Mimeo S-41

Safety Makes Sense: In group games

Relaxation, fun, excitement - all of these can result from active group games. Accidents are not supposed to happen and they won’t if proper safety precautions are taken. Yet, so often no one seems to think about safety until an accident occurs.
The answer is not to stop the games but to play them safely. Of course it is possible that some games are too dangerous for certain individuals or for an entire group.
In other cases a safe place may not be available for a particular game. However, generally it is merely a matter of considering safety when planning the game.
Think about some of the active group games that are a part of your recreational program. In what ways have injuries occurred? How could they occur? What could be done to prevent similar accidents?
If you haven’t thought much about the safety situation, then you may have difficulty imagining how accidents could occur in common games . The following remarks may help suggest some safety problems.
1.	Check outdoor recreation areas for holes, exposed tree roots, large rocks, posts and similar hazards. This is especially important at many picnic spots .
2.	At baseball and softball games keep all players and spectators at a safe distance to reduce the chance of injury from a flying ball bat or a foul ball. Insist that proper
protective equipment be used--big league players wouldn’t think of doing without it.
3.	Have contestants remove glasses or wear a guard before taking part in games where there is danger of breaking the glasses.
4.	Avoid using fragile furniture for rough games. Consider both the safety of the contestants and the value of the furniture.
5.	Don’t take chances with weak or broken equipment. Check all equipment for safety.
6.	In games involving running, don't use a wall as the finish line or turning point.
7.	In the excitement of relay games, head-on collisions may occur. Keep rows wide apart to avoid such accidents.
8.	Avoid games that require running backwards. Contestants can easily trip over rough surfaces, or bump into other contestants or stationary objects.
9 . Falls on concrete, cinders or gravel can be very painful. On such surfaces, avoid contests that involve running.
The recreational leader of any group should always consider safety when planning activities. However, the responsibility for safety in group games should not be placed only upon the recreational leader. All members should call attention to things that might
Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Lafayette, Indiana