Track Crew: Setting Up a Safe High Jump Area

In teams, students set up a high jump area using a checklist, and another team inspects it before anyone jumps. They learn to prepare and check a safe space.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the checklist: no gaps between mats, crash mat centered, stable stands, elastic cord, clear runway (3 min).
2. Each team sets up its high jump area with assigned gear, carrying mats four to a mat (6 min).
3. Cross-inspection: each team checks another team's area with the list and marks problems (4 min).
4. Fix problems and get the teacher's okay (3 min).
5. Scissor jumps over a low cord in the set-up area, everyone clears several times (7 min).
6. Orderly takedown in reverse order (2 min).

Rules

• Large mats are moved by four people, lifting with the legs.
• Nobody jumps until the teacher gives the okay.
• Never tie the cord tight; it must give if stepped on or touched.
• Clear the runway of backpacks, balls and people.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: lead inspector with the checklist, no heavy carrying.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: picture checklist and a hand signal to start.
• Back injury: no mat carrying; sets the cord and checks the stands.

Learning goals

• Set up a jumping area safely.
• Check for risks using clear criteria.
• Cooperate in carrying and setting up.

Equipment for a class of 25

• crash mats: 2
• mats: 10
• elastic cords: 4
• high jump stands: 8
• checklists: 5

Teacher tip

Make one checklist per team on card stock and laminate it. With only one crash mat, set up one high jump area and make the rest standing long jump stations using the same inspection routine.

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