Don’t Let Injuries Kick Down Your Karate After School Program
Karate after school programs can provide children an excellent form of exercise while also serving as an energy outlet after sitting in a classroom all day. But these programs are not without risks. Injuries are a concern and implementing safety guidelines can help to protect your business. Below are common injuries and some tips that can help to avoid them.
Risk of Injury
In a study of karate participants under 18, a reported injury risk over a 12-month time period of 5.6 per 100 athletes was identified.1 While this number may not be viewed as very high, even one injury in your class could cause significant financial losses for a program organizer if legal actions occur. The most common injuries in karate include sprains or strains, contusions or abrasions, and fractures. The risk of injury can be significantly reduced if proper safety guidelines are considered.
Safety Guidelines
Below are steps that you can take to help ensure your students are safe and avoid sustaining serious injuries, helping to make your program a safety success:
- Consider protective equipment and whether it is appropriate for the activities in your classes.
- Create a questionnaire for students / parents to complete to assess experience level and any pre-existing medical issues.
- Ensure your space is as safe as possible – check for slip and trip hazards, and make sure you have enough space for activity participation.
- Perform proper warm-up and cool-down routines.
- Make sure children are always supervised when in your care and have a policy in place to address unacceptable behavior by volunteers or staff.
- Get trained in first aid and CPR.
How Can A&H Help You?
Lastly, having insurance coverage can also help keep participants safe, and help make sure your business is protected too. Accident & Health coverage can help ensure student injuries don’t lead to unexpected costs. This protection serves as a goodwill gesture. By paying for medical expenses of an injured student you may be able to avoid legal action, and the student can focus on their recovery. An added benefit is the limits of your General Liability policy will not be affected.
Now’s the time to remind your clients about the importance of accident and health coverage. Our customized options can help make sure everyone is properly protected. Call us today at 1-800-475-2691 to learn more or book an appointment here.
- Demorest, RA, Koutures, C. Youth Participation and Injury Risk in Martial Arts. Pediatrics 2016, 138. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/6/e20163022
