Recent safety violations close Scott skate park Published April 7, 2010 By 375th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office 375th AMW SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Due to repeated rule violations, the Scott skate park was closed from March 30 to April 1 in an effort to inform skaters of the rules and how they impact safety. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 26,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for skateboarding related injuries, of these, the most common are sprains, fractures, contusions and abrasions are the most common types of injuries. Deaths due to collisions with cars and from falls also are reported. Several factors--such as a lack of protective equipment, poor board maintenance or irregular riding surfaces--are involved in these accidents. Though skateboard riding requires good balance and body control, many young skateboarders have not fully developed these skills and do not react quickly enough to prevent injury. Children under 15 years of age account for six out of every 10 skateboard injuries. Those who have less than a week of experience suffer one-third of the injuries, mainly due to falls. Those who have been riding a year or more have the next highest number of injuries, which can be attributed to falls caused by terrain or when attempting difficult stunts. Protective gear, such as closed, slip-resistant shoes, helmets, and specially designed padding, may not fully protect skateboarders from fractures, but can reduce the number and severity of injuries by absorbing the impact of a fall. This gear includes padded jackets and shorts; padding for hips, knees and elbows, wrist braces and special skateboarding gloves. Important factors when choosing protective gear include comfort, design and function. Gear should not interfere with the skater's movement, vision or hearing. As protective gear is not subject to federal performance standards, careful selection is necessary. In a helmet, for example, look for proper fit and a chin strap and make sure the helmet doesn't block the rider's vision and hearing. Padding should fit comfortably because if the padding is too tight, it could restrict circulation and reduce the skater's ability to move freely. If it's too loose, it could slip off or slide out of position. "We do this because our children and families are too valuable to lose to preventable accidents," said Col. Gary Goldstone, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander. "We must do whatever it takes to provide the safest environment for them, which may call for what some believe to be conservative actions. We urge parents to communicate the seriousness of this issue to their children." Skate park rules 1. Park is not supervised. Patrons assume all risk upon entering. 2. Only skateboards and in-line skates are allowed in the park. 3. Helmets with chin straps, knee pads, and elbow pads must be worn while inside the Skate Park. In-line skaters also required to wear wrist guards with plastic or metal inserts. 4. No other items can be brought into the park such as benches, tables, wood materials or other objects used as ramps or jumps. No modifications are allowed. 5. No bikes or scooters are allowed. 6. Closed toe shoes or skates must be worn at all times. 7. No food, beverages, gum, or glass containers are allowed inside the park at any time. Users are responsible for picking up trash and disposing of it in the receptacles provided. 8. No alcohol, tobacco, spitting, fighting, horseplay, sexually explicit behavior or use of profanity is allowed at any time and use will result in exclusion from the park. 9. Must be at least 10 years old or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to use park. 10. No pets allowed in the skating area. 11. Spectators must stay outside the fenced area. 12. Hours of operation are from dawn till dusk. 13. Maximum capacity is 30 people. 14. 375 AMW reserves the right to restrict entry or ask persons to leave if rules are not followed. 15. Please report any damage, defects, or safety concerns to CE Customer Service at 256-2202. 16. In case of emergency, call 911.