The principle that students taking part in physical activities consent to the inherent risks of the activity does not apply in the school context where the teacher, coach, intramural supervisor is responsible for teaching not only the skills of the activity but also teaching students how to participate safely.
Principal/Delegate Responsibilities
Areas within the Duty of Care include:
- Safe facilities
- Safe equipment
- Effective supervision (quantitative and qualitative)
- Proper/Qualified instruction
- Participants are informed of physical activity risks
- Provide accessibility to first-aid and medical services
- Have current and relevant knowledge of components of a safe physical activity programs
- Support teachers in meeting their responsibilities for providing safe physical activity programs
Teacher Responsibilities
Duties of Care have been identified within various physical activity programs:
- Provide and maintain safe facilities
- Provide and maintain safe equipment
- Provide effective supervision (quantitative and qualitative)
- Provide proper/Qualified instruction
- Inform participants of physical activity risks
- Provide accessibility to first-aid and medical services
- Have current and relevant knowledge of components of a safe activity programs