Reducing the Risk of Injury: Environmental Factors, Clothing and Technique - Worksheets, Questions and Revision

25 original exam-style questions - 7 pages of questions with a full mark scheme - free printable PDF.

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This topic is chapter 3 of GCSE Physical Education: Physical training Practice Book 2.

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3.9 Reducing the Risk of Injury: Environmental Factors, Clothing and Technique

AQA 8582 · Calculators not allowed · about 55 minutes

Total Marks

Name: _______________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______

Answer ALL questions. Show all your working.

A PE department is setting up a school sports hall for a Year 9 circuit-training lesson with several stations running at once. Which of the following facility checks would best reduce the risk of collision injury between groups?

A) Play music to help pace the circuit
B) Reduce the length of the lesson
C) Make sure there is enough space between each station so that groups do not move into each other
D) Ask pupils to work in complete silence

(Total for Question 1 is 1 mark)

In an outdoor football training session on a very hot day, identify one environmental factor that raises the risk of injury to players.

(Total for Question 2 is 1 mark)

A school is choosing footwear guidance for an indoor volleyball lesson on a polished wooden floor. Which type of sole is most appropriate to reduce slip risk in this lesson?

A) Non-marking indoor court shoes with a grippy rubber sole
B) Football boots with metal studs
C) Bare feet
D) Running trainers designed for outdoor tarmac

(Total for Question 3 is 1 mark)

Before a school rugby match kicks off, the referee checks each player's boots and asks two players to remove jewellery. Which environmental risk-reduction role is the referee carrying out here?

A) Coaching technique during play
B) Selecting the playing surface
C) Advising on hydration
D) Checking equipment and appearance for safety before play begins

(Total for Question 4 is 1 mark)

A hockey umpire has a duty to check players and equipment before a match begins. Name one piece of equipment a hockey umpire should check before a match to reduce injury risk.

(Total for Question 5 is 1 mark)

A PE teacher asks pupils to wear appropriate base layers for cross country running in cold weather. Name one reason why thermal base layers reduce injury risk in this context.

(Total for Question 6 is 1 mark)

Identify one weather condition that increases the risk of hypothermia during a long outdoor orienteering event in low temperatures.

(Total for Question 7 is 1 mark)

In a gymnastics class using floor mats, describe two safety checks a teacher should make to the venue before the session starts.

(Total for Question 8 is 2 marks)

For an outdoor school football pitch that floods easily, suggest two preventative measures that would reduce the risk of injury to players during the autumn season.

(Total for Question 9 is 2 marks)

A cross-country running club uses a public park course that changes each week depending on ground conditions and other park users. Describe two checks a coach should make of the course before a session begins to reduce injury risk.

(Total for Question 10 is 2 marks)

World Rugby's tackle-height law penalises a tackle made above the shoulder of the ball carrier. Describe how enforcing this tackle-height rule reduces the risk of injury to players.

(Total for Question 11 is 2 marks)

Cricket batters face a hard ball travelling at speed and are required to wear protective equipment. Describe two features of a cricket batting helmet and how each reduces injury risk.

(Total for Question 12 is 2 marks)

A school is planning an outdoor PE lesson for a day when the forecast predicts unusually high temperatures. Suggest two adjustments the school could make to the lesson to reduce the risk of heat-related injury or illness.

(Total for Question 13 is 2 marks)

Describe two ways unsuitable footwear can increase the risk of injury during an outdoor rugby training session on grass.

(Total for Question 14 is 2 marks)

Name two pieces of protective equipment recommended for a school rugby match and state briefly how each reduces injury risk.

(Total for Question 15 is 2 marks)

Describe the main steps of correct technique for lifting a heavy box of equipment in a school sports store to reduce back injury risk.

(Total for Question 16 is 2 marks)

A badminton lesson is due to take place in a sports hall that has recently had a leaking roof, leaving several damp patches on the floor near one end of the court. Explain how failing to check the condition of the hall floor before this lesson could increase the risk of injury, and how the school should respond.

(Total for Question 17 is 3 marks)

A school gymnastics club is setting out crash mats and equipment for a trampolining lesson in a hall that a badminton club will use later that evening.

Explain how checking that there is enough clear space around the trampoline, including a safe distance to any walls or stored equipment, reduces the risk of injury during this lesson.

(Total for Question 18 is 3 marks)

Explain how a wet playing surface at a hockey match could lead to an increased risk of collision injuries between players.

(Total for Question 19 is 3 marks)

Explain how exercising in an extremely hot environment without adequate fluid replacement can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury during a long distance running session.

(Total for Question 20 is 3 marks)

During an amateur boxing match, a referee stops the contest because one boxer is no longer able to defend themselves effectively. Explain how this officiating decision reduces the risk of injury to the boxer.

