SAFETY & NETS

Dear Owners:
1. Ensure that your trampoline is properly assembled in a level area with at least 10 unobstructed feet (3 meters) on all sides and a minimum of 20 unobstructed feet (6 meters) above the trampoline bouncing surface. The area directly below the bouncing surface must be kept clear at all times.

2. Perform the 'Stop Bounce' after every skill or sequence of skills, or whenever you deviate from the center of the trampoline.

3. Never jump off a trampoline, always climb off.

4. Keep your bouncing low and under control. Consistently land in the center of the trampoline.

5. Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.

6. Do not leave children unsupervised on the trampoline.

7. Avoid bouncing for long periods of time and do not bounce when you are tired.

8. Do not use your backyard trampoline when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

9. Ensure that spotters are always stationed around the trampoline.

10. Master the specified pre-requisites before attempting a new skill.

11. Do not attempt back flips (back somersaults), multiple somersaults or twisting somersaults on your backyard trampoline.
 
Problems with 'Safety Nets':
We would like to share our thoughts and observations with you regarding these so called "safety" nets. 

In today's market, there are cage-like nettings available that can be erected around the trampoline as an added "safety" feature - presumably to prevent injuries to jumpers.

This net encourages a false sense of security in jumpers giving the impression they can try anything because they can't fall off. However, this is not the real danger.

This netting can build an unrealistic confidence that any maneuver can be accomplished so jumpers are encouraged to try sequences that they are not properly ready for, thereby increasing the risk of possible injury.

It also becomes a major reason for more than one person to get on the trampoline at the same time because they are confident they won't fall off. Most injuries that do occur are caused by two or more people jumping at the same time.
 
Directly from the professionals:
According to a Failure Analysis Associates Inc., study of comparative risks in childhood sports and everyday activities, more injuries happen in the center of a trampoline than when someone bounces off and lands on the ground.

The risk of an injury requiring hospitalization from riding a bike is triple that of using a trampoline.

"You're several times more likely to wind up in the hospital from riding a bicycle than from bouncing on a trampoline."

Many people are surprised to learn that the majority of injuries(70 percent) happen on the bed of the trampoline. Only 30 per cent result from falls off the trampoline. So even if a parent is supervising a child, there's little they can do to prevent an injury.

Dear Owners–be safe. Common sense safety rules are a requirement in all sports. A trampoline used properly and sensibly is excellent recreation–for all ages.

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