AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES (I-98)

DISCLAIMER: The following is a preliminary report of actions taken by the House of Delegates at its 1998 Annual Meeting and should not be considered final. Only the Official Proceedings of the House of Delegates reflect official policy of the Association.
Report of Reference Committee DCalvin C. Sia, MD, Chair
recommended for adoption as amended or substituted

1. RESOLUTION 405 - PREVENTION OF INJURIES TO CHILDREN FROM RECREATIONAL TRAMPOLINE USE

Your Reference Committee heard various perspectives on the risks and benefits of trampolining. Testimony indicated the need for more data to more appropriately compare injury rates of trampolining with other recreational sports. More information is also needed to validate the benefits of trampolining in improving aerobic fitness levels in youth. Testimony indicated recent efforts of the American Society for Testing and Materials to develop manufacturing standards to reduce hazards associated with the use of home trampolines. While your Reference Committee recognizes an inherent safety risk of trampolines, there is uncertainty regarding the magnitude of the problem and the ability or willingness of physicians to intervene. Despite this uncertainty, your Reference Committee determined that our AMA has a role in protecting the safety of children and adolescents and should work with other interested organizations to develop information for concerned physicians and parents about the safe use of home trampolines. Such information should be provided on the AMA website.

RECOMMENDATION A: Mr. Speaker, your Reference Committee recommends that the following Substitute Resolution 405 be adopted:

RESOLVED, That the American Medical Association work with appropriate federal agencies, national safety organizations, and medical specialty societies to develop appropriate information that physicians can provide to parents on the risks of injury to children and guidelines for safe from home trampoline use.

HOD ACTION: Substitute Resolution 405 adopted as amended.