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I am investigating an accident in which a 13 year old girl broke her ankle while participating in the running long jump in her p.e. class, while at the direction of her teachers. Students were coerced (by threat of a lowered grade if they refused) to participate in this activity despite concerns voiced by several students that the area used was unsafe for the activity. The area used was a grass field, condition of which is disputed. There was no prepared surface, either for the run prior to the jump or for the landing; students were told to perform the activity on the grass field. This activity was done as either training for or to facilitate teacher evaluation of student abilities in preparation for an upcoming junior olympics.

My question is: What are the recognized safety standards regarding areas used for performance of the running long jump? Specifically, is it permissible to have students perform this activity on a surface as described above, or does the recognized standard require designated and properly prepared running, take-off, and landing areas, including sand pit for landing? Also, where can I find written standards for running long jump areas?

Any help and/or suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

The only standards that you'll find will be for competition and since this wasn't sanctioned these standards will not apply to you. Whoever you're investigating this for needs to get over the fact that their daughter got hurt playing outside would you rather she broke her ankle trying to stay in shape or stay inside and play video games all day long and then one day when she's 35 brake her ankle getting out of bed because she's 200 pounds overweight kids are supposed to play outside and sometimes they get hurt that's how life goes get over it no one needs to be fired or taken to court because a girl broke her ankle playing a sport.