Section 8: Safety Considerations
Check the surface before playing. Remove loose stones and other trip hazards, and avoid wet paving, slippery floors, broken concrete, and raised edges. Keep the court away from roads, stairs, doorways, and active bicycle routes. Indoor tape should lie flat and hold securely.
Use a smooth marker that stays reasonably flat after landing. Toss gently toward the court only when it is clear. Waiting players should stand away from the throwing path, landing squares, and turning space, and should retrieve loose objects only after the active player stops.
Size the court for the participants. Everyone should be able to clear a skipped single square, land with control, and reach the marker without an extreme stretch. Try those movements before keeping score. Shorten squares or simplify the pattern when needed.
Secure footwear, tied laces, and clothing that does not catch underfoot help prevent slips. Take breaks when tired, and stop if hopping causes pain or dizziness. A player who loses balance should step down safely; saving an attempt is never more important than avoiding a fall.
Adapt the activity to the group. Two-foot jumps, stepping instead of hopping, supported pickups, or a wider route for mobility aids can preserve the challenge of following a sequence and placing a marker. Agree on each player's movement rules before starting, and use cooperative goals when that makes participation more enjoyable.