Supervision supports safety at dance programs

A child runs in the dressing room and slams into a table. A mother breaks her ankle rushing to her seat during a recital. These are just a few examples of the accidents that can happen at dance programs.

However, many accidents may have been avoided by maintaining proper supervision. Maintaining appropriate student-to-instructor ratios is critical for adequate supervision.

A 1:25 instructor-to-student ratio is preferred. Specific circumstances and training scenarios require closer supervision. Maneuvers that have an elevated risk for injury or elevated level of difficulty require a student-to-instructor ratio of 1:1.

It’s important to choose instructors who have the proper experience, education and physical abilities (for spotting during difficult moves) to supervise students. If an instructor closely supervises children, it’s a good idea to conduct a thorough background check before hiring.

USA Gymnastics provides supervision guidelines applicable to dance programs. Proper supervision includes:

• Inspection and removal of hazards
• Enforcement of safety rules and policies
• Safety education
• Having an emergency action plan
• Overseeing practice sessions, as well as times before and after practice
• Transfers from one coach/instructor to another or from one station to another
• Activities on the gym floor, as well as ancillary areas, such as locker rooms, restrooms, lobby and others
• Properly trained coaches and instructors
• Positioning as to see the whole area and all participants under your care
• Movement along the continuum between direct and indirect supervision

Additional components of supervision include:

Gender-sensitive supervision

Supervision of the opposite sex can be a potential problem area. Obviously, shower, restroom and locker room areas require supervision by the appropriate gender. 

It’s important to note that according to the Safe Sport Policy, no adult may be one-on-one with a minor in a locker room or changing area unless they are a personal care assistant, parent or have met a close in age exemption. Plans and policies for supervision of opposite gender athletes (students) should be made, published and followed.

Supervision before and after class

Supervision begins when the athlete (student) arrives at the facility and does not end until the athlete (student) leaves the property. Supervision is required as long as athletes (students) are present. Special care is also required when an athlete is stranded after a practice or class due to a communication mix-up or driving problem. 

A single coach and/or instructor should never be alone with a single athlete (student). Another adult, such as a club administrator, staff member or another parent, should also remain at the gym (studio) until the child can be picked up.

Emergency supervision

Emergency plans and procedures are essential aspects of supervision. All staff should be aware of the emergency procedures, how to handle an injury, how to summon aid and how to handle peripheral problems/issues while the injured person is attended to by the supervisor and later by emergency personnel. Emergency plans should be written and provided to all staff. Emergency procedures, telephone numbers and equipment should be readily available and clearly posted. 

As you engage in supervisory activities or assign supervisory tasks to someone else, it’s important to set a high standard of professionalism and accountability. Don’t place inexperienced and unskilled supervisors in situations beyond their abilities. Match different teaching styles with different learning and training situations.

Communicate your supervision policy to students, parents, spectators and instructors. Let parents know what you expect from them as spectators and require them to closely supervise any other children they may bring to class. Let them know which areas of your building and equipment are off-limits.

Require parents to come inside when they bring their children to class and when they pick them up. Never allow parents to leave children unsupervised before or after class, and don’t allow students who are under 18-years-old to wait outside.

Also discuss your supervision policy and studio rules with your adult students. Have them sign a copy of the policy and keep it in your records until the student leaves your program. Also keep a copy of any signed waivers.

Discuss your supervisory expectations with your staff at monthly meetings and annually during performance reviews. Keep a signed acknowledgement of these discussions in their personnel file.

Source:
U.S. Center For Safesport (2019, January 23) Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies