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What is Spotting?
Spotting is the use of participants or persons positioned around the trampoline to assist the trampolinist while they are performing or practicing moves. A trampoline should have one or two spotters on each side of the trampoline plus one at each end, unless thick weight-absorbing mattresses are provided, in which case spotters will only be needed on the unprotected sides of the trampoline. Spotters closely watch the trampolinist perform. If the performance goes wrong or the trampolinist gets too close to the ends or sides of the trampoline, the spotter will prevent the trampolinist from falling off by pushing them back onto the trampoline.
A few guidelines:
- Spotters must pay attention to the trampolinist at all times when spotting. This is essential for both their own safety and the well-being of the trampolinist.
- Spotters should move out of the way of a falling trampolinist if they feel unsure or unable to assist, particularly if the trampolinist is falling toward them with great momentum. An experienced trampolinist is often best able to make adjustments to minimize the impact of a fall without needlessly placing the spotter at risk.
- When assisting a falling performer, a spotter should reach as high as possible and contact the trampolinist’s chest or shoulders.
- To reduce the falling trampolinist’s momentum, the spotter should make contact as early as possible, and only attempt to slow down the fall rather than stop it completely.