In the course of a week, I teach PE to over 450 K-6th grade students in an elementary school setting.  Our learning environment is primarily a partially fenced-in lawn area which is used by the public when school is not in session.  When it rains, I hold PE in my classroom. I pick-up and deliver a new group of students to their classrooms every 30 minutes for a fast-paced day without breaks.  This is my third year as the PE Specialist.  Being a former firefighter, the health and safety of my students has real signifcance to me and is always a priority in planning and instruction. 

As I progressed through our NFHS Coach's Cert. Course, I noted methods I use to reduce risk of injury to my students.  I also added additional safety measures I have implemented this year as a result of my increased awareness due to insights provided by the course.  I have broken my Risk-Reduction Plan into several categories as follows:

Physical Environment Safety

• Walk the field prior to my first class to remove hazards when class is to be held outside (glass, branches...)
• Move hazards (desks, equip., etc... when class is held inside) in advance
• Minimize distractions (other classes, recess, bigger kids...)
• Conduct class in the shade when temps. are high
• Conduct class on a dry/even surface
• Ensure equipment is in good/safe condition and age-appropriate
• Create spatial boundaries with cones when needed to avoid hazards (mud, dog poop...) and create an appropriate space for the activity
• Ensure students are positioned so balls remain on the field and students are not chasing them into the street

Teacher Preparedness

• Ensure I have proper rest, nutrition and hydration and personal fitness to remain alert, energetic and positive throughout the day
• Plan all age/skill appropriate lessons, acitivities, transitions, equipment, etc.  in advance
• Ensure my PE cart has everything needed to conduct 6 classes before I head out to my first class (first-aid kit included)
• Wear proper clothing, shoes, PA system, sunglasses & sunblock to take care of myself and appropriately lead my classes
• Carry my phone with emergency numbers programmed in on speed-dial
• Ensure my CPR and First-Aid Certifications are current
• Attend school emergency/disaster drills to remain abreast of current school emergency protocols
• Meet with the Administration/School Nurse to update PE emergency potocols annually

Class Safety

• Arrange students in a girl/boy pattern to travel to/from PE to minimize horsing around
• Inform teachers as to where we will be during PE so students may be easily located if needed
• Ensure students are adequately hydrated
• Establish effective procedures/cues for lining-up, distributing/returning equipment, getting drinks, bathroom breaks...
• Know every student by name and ensure they know they will be assessed each class on behavior as well as participation
• Use effective class management techniques to maintain control of class behavior at all times
• Position myself so I can observe/modify every student's behavior while they are under my supervision
• Match students by skill/age/weight/height in forming pairs, groups and teams
• Plan age-appropriate lessons that include proper warm-up, PE activities, games and cool-down times
• Model correct use of equipment before distributing and inform of consequences for incorrect use
• Model or use student models to demonstrate proper skill technique(s)
• Observe students performing skills and modify technique when needed to ensure proper techniques are executed
• Wear PA system so every student can hear me the entire length of the field to monitor behavior/provide feedback
• Modify or abandon activities which are not working well and plan back-up activities in the event this occurs

Individual Student Safety

• Letters to parents informing them of the day their child has PE, requesting their child dress appropriately for PE that day
• Letter includes a request for information regarding possible bee sting allergies, allergies to grass and physical limitations 
• Check in with the Office/teachers regarding students who should not participate/limit participation that day and why
• Observe students as I receive them to ensure shoes are tied, sharp objects/toys are left in the classroom, etc...
• Keep students close to me who are easily distracted or have demonstrated poor/unsafe behavior in the past
• Plan for and model modified skills for special needs students.