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Multistage Fitness Test in
Secondary Schools - Advice on Safety.
Written
pre-test precautions provided with the test indicate the need for maximal
effort if the test result is to be valid. Where there are doubts over
the ability of any pupil to take part in the test, the teacher should
advise that medical advice is sought beforehand. Individuals with
an injury or illness should not undertake the test. It is stated
that, since the test starts very slowly, there is a gentle warm up as the
test progresses. However, in addition to this built-in warm up
feature, attention is drawn to the advisability for very light jogging and
gentle stretching to be undertaken before commencing the shuttle runs at
all.
Adequate width: The running space between the two parallel lines used for the shuttle runs should be clean, even, clear of obstructions and sufficient to allow participation without danger of collisions. A minimum corridor of 1.5 metres width for each runner is recommended. Distinctive coloured markers placed well beyond the running area at both ends of the shuttle run and spaced at 1.5 metre intervals will provide useful directional aids. A clean running surface is essential; a dirty floor is dangerous.
Adequate length: There must be adequate space beyond each 20 metre line to prevent participants from contacting any wall or obstruction should they overrun the lines. The practice of using end walls to assist with turning is dangerous and must not be allowed. Incidents of broken wrists and arms have occurred where walls have been used in this way.
Number of pupils: The number of pupils participating at any one time will be dependent on the size of the activity space being used. Pupils will need to line up at the start at least 1.5 metres apart and be well clear of any side-walls or obstructions during the shuttle runs. Classes of young people may need to be split into two, three or more groups as necessary to ensure that each participant has adequate space for the activity. Sufficient time in the lesson will be needed to ensure that each group in turn is able to take part.
Peer group pressure: Where pupils sit out, there is a danger of active participants being overly and concertedly encouraged by their watching peers. This can cause some active individuals to attempt to exceed their appropriate levels of optimal participation, to a point where undue stress and exertion occurs and the affected pupils are at risk of accident and injury. The teacher must be aware of the danger and instruct observers not to engage vocally in the described manner. Self imposed pressure: Some pupils can be so motivated and keen to succeed that they display unreasonable self imposed risks by attempting to exceed the levels of reasonable participation of which they are capable. Again, the teacher must advise young people accordingly and stop the activity at any stage should this prove necessary in the interest of safe practice.
Perceived competition:
The test is not a competition between participating pupils, though some
young people may perceive it in this way and respond accordingly unless
consistently and repeatedly advised by the teacher that the test is a
personal measure of the capacity to inhale and utilise oxygen. The
performance of others is not relevant to the individual pupil and this
must be stressed each time that the test takes place.
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