GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SPORTS TRAINING AND ACTIVITEIS
1. Parental Permission
- For students to participate in sports training and activities, teachers should receive a signed eNotice (via eClass) from the parent or guardian at least one day in advance.
- Teachers are responsible for maintaining a thorough attendance record. If a student is absent from training, teachers must promptly notify the parent or guardian.
- Students who are absent from training are required to submit a letter from their parent or guardian explaining the reason for their absence. This letter will be kept on record.
2. Awareness of Potential Hazards
- It is important for teachers to familiarize themselves with students' health records before conducting any training sessions.
- Teachers should also assess potential dangers or hazards in the training venue and carefully evaluate the apparatus used to ensure a safe environment for training.
3. Safety Precautions for General Sports Training and Activity
- All students participating in training sessions must adhere to proper dressing guidelines, such as wearing suitable clothing and footwear, tying up long hair, trimming fingernails, avoiding jewelry or watches, and not wearing over-sized cardigans or pull-overs.
- Students are required to perform sufficient warm-up and stretching exercises before engaging in strenuous activities, particularly in cold weather.
- Students must follow the instructions provided by their teachers and develop a sense of responsibility towards their own safety and the safety of others during training. Engaging in any form of horseplay is strictly prohibited.
- Students are not permitted to remove any sports apparatus, and all sports equipment used must be returned to its original place.
- Teachers should remind students that if they feel unwell, such as experiencing dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath during training, they should immediately stop the activity and report it to their teacher.
4. Safety Precautions for Water Activity
- Students are not permitted to enter the swimming pool without the teacher's permission or in the absence of a lifeguard.
- Beginners should avoid practicing swimming in pools with a depth above their breast level or exceeding 1.2 meters.
- Students with any wounds or infectious diseases must inform the teacher and are advised not to participate in swimming training.
- Students must wear a swimming cap, and jewelry or watches are not allowed while swimming.
- Swimming training should be immediately stopped if a student reports feeling unwell.
- Running or engaging in any form of chasing within the pool area is strictly prohibited.
- Diving practice is not recommended during regular swimming lessons due to potential dangers. For a surface dive or backstroke start, the water depth must be 1.35 meters or more; for other dives, it must be 3 meters or more.
- Teachers must ensure that clear and precise instructions are given, all necessary safety precautions are in place, and students attempting dives are adequately prepared.
5. Weather Condition
- It is the responsibility of teachers to carefully examine the weather forecast and make a decision regarding whether training or activities should proceed or be rescheduled.
- In the event of any changes to the schedule, teachers should promptly notify parents or guardians via eClass about the revised arrangements. It is important to keep parents informed and updated regarding any changes in training schedules or activities.
6. Typical Cyclone Warning
- If Typhoon Signal No. 3 or above is hoisted two hours before the scheduled sports training, the training will be cancelled.
- Teachers should inform parents or guardians about the cancellation of sports training or activities via eClass. They should provide timely updates and communicate the necessary information regarding the revised arrangement to ensure parents are well-informed.
7. Rainstorm Warning
- If there is inclement weather or if the Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force two hours before the sports training, the training will be cancelled.
- Teachers have the responsibility to inform parents or guardians about the cancellation of sports training or activities via eClass. They should ensure timely communication and provide the necessary information regarding the revised arrangement to keep parents or guardians informed and updated.
8. Air Pollution Index
- It is essential for teachers to pay attention to students engaging in outdoor physical exertion and the duration of time spent outdoors when the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) or its forecast reaches certain levels, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.
- When the Air Pollution Index reaches 7 (high level), teachers should reduce outdoor physical exertion and minimize the time spent outdoors. The intensity and duration of activities can be at a moderate level.
- If the Air Pollution Index ranges from 8 to 10 (very high level), teachers should further reduce outdoor physical exertion to a minimum and limit the time spent outdoors. The intensity and duration of activities should be at a moderate-to-low level.
- When the Air Pollution Index exceeds 10 (serious level), teachers should avoid outdoor physical exertion altogether and refrain from staying outdoors.
- Teachers can refer to the websites of the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) for more detailed information:
EDB website: http://www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/kla/pe/references_resource/index.html
AEQHI website: http://www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html
9. UV Index
- Students are advised to apply sunscreen lotion with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or above when the UV index is high (i.e., higher than level 5) to protect their skin from sun damage.
- Teachers should provide sufficient breaks during outdoor activities for students to hydrate and prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps and heatstroke.
- In situations where sunlight is intense, teachers conducting outdoor activities should recommend the following measures to participants to avoid excessive sun exposure:
- Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Allow students to wear sunglasses with UV protection if necessary.
