SECTION 1: Athletics & Physical Education

Throughout the year, Southridge students will participate in physical education classes and will be invited to join sports teams. Southridge recognizes the value of physical activity and participation on sports teams for the educational, athletic, and experiential benefits that they provide to students. There is also an understanding that the safety of all participants should always be the primary concern.

While attempting to minimize the risk of injury in each activity and sport, Southridge also feels it is important to inform parents of the nature and frequency of injuries that students may sustain while participating in specific activities. It must also be recognized that the nature and extent of injuries is also dependent on the behaviour and actions of the individual players. We encourage parents to call the coaches of the respective sport or the Junior or Senior School Athletic Director to discuss risks and injuries and measures taken to alleviate or reduce them.

Definitions:

Frequency of injury:

• Frequent: This type of injury occurs regularly and at almost every game/event.
• Occasional: This type of injury will occur a number of times each year though not necessarily to each participant.
• Rare: This type of injury may occur but does not happen each year.

Severity of Injury:

• Low: Injuries requiring only basic first aid, which typically heal with no long-term problems. Participants typically continue participating in the activity.
• Moderate: Injuries of this magnitude may require more than basic first aid, possibly including a visit to the hospital. Participants typically are not able to continue playing in the activity and require some time off from the activity to heal.
• High: This type of injury typically requires immediate additional medical care and participants go to the hospital and may require long term rehabilitation. Students are not able to continue playing in the activity and the injury may restrict their ability to participate in this and other activities in the future.

SECTION 2: Level 1 & 2 Activity

Throughout the year Southridge Staff coordinate a wide range of activities for students both on and off campus. The Board of Governors, the Leadership of Southridge and the Staff recognize the value of these activities for the educational, athletic and experiential benefits that they provide to students. There is also an understanding that the safety of all participants should always be the primary concern. The preparation requirements of different activities vary from a local activity in close proximity to the school to much more complex activities such as overseas travel for service or athletics.

Southridge categorizes activities into 3 levels based on location, duration, and type of activity. Each level reflects a specific set of pre-trip preparation requirements which corresponds with the increased level of risk associated with the activity. This section applies to Level 1 and Level 2 activities only. The definitions for these activities are below.

Level 3 activities are ones that last longer than one day, take place outside of the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland, or have increased levels of risk. Level 3 activities require individual informed consent forms for each activity and a risk assessment must be completed by the school prior to the activity taking place. All activities must be approved by a member of the Leadership Team prior to taking place.

Level 1 Activities:

• one day or less in duration within the normal academic school day
• takes place within the vicinity of the School, usually on campus
• transportation is not required
• involves activities with no increased level of risk other than what one would expect in a normal school day
• Examples of Level 1 activities include but are not limited to:
  • intramural activities at lunch time
  • sporting events held during the school day – such as a basketball tournament
  • classroom activities taking place outside on the Southridge campus

Level 2 Activities:

• one day or less in duration but not entirely within regular school hours
• requires transportation – such as Southridge transportation (eg: school bus), hired coach, or parent carpooling with drivers approved by Southridge
• takes place within the Fraser Valley or the Lower Mainland
• includes after-school sporting events, local field trips, and evening events at Southridge
• Examples of Level 2 activities include but are not limited to:
  • daytime activities that require transportation
  • field trips within the Fraser Valley or the Lower Mainland
  • evening drama or music rehearsals and performances
  • after-school athletics at Southridge or another school
  • weekend sporting events such as a tournament that doesn’t require an overnight stay