A Current Affair to focus on injuries at trampoline arenas

The Nine Network's A Current Affair is to tonight (30th October) include a feature focusing on trampoline arenas - apparently investigating injuries in centres and the risk of participation.

A Current Affair's sensationalist style is likely to highlight injuries reported by popular media in recent months.

Widely praised as a recreational activity for children and youth, and with physical activity advocates highlighting how trampolining can help child obesity, the safety record of Australia's growing number of trampoline arenas has also come under scrutiny. 

Recent reports in the Sydney Morning Herald have highlighted injuries at trampoline arenas, with one multi-site trampoline arena operator coming under particular scrutiny for an alleged high number of injuries and safety incidents, largely related to supervision and construction issues.

Mindful of variable operational and safety standards among trampoline operators, the Australian Trampoline Parks Association (ATPA), a sub committee of the Australian Amusement Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA), has developed a trampoline arena code of practice and is to undertake an accreditation safety check of all its member facilities - with non compliant facilities facing the possibility of having their membership cancelled. 

The safety check will use AALARA's AM-Safe safety accreditation program to check on members’ adherence to a recently developed trampoline arena's code of practice. 

A self regulated industry safety support program administered by AALARA, AM-Safe is designed to ensure that operational standards in the attractions industry meet best practice standards in all areas with the appropriate training, licensing and accreditation for all members of the industry. Click here for more information on AM-Safe. 

In relation to tonight's A Current Affair program, AALARA has advised "(we) would like to offer its assistance and advice to any members looking to address negative publicity as a result of this story."

AALARA members looking for advice should call the AALARA office on 1800 118 123 or email info@aalara.com.au.

Click here to link to the Facebook post advertising this story.

Click here to read a statement by ATPA to A Current Affair.

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10th October 2014 - SKY ZONE ADVANCES TRAMPOLINE ARENA BASED FITNESS

24th September 2014 - TRAMPOLINE ASSOCIATION TO UNDERTAKE FACILITIES SAFETY CHECK