Playing fields

Small Sticks

a great introduction to hockey

Small Sticks is our nationally branded junior participation programme - the perfect introduction to our fast and fun game.

The aim is to provide a quality hockey experience for children and whānau to foster a lifelong love of hockey. It’s all about playing with friends and learning new skills in a fun, safe and games-based environment. Small Sticks is made up of four different modules all tailored to a child’s stage of development, letting them play through modified versions of the game with appropriate equipment and game formats for their level of development; simply the right stuff, with the right people, in the right way. The first module is Fun Sticks and, as the name suggests, it’s all about introducing children to hockey in a safe and exciting way. Aimed at 5-6 year-olds, the focus is on developing fundamental movement and introducing basic hockey skills such as running, striking, as well as body and spatial awareness. As children build confidence and their skills progress, they move on to the next phase of the junior programme focused on basic hockey skills and being part of a team. Mini Sticks, aimed for 7 and 8-yearolds, sees a six-a-side version of the game divided into two options; development and standard competitions. This provides those new to the sport an opportunity to start at their level and experience. As they continue to develop so does the game format progressing to Kiwi Sticks and finally Kwik Sticks.

The small-sided game format provides a more effective learning environment maximising participation and more touches of the ball.

The success of Small Sticks stems from having a nationally consistent approach to game formats, lesson plans, coach and umpire development material, equipment, communication, along with consistent branding. This has enabled us to provide a more consistent hockey experience which is available to more people throughout New Zealand. Small Sticks isn’t just about getting children involved as a player, hockey can easily become a family affair. Parents and whānau make great coaches, managers and umpires at this level.

Our Hockey Associations around the country provide great support and ongoing development no matter what experience you have. Fun Sticks is a 12-week programme run through clubs and schools around the country, while Mini, Kiwi and Kwik Sticks are normally run over 16 weeks during terms two and three.

If you would like to know more, please contact your local Hockey Association: https://hockeynz.co.nz/ get-involved/playhockey/find-a-club .

What to do with old concrete, hard to maintain areas and high traffic spaces? Problem solved with

Hundreds of NZ education providers are throwing away their ‘KEEP OF THE GRASS’ signs in favour of weather-proof, durable artificial grass that keeps kids being active.

SmartGrass Sports turf and artificial landscaping grass has dramatically enhanced the appearance of the outdoor area at Wairakei School, adding vibrancy and colour that the students love. Principal Shane Buckner, says:

The area didn’t look very inviting and the kids didn’t use it. Now we’re finding our children are here all the time, practicing cartwheels, somersaults and dance moves.

To create an outstanding outdoor space for children to play and learn at your school, get in touch with SmartGrass today.

0800 887 369 smartgrass.co.nz hello@smartgrass.co.nz

Feature | APL Window Solutions READY, STEADY, FALL!

Who is liable for Playground Injuries?

Playgrounds are commonly the site of many injuries, ranging in severity from minor to serious.

As an educational institution, you need to balance keeping playground facilities safe, while still facilitating important developmental play, and protecting the liabilities that you ’ re exposed to by having a playground.

Unfortunately, too often serious accidents and life-changing injuries occur within play areas, many of which are avoidable being the result of noncompliance and/or lack of supervision, inspection, and regular maintenance.

Who is liable?

The duty to provide safe play areas and proper supervision is placed on those responsible for operating playgrounds.

The three most often liable parties are the owner/operator of the playground (the school BOT), the manufacturer of the equipment or the contractor who installed it, and individual employees responsible for supervision (teachers).

In the event of a serious or life-changing injury, fundamental compliance and risk assessment with the safety standard is the first evidence requirement.

Owners and operators bear this burden of proof so an ongoing high level of inspection, maintenance, and compliance in accordance with the standard is vital for the safety of your children.

A good analogy could be a playground is like a car, they have many moving parts, structural components, body entrapment, and impact hazards, and if not looked after, huge injury potential which is why they should be safety checked annually by a certified L3 inspector - think of this as an independent Warrant of fitness for your playground.

There are two very important inspection requirements recommended within the NZS5828:2015.

1: New Playgrounds- Post-Install Audit: On completion of a new playground, an independent post-installation inspection should be carried out by a certified inspector to assess and verify compliance with the relevant parts of NZS5828.

This inspection also includes quality control, construction workmanship and general hazards assessed to NZS5828:2015 Standard so it helps keep manufacturers/builders or installers accountable for their delivery and workmanship and gives you independent reporting should you need to seek rectification of any issues within the defects period. 2: Existing Playgrounds – Annual Audit: An annual main inspection should be conducted to establish the overall level of safety of equipment, foundations and surfaces, e.g. compliance with the relevant part(s) of NZS5828.

And just like with your car, a “Playground W.O.F” provides peace of mind that risk and compliance issues are identified by an independent certified inspector well before failure and injury.

Playsafe is an independent play area compliance specialist and provides final project inspection and certification for new play areas as well as the annual safety check.

Book your play audit today and ensure you keep your kids PLAYSAFE! Adam Stride - Playsafe Ltd RPII L3 Outdoor & L4 Enclosed Play Area Inspector M#1074A / M#1023AF

Playsafe is a professional independent inspection and compliance consulting entity that provides services relating to play safety, inspection, compliance and surface impact testing.

Certified Playground Safety Compliance Audit

Our certified play inspection provides assurance that hazards within your playground are identified and risk assessed to the requirements of NZS5828:2015 well before failure or injury.

Our reports are unique, comprehensive, practical and are a solution-focused working document that often becomes an action plan for the BOT to plan repairs, maintenance, upgrades or long-term replacement.

Our services are independent, confidential, certified, impartial, and we are police vetted and internationally accredited.

Our reporting services are recommended by MoE and Local Government throughout New Zealand.