As a kid, I grew up envying my cousins, who lived a few states away and had a trampoline in their backyard. And I was always especially excited to discover that a friend was not only inviting me over to play, but also had a trampoline we could bounce on. And even though my family did have a miniature exercise trampoline (upon which a pair of my father’s shoes could barely fit side-by-side), it was only fun for jumping in place, not letting yourself fall on your back or knees and bouncing upright again. And so, naturally, this article about the dangers of playing or doing tricks on a trampoline is disheartening. But not as disheartening as the reminder that a family-friend fell off her trampoline, becoming paralyzed from the neck down.
The AAOS’s article on trampolines and trampoline safety is an important read for anyone with excitable children or reckless adults who may have access to a trampoline. Trampolining, including individual and synchronized categories, has actually been an Olympic Sport since 2000. Like many sports, Olympic or not, they can be dangerous to perform even with proper training and supervision. And yet, trampolines are not uncommon as backyard playthings for children and even young adults. In order to prevent some of the “hundreds of thousands of trampoline-related injuries” that occur every year, the AAOS has put together this article of recommendations for safe trampoline use for every age and every kind of trampoline. The list includes padded springs and support bars, allowing only one person on a trampoline at a time, restricting children under 6 years of age from trampoline use, and adult supervision and spotting at all times.
Follow the link to read the AAOS’s position statement and see all of their recommendations for the safest trampoline play possible.