Aerial & Acro Rules
Ground Rules for all Aerial & Acrobatic Activities
NEVER TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS
1. Only practise what you have been taught. (If you are asked to explore movement possibilities at times; the ground rules for this task will be outlined).
2. If you are working on a new move or combination of moves always show it to your tutor to get permission to practice it in a practice session, especially if it is to be an unsupervised session.
3. If you are taught a move with two or more people spotting, then you should continue to use the number to spot when practising. Working with one spotter could lead to injury to both parties.
4. Be aware that if you are spotting for someone you are responsible for his or her LIFE.
5. If you are not sure or don't feel that you fully understand something always ask. You can't afford to take unnecessary risks.
6. You will work most of the time with mats underneath you. Make sure you have the appropriate matting underneath you for the training you are undertaking. Your teacher will decide if & when it is time to work with fewer or without mats. Resist the temptation to "just try something" without adequate matting, wait until it is available, there's usually plenty to be practising in the meantime
7. Give due attention to the training of your strength and flexibility. This will lessen the risk of injury and speed up the learning process.
8. Everyone has a different learning process; you will be taught at a speed that is appropriate for you. Be patient & avoid rushing, it is easy to incur injury through carelessness and it could be a while before you can train again.
STATE OF MIND
9. NEVER work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Circus Maniacs operates a no-tolerance policy regarding alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs 'change' your perception and the accuracy and speed of response.
Get advice from your doctor first if you are taking any prescribed medication, and you must inform your teacher - in case of emergencies.
10. Be aware of your 'moods' and emotional states as they can alter your performance and ability to work safely in the air. If you are feeling particularly 'wobbly' physically or emotionally, tell your teacher.
CLOTHING & JEWELLERY
11. Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times. See 'What to Wear' Be aware that different kinds of clothing affect what you do. Bare skin is likely to tear and bleed. Therefore, make sure your body is appropriately covered. Some moves are not possible or the risk factor increases with certain kinds of clothes.
Baggy clothing in particular gets caught up in equipment, hampers progress and can be dangerous. Ordinary outdoor shoes fray ropes and therefore shorten their 'life'.
12. Jewellery is dangerous to you, your teacher and partners, and is not acceptable.
RIGGING, CARE OF EQUIPMENT & THE TRAINING SPACE
13. Always make a visual check on all equipment before using it.
14. NEVER alter the rigging unless you have been authorised to do so. Familiarise yourself with the equipment you use, ask questions and take responsibility for the 'care' of the equipment.
15. Never sit or work under anyone working overhead whether training or rigging.
16. Learn how to page equipment in & out as it is an essential part of being a professional.
17. Learn how to store and put away equipment properly.
18. Familiarise yourself & act in accordance with 'Circus Maniacs House Keeping Rules', also displayed on the 'Health & Safety notice board in the South Wing EAST.
EMERGENCIES
19. ALWAYS practise with at least two other people present. Should there be an accident or medical emergency, one person will need to stay with the affected person, and the other will need to go for help.
20. Familiarise yourself with 'Circus Maniacs - Procedures for dealing with Accidents & Emergencies' , also displayed on the 'Health & Safety notice board in the South Wing EAST.
21. Make sure you know where the accident book / form is kept. Enter any accident that occur during practice and class sessions, and inform the appropriate teachers and supervisors.
A copy of the above "Circus Maniacs' Ground Rules for Aerial and Acrobatic activities" is displayed on the 'Health & Safety Noticeboard' in the Training Studio.
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