Trampolines are great fun, encourage the development of gross motor skills, provide opportunities for physical activity and present users with manageable challenges to find and test their limits. However, like many physical activities, trampoline use involves a potential risk of injury, particularly if the equipment is used improperly.

Injury surveillance and hospital admissions data shows that trampolines feature frequently in injury presentations and admissions. Children under 14 years of age account for about 90% of all trampoline-related injuries. 28% of the trampoline-related injuries were sustained by children under five years of age and more than a third of the injuries related to multi-users. (Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit – Hazard 75, Autumn 2013, pg. 3).

The following points are important to note:

• Injury data indicates that people can be severely injured if they land on an unprotected trampoline frame or springs or if they fall from the trampoline. Impact attenuation systems such as pads are intended to minimize the risk of injury and enclosures are intended to stop people falling off the trampoline.
• Ensure pads (where they are required) and enclosures are attached to the trampoline before use.
• The risk of injury increases when more than one person at a time bounces on a trampoline. Smaller children are at increased risk when jumping with adults and/or larger children, for example, a ‘double bounce’ dramatically increases the energy transferred to the smaller body and children’s legs have been broken and severe spinal injuries have occurred as a result.
• Ensure only one person at a time bounces on the trampoline.
• Children are often unable to identify hazards and do not have a well-developed ability to assess risk and may, if left unsupervised, be at more risk of injury.
• Always supervise children while they are using the trampoline.
• Over-confidence can lead to injury.
• Learn fundamental bounces first before trying more complex manoeuvres.
• Inappropriate clothing can cause injury.
• Clothing should allow plenty of body movement without flapping loosely and becoming a distraction to the jumper.
• Wear clothing free of drawstrings, hooks, loops or anything that could get caught while using the trampoline and result in entanglement or strangulation. Buckles, jewellery and belts should not be worn, as these may damage the trampoline mat or cause injury to the jumper if they become caught in the fabric of the trampoline. Shoes should be removed as they may damage the bed and increase the risk of injury.

Better design, good construction and improved safety features go a long way toward minimizing the hazards associated with trampoline use; however, trampolines need to be used, cared for and maintained appropriately to ensure the benefits of these features continue throughout the life of the product.

All Goliath trampolines are tested and compliant with Australian Safety Standard AS4989:2006.

Goliath Trampolines are domestic trampolines, not a gymnastics trampoline. You will get the safest and best use from your Goliath Trampoline by following these basic principles:

• Read all instructions before using this trampoline.
• Only allow one person on the trampoline at any time. Use by more than one person at the same time can result in serious injury.
• Use the trampoline and enclosure only with mature, knowledgeable supervision at all times.
• Inspect the trampoline and enclosure before each use. Make sure the frame padding is correctly and securely positioned. Replace any worn, defective, or missing parts.
• Do not wear shoes while bouncing on the trampoline.
• Do not use the trampoline and enclosure when wet.
• Do not use the trampoline and enclosure while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep objects away which could interfere with the user. Maintain a clear area around, above, and under the trampoline.
• Do not attempt or allow somersaults.
• Learn fundamental bounces and body positions thoroughly before trying more advanced skilled.
• Misuse and abuse of the trampoline and enclosure is dangerous and can cause serious injuries.
• Focus your eyes on the edge of the trampoline. This will help control your bounce.
• Avoid bouncing for too long. Do not bounce when tired.
• Stop your bounce by flexing your knees as your feet come in contact with the trampoline bed. Learn this skill before you attempt any others.
• Climb on and off the trampoline, do not jump. It is dangerous to jump from the trampoline to the floor or ground when dismounting, or onto the trampoline when mounting. Always use two hands on the frame getting on and off the trampoline. Never use springs or suspension elements as “hand grips”.
• Learn fundamental bounces and body positions thoroughly before trying more advanced skills. A variety of trampoline activities can be carried out by performing the basic fundamentals in various series and combinations, or performing one fundamental after the other, with or without bounces between them.
• Avoid bouncing too high. Stay low until you can control your bounce and repeatedly land in the centre of the trampoline.
• Do not use the trampoline as a springboard to other objects. Use the trampoline only for trampoline style bouncing.
• Keep objects away that could interfere with the person jumping.
• It is advisable not to bounce immediately after a meal.
• Do not attempt knee drops as these can cause injury if you attempt this skill without some experience or personal instruction.
• Your clothing should allow plenty of body freedom, but no flapping shirts or skirts to distract your concentration.
• No buckles or jewellery should be worn, as these could damage the trampoline mat and cause injury to you.
• Inspect the trampoline and enclosure before each use. Make sure the frame padding is correctly and securely positioned. Replace any worn, defective, or missing parts.
• Keep objects away which could interfere with the user. Maintain a clear area around, above, and under the trampoline and enclosure.

• Place the trampoline on a flat level surface with impact attenuating properties (such as grass) and ensure that it is sufficiently stable to prevent it from tipping over and/or blowing away. Sandbags or pegs may be suitable anchorage devices, however, extra precautions must be taken to secure your trampoline in extreme weather conditions.
• Keep a minimum overhead clearance of 8m when measured from the ground to prevent users inadvertently contacting overhead hazards such as electric wires, tree limbs, and clotheslines.
• Maintain a minimum clearance of 2.5m on all sides of the trampoline. This area should not include concrete, bitumen, brick or other hard surfaces as these can cause serious injuries if users fall off the trampoline.
• Do not locate the trampoline on top of other objects or store anything underneath the trampoline bed.
• Note: Children have been injured while bouncing on trampolines and landing on for example garden tools, bicycles, etc.
• Keep the area surrounding the trampoline clear. Place the trampoline away from walls, structures, fences and other play areas.
• Place the trampoline in a well-lit area.