The American Academy of Pediatrics today released a policy statement, “Trampoline safety in childhood and adolescence.” Although the piece focused mostly on the dangers of backyard trampolines, the paper separated backyard/recreational trampolines and activities from trampolines used in structured training programs. The statement’s conclusion stated, “Pediatricians should only endorse use of trampolines as part of a structured training program with appropriate coaching, supervision and safety measures in place.”
“In a supervised environment like a gymnastics club, trampoline activity has incredible benefits for kids, whether training for a sport or getting fit,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “USA Gymnastics club programs are designed to follow the highest in both safety and equipment standards in the development and training of an athlete. The differences between a backyard trampoline and trampoline training at a gymnastics club are vast, and we applaud the AAP for recognizing those differences as noted in today’s policy statement.”
