Throughout the school year, schools have the opportunity to host Volleyball and Basketball Games in their school gym.
In an effort to minimize classroom or other disruptions during your school's home games, school administrations have the opportunity to make public the expectations for visiting teams and spectators (instructions for arrival, spectator policy, etc.). Using posted schedules and contact lists provided, please feel free to reach out to visiting teams to make sure they are aware of any requirements for visitors for your school for sporting events.
If you require contact information outside what has been provided, please email jhsports@gnspes.ca
As well, the following are recommendations for hosting games at your school:
Create clear signage indicating areas where spectators may safely watch games.
Clearly communicate expectations for athlete and spectator behaviour (Some schools have established a student athlete and spectator agreement)
Have a staff member designated to liaise with spectators and officials in the event of any disruption.
Establish a plan for dealing with conflict (and the potential removal of spectators if necessary).
Adhere to the safety protocols for hosting as laid out by SSNS (below)
Volleyball
Equipment
A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible.
A working communication device (e.g., cell phone) must be accessible.
Determine that all equipment is safe for use.
Poles must be safely stored when not in use.
Nets must have no frayed wires.
Protective padding must be placed around the poles (including cranks and supports, extending from the floor up to the bottom of the net) as well as referee stand and, where appropriate, scorer’s table.
Antennae must be flush with the bottom of the net.
Clothing/Footwear
Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn.
The wearing of jewellery during practices and competitions must meet the rules of Volleyball Nova Scotia.
Facilities
Determine that all facilities are safe for use.
Playing surface and surrounding area must be free of all obstacles (e.g., tables, chairs) and must provide safe footing and traction.
When volleyball poles are removed, floor plugs must be replaced.
Supervision
On-site supervision during initial instruction of skills.
In-the-area supervision after skills have been taught.
On-site supervision during equipment set up and take down.
Basketball
Equipment
A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible.
A working communication device (e.g., cell phone) must be accessible.
Determine that all equipment is safe for use.
In situations where student athlete’s follow-through could result in contact with a wall and/or stage, protective gym mats or padding must be placed beyond the “key” area.
Portable basketball systems must be internally weighted to prevent tipping or movement.
Set up/movement of portable basketball systems must be done by a trained adult.
The height of an adjustable basket must not present a safety concern.
Clothing
Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn.
The wearing of jewelry during practices and competitions must meet the rules of Basketball Nova Scotia
Facilities
Determine that all facilities are safe for use.
Playing surface and surrounding area must be free of all obstacles (e.g., tables chairs), and must provide safe footing and traction.
Protective padding must be used on rectangular backboard lower edges and corners.
Winch for moving backboards up and down must not be located directly under the supporting wall-mounted structure.
When raising or lowering baskets, the trained person operating the winch must be able to see that the area under the basket is clear.
Floor sockets must have cover plates.
If, in the opinion of the referee, after consultation with both coaches, is that the facility is deemed to be unsafe for play, the game must not be played or must be rescheduled.
Supervision
In the area supervision required.