- Apply sunscreen lotion with an SPF of 15 or above and PA++ or above for broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply sunscreen lotion approximately 30 minutes before sun exposure for adequate protection.
- Reapply sunscreen lotion every 2 hours when staying outdoors for an extended period or after getting wet or sweating. Note that sunscreen should not be used to prolong excessive sun exposure.
- Seek shade when appropriate and avoid prolonged outdoor activities between 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, when the UV rays are most damaging.
10. Very Hot Weather Warning
- Teachers should reduce the level of physical exertion when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in effect.
- Teachers should be mindful of students who may experience heat exhaustion when the air temperature exceeds 30°C. If the temperature surpasses 33°C, outdoor training should be suspended.
- It is important for teachers to provide sufficient breaks during activities for students to hydrate and prevent heat-induced illnesses such as heat cramps and heatstroke.
- Teachers must be aware that vigorous or prolonged physical activities in hot and humid conditions can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or even death. Therefore, teachers should take note of the following:
- Encourage students to drink cool plain water before and during the activity to replenish fluid loss.
- Pay attention to the temperature and humidity levels and make necessary adjustments to the exercise routine.
- Plan training sessions progressively to allow students to adapt gradually.
- When students are engaged in vigorous physical activities, teachers should be vigilant for symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Suitable measures should be taken, such as arranging rest in shaded and cool areas, providing necessary fluids, seeking medical help if needed, etc. Students should be instructed to report any feelings of unwellness immediately.
- Remind students to wear light clothing made of breathable materials.
- Schedule suitable rest periods at regular intervals during prolonged and strenuous training.
11. Very Cold Weather Warning
- Teachers should prevent students from being exposed to wintry winds and reduce physical exertion in open areas when the Very Cold Weather Warning is in effect. If possible, scheduled training should be moved to an indoor venue with adequate ventilation.
- Schools should prioritize the health of students and develop contingency measures for different weather conditions. Relevant parties should be duly informed about these measures.
- When cold weather or an intense cold surge is forecasted or announced, schools should consider the following reminders:
- Pay attention to weather forecasts and updated weather information before conducting PE lessons or sports training.
- Assess on-site weather conditions and surroundings to determine whether physical activities can proceed as scheduled, be adjusted, postponed, or canceled.
- Ensure that students engage in sufficient warm-up activities to promote blood circulation and heat production.
- Consider keeping students indoors for physical activities and minimize prolonged outdoor exposure.
- Allow students to wear warm clothing during physical activities to maintain body heat.
- Be attentive to the health conditions of students, especially those with chronic illnesses, cardiovascular or respiratory issues.
- Remind students to immediately report any feelings of unwellness, and make appropriate arrangements accordingly.
12. First Aid
- It is important for P.E. teachers to be qualified first aiders so that they can provide immediate first aid treatment to injured students during training.
- Teachers should position themselves in a way that allows them to observe the entire group of students participating in training.
- Constant monitoring of students is necessary to assess their ability to continue with the training intensity, and adjustments should be made as needed throughout the session.
- In the event of an accidental injury to a student, teachers must:
- Provide immediate care for the injury, wearing disposable plastic gloves when handling bleeding wounds to prevent direct contact with blood.
- Notify the school, as well as the student's parents or guardians, promptly.
- Document the entire accident in detail using a report form (Form T11), which should be submitted to the school and the Panel Head for record-keeping purposes.
13. MVPA 60
- AI-powered PE apps, provided by Raphai Health Technologies Limited, will be used to motivate and monitor students’ activity levels, with teachers providing guidance, feedback, and support throughout.
- Guidelines for Safe Participation
To minimize risks and promote healthy exercise habits, the following safety precautions are mandatory during physical activities:
- Students should wear appropriate sportswear and proper footwear during all activities.
- Activity areas must be safe, with sufficient space, smooth and dry flooring, proper ventilation, and removal or protection of hazards such as sharp edges, glass, and obstructive furniture.
- Students are required to warm up before and cool down after activities to prevent injury.
- Students must stay hydrated and maintain good personal hygiene.
- If students feel unwell during or after activities, they must stop immediately and notify a responsible adult.
- Students should familiarize themselves with physical workouts and safety rules together with their parents or guardians to ensure proper support.
- We encourage parents/guardians to support and motivate family members to be active, while recognizing that not all may participate. Whether joining in exercises, setting a positive example, or providing encouragement and a safe environment, every effort helps promote a healthy lifestyle at home.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Teachers will monitor student participation and progress through the AI-powered PE app and activity logs.
- Student engagement and safety will be regularly evaluated to improve program effectiveness.
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