Due to insurance concerns, the Alberta Gymnastics Federation (AGF) has passed new rules for gyms in the province, restricting the recreational use of trampolines.
The Federation had emailed all 84 provincial member clubs in the province, outlining new rules that prohibit the recreational use of trampolines. Under the new rules, only competitive athletes and those enrolled in trampoline and tumbling classes can use the trampolines.
The new rules also state that recreational users must use an inflated air-track instead of the tumbling track.
Globalnews.ca reported that Alberta is the first province to enact these rule changes.
AGF membership engagement & Gymnastics For All manager Bobby Kriangkum said the organization is hoping to set an example for other provinces to follow.
“It’s always easier to point out negatives than positives,” Kriangkum said. “The first reaction is, ‘My goodness, now we can’t go on trampolines.’”
The AGF’s insurer, Toole Peet and Co., told Globalnews.ca that recent trampoline injuries have caused “instability” in the insurance marketplace.
“When we look at the Alberta Gymnastics Federation programs, the profitability has drastically worsened over the years predominantly due to significant trampoline injuries. As a result, the Alberta Gymnastics Federation has been affected by both rate increase as well as coverage limitations,” a statement from the insurer read.
