Spotting: From Gyms to Playgrounds
Spotting is a practice common among athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts. Recognized as an effective safety precaution, instructors and coaches across 50 States agree about the importance of knowing the proper way to spot.
With enough understanding and knowledge, spotting can be done by fellow athletes, even during the absence of coaches and professional trainers. Working with the same concept, we can extend the habit of spotting to the playgrounds, to give parents more options towards ensuring their children’s safety during playtime.
1. Establish trust
The bond between parent and child is far greater than the relationship between coach and athlete, or between gym buddies.
Keep in mind that trust takes precedence over everything in spotting. The objective of spotting is to allow the athlete—in this case, your child—to exert his best effort without having a mental barrier to hurdle. To be an effective spotter, you should make it a point to assure your kids that you will be there for them.
2. Determine if you can handle the weight
Kids these days grow at a faster rate. You cannot underestimate your child’s weight as this could be dangerous and lead to an injury—which spotting is trying to avoid.
Before heading out, check if you can carry your child in the safety of your home. If already outdoors, look for an area with rubber mulch flooring in case you can’t carry your child.
3. Position yourself correctly
Positioning yourself depends entirely on the playground activities your child engages in. Generally, the spotter should not interfere with the athlete’s full range of motion. Give your child enough room to move, yet within your reach in case they need your support.
4. Check for safety
Expert spotting is not a replacement for basic safety features. Make sure that the playground has rubber mulch flooring that can absorb impact and provide traction in case it rains. Also check if there is any rust on the playground equipment before allowing your child to climb over them.
