Trampoline safety tips help the parent or coach understand the right practices for how a child or athlete should use a trampoline.

Different agencies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) have published trampoline safety tips in an effort to reduce injuries. These trampoline safety tips are informative and should be posted near every trampoline.

The most common trampoline safety tips include: competent adult supervision and training is needed at all times, place the trampoline away from trees or structures and only one person should use the trampoline at a time.

Enclosures enhance the safety of using a trampoline, but a good trampoline safety tip is to not sacrifice adult supervision for the net enclosure. Another trampoline safety tip is to always have a spotter even if an enclosure is in use.

Trampoline safety tips involving maneuvers on the trampoline include: Avoid somersaults or dangerous maneuvers without supervision and if these maneuvers must be performed, use a harness.

When children and adults do not follow trampoline safety tips disaster might occur. According to the CPSC, almost 90,000 people in 2004 were treated in emergency rooms for trampoline-related injuries. The injuries that could have been avoided had trampoline safety tips been used include cuts, bruises, broken bones, spinal cord injuries and death.

The American Academy of Pediatricians also recommends in its set of trampoline safety tips that children under 6 should not use trampolines, access ladders should be removed, and a safety pad should cover all the metal frames and springs. A good common-sense trampoline safety tip from the AAP: Children should remain in the middle of the trampoline at all times.

The AAP has issued the harshest trampoline safety tip: Avoid purchasing a trampoline for the backyard. However, safety net enclosures greatly reduce the risk of injuries because a child can not fall off the trampoline. Also, trampolines come in smaller sizes that are just as fun and do not require as many trampoline safety tips.

Another good trampoline safety tip is to routinely check the equipment. Follow the trampoline safety tip that suggests shock-absorbing pads should completely cover the springs, hooks and frames.

Other trampoline safety tips include not using the trampoline if under the influence of alcohol or if it is raining or snowing. As with any safety procedure, such as following a manual when getting a drivers license, using all trampoline safety tips should insure safety and make jumping on a trampoline fun.

Courtesy of the Trampoline Clearinghouse