Tenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Trampoline parks have seen rapid growth in the last 10 years. In the US, the number of parks increased from about 40 in 2011 to 280 in 2014 to approximately 500 now. ER visits for trampoline park related injuries exploded from 581 in 2010 to 6932 in 2014. Children aged 6 to 17 accounted for the majority of injuries. There has been significant fallout from injuries and deaths sustained at trampoline parks. Lawsuits have been launched; most are settled but some have resulted in large payouts. Insurance premiums have skyrocketed and coverage has been cut. The industry is suffering from market fatigue and it has been hurt by negative news coverage; this market correction has resulted in overall reduced revenue with many parks closing their doors. Many jurisdictions are looking at the role government should play in the regulation of trampoline parks. This paper will look at the injuries being sustained by its users, practical ways to reduce the harm being suffered and measures to mitigate the liability exposure of trampoline park operators. Data has been obtained from trampoline park operators and insurers. The paper will dive into the deep end of systems-based risk management and will examine its four stages (pre-incident, active management, crisis management, and post-incident). The paper will focus on risk communication (marketing, signage, waivers, etc.) and the delicate balancing act of presenting trampoline parks as a fun and safe activity while at the same time saying it’s dangerous.