Safety Considerations

 

Safety plays a large role in any PE class.  This is especially true for squash because precautions must be taken to prevent injuries when the players are divided up on to squash courts or in different parts of the gym.  The players must be aware of their surroundings, other players, and the equipment such as racquets and balls.  Most of the injuries that occur in squash are acute and traumatic from being hit by the ball, another player’s racquet, or from falling on the floor.  Overuse injuries do occur but because this unit plan only involves ten lessons these will not be discussed.

 

The following precautions will be taken during the unit to prevent injuries to the students and instructor:

 

      A proper warm up and cool down are necessary before each class to prevent strains, sprains, and DOMS.

      Goggles must be worn whenever squash is being played and will be provided before each class.

      Proper attire must be worn at all time and jewelry must be taken off as well.

      There is no eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the courts and the courts must be kept clean of debris.

      Heat exhaustion is a concern if proper ventilation is not available in the courts.  Before the first class the teacher should check this in the courts and also advise the students to drink lots of water before each class.

      It should be emphasized not to hit it the ball at the other person on the court if it can be helped.  This should be stressed during the first class but reiterated every class.

      Students should also know not to bowl over their opponents; if contact is made, the point will be replayed so it is not necessary to try and run “through” someone.

      The teacher must acknowledge the danger of the equipment and ensure that players only swing when it is safe in practice and when on the courts they are aware of the other player’s racquet.  Spatial awareness obviously plays a large part in the safety of this game and this should be stressed.

      Students must never enter a squash court while play is in progress.

      Players must keep the court doors fully closed and handles flush with the walls while play is in progress.

      A first aid kit will always be available and play will stop as soon as a player is injured.