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Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families
Department Operating Procedure
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Title:
Use of the Weight Room
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Related Forms:
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I. PURPOSE
To provide a safe and healthy strength-training option for exercise for youth at the Rhode Island Training School; utilizing proper guidance and supervision.
II. PROCEDURE
A. Medical Clearance
1. Every youth at the Rhode Island Training School receives a physical examination and a review of medical history by a health care professional that addresses any potential concerns for exercise, including weight-lifting.
2. Youth with the following conditions are not permitted to use the Weight Room without approval from a medical provider:
a. uncontrolled hypertension
b. seizure disorder
c. cardiomyopathy
d. moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension
e. Marfan Syndrome
f. history of childhood cancer and chemo (due to cardiotoxic side effects)
3. The Medical Clinic maintains a list of youth who cannot use the Weight Room for medical reasons. Medical staff notifies Unit Managers when a youth is ineligible to participate in any weight lifting activities due to medical restrictions.
B. Eligibility
1. Medically cleared youth with the appropriate Level status can participate in weight room activities during physical education classes.
a. Youth must be Level 2 or higher during recreation periods.
b. Level 3 and Level 4 youth receive first preference.
2. Youth may not utilize the Weight Room if on Special Watch, Lock-up, or Restrictive Status.
a. Each Unit Manager maintains a list of youth ineligible to use the Weight Room.
C. Appropriate Use of Weight Room
1. Equipment
a. All equipment has posted instructions for safe use at each station.
b. Equipment must be cleaned after each use, utilizing the cleaning solution provided.
2. Youth
a. Youth participate in a brief Safety and Education Review as a part of the educational curriculum. A list of youth with certificates of completion is posted in the gymnasium.
b. Youth are provided with a list of possible workout options as a part of the educational curriculum.
c. Youth perform a brief pre-workout routine before operating any Weight Room equipment.
d. No more than four youth may be in the Weight Room at a time.
e. Time in the Weight Room should not exceed 30 minutes per session.
3. Hours of Operation
a. The decision to open the Weight Room is made by an on-duty Manager or an Administrator.
b. Whenever the Weight Room is open, a Juvenile Program Worker who has signed off on the protocol as described above is posted in the Weight Room as his/her primary post.
4. Staff
a. Staff supervising the Weight Room must sign an acknowledgment of receipt and understanding of this protocol.
b. Staff does not operate the Weight Room equipment while on duty.
c. Staff does not use the Weight Room equipment while youth occupy the gymnasium and/or the weight room.
d. The JPW on the Weight Room Post is responsible for supervising youth utilizing the Weight Room to ensure:
i. only approved youth enter the Weight Room;
ii. youth use the equipment appropriately, demonstrate proper technique, do not exceed the recommended number of repetitions per exercise, and do not overly strain the body;
iii. a spotter is identified during any weight lifting activity, when necessary;
iv. youth are wearing proper attire, athletic shoes and shirts are always required;
v. youth are not distracting or interfering with peers who are in the process of performing an exercise;
vi. weights are not dropped or thrown;
vii. the appropriate use of the equipment, including the return to the storage racks after use;
viii. the closing and locking of the Weight Room after use; and
ix. the Unit Manager or Administrator are notified immediately of any safety concerns for any youth using the Weight Room and document any concerns on the Incident/Physical Restraint Report Form in RICHIST.