keep yourself and your
children safe in the upcoming season by allowing your child to jump only in a
certified gymnastics facility!

Jenni Konstanty

The Elite Sports Complex Trampoline and Tumbling Program Director/Team
Coach United States Trampoline & Tumbling Association (USTA) Safety
CertifiedUSTA Bronze, Silver, and Gold Level Coaching Certification,
Certified USTA judge