(Total for Question 21 is 3 marks)

A rugby team trains outdoors on a cold winter evening and completes only a brief, low-intensity warm-up before starting contact drills. Explain how training in cold conditions with an inadequate warm-up increases the risk of muscle injury, and how a full warm-up reduces this risk.

(Total for Question 22 is 3 marks)

A PE technician repeatedly bounces heavy equipment when unloading a bag using poor lifting posture. Explain how repeated poor lifting technique can lead to overuse injury for the PE technician.

(Total for Question 23 is 3 marks)

A PE teacher is responsible for safety during a series of after school outdoor athletics sessions on a school track that is exposed to variable weather. Discuss how the teacher could reduce the risk of injury to participants before and during the sessions. Use examples of environmental checks, appropriate clothing or footwear guidance, and technique or supervision strategies. Make a judgement about which three measures you would prioritise and explain why.

(Total for Question 24 is 6 marks)

A school is organising an outdoor triathlon-style training day (running, cycling and supervised pool swimming) for Year 11 pupils. The course has mixed surfaces (grass, a gravel path, a road crossing) and the forecast is changeable, with sun, wind and possible rain during the day.

Evaluate the environmental risk factors the school should manage for this training day, and make a judgement about which measures should be prioritised to reduce the risk of injury.

(Total for Question 25 is 6 marks)

Mark scheme · 3.9 Reducing the Risk of Injury: Environmental Factors, Clothing and Technique

Question 1

B1 C
Answer: C

Question 2

B1 high temperature / heat / extreme heat
Answer: High temperature

Question 3

B1 A
Answer: A

Question 4

B1 D
Answer: D

Question 5

B1 players' shin guards (checked for being worn/fitted correctly), oe (accept other genuine safety equipment, e.g. gum shield, or the hockey stick checked for dangerous damage)
Answer: Players' shin guards, checked to make sure they are worn and fitted correctly.

Question 6

B1 helps maintain body temperature / prevents muscles getting cold
Answer: They help maintain body temperature, preventing muscles getting cold.

Question 7

B1 wind / strong wind / wind chill
Answer: Wind

Question 8

B1 check mats are positioned and secured correctly with no gaps, oe
B1 check the floor and surrounding area are clear of debris and hazards, oe
Answer: Check mats are positioned and secured correctly with no gaps between them, and check the floor and surrounding area are clear of debris or other hazards.

Question 9

B1 ensure drainage is improved or postpone/move sessions after heavy rain, reducing waterlogged playing surfaces, oe
B1 inspect pitch before use and remove puddles or mark out safe areas, or use alternative venue when necessary, oe
Answer: Improve drainage or postpone and relocate sessions after heavy rain to avoid waterlogged surfaces, and inspect the pitch before use to remove puddles, mark safe areas or move to an alternative venue when necessary.

Question 10

B1 check the route for hazards such as tree roots, holes, litter or slippery/muddy sections, oe
B1 check for other park users (e.g. dog walkers, cyclists) or obstacles that could cause a collision and adjust the route or add marshals if needed, oe
Answer: The coach should check the route itself for hazards such as tree roots, holes or muddy sections, and check for other park users or obstacles that could cause a collision, adjusting the route or adding marshals where needed.

Question 11

B1 it discourages/penalises tackles around the head and neck, the most dangerous area to be struck, oe
B1 this reduces the risk of concussion, whiplash or other serious head/neck injury to the ball carrier, oe
Answer: Penalising a high tackle discourages players from making contact around the head and neck, the most dangerous area to be struck, which reduces the risk of concussion or serious head and neck injury.

Question 12

B1 a hard outer shell/rigid grille protects the head and face from a direct impact from the ball, oe
B1 a padded inner lining absorbs/cushions the impact force, reducing the risk of concussion, oe
Answer: The hard outer shell and rigid grille protect the head and face from a direct impact from the ball, while the padded inner lining absorbs the force of any impact, reducing the risk of concussion.

Question 13

B1 move the lesson to a cooler time of day, shorten it, or move it indoors, oe
B1 increase water breaks, reduce the intensity or duration of activity, or ensure shaded rest areas are available, oe
Answer: The school could move the lesson to a cooler time of day, shorten it or bring it indoors, and increase water breaks or reduce activity intensity, making sure shaded rest areas are available.

Question 14

B1 reduces grip leading to slips and falls, increasing risk of sprains or impact injuries, oe
B1 poor ankle support or inappropriate studs increase twisting of the foot/ankle, causing strains or ligament damage, oe
Answer: Unsuitable footwear can reduce grip on grass, causing slips and falls, and can lack ankle support or have incorrect studs, increasing the chance of twisting injuries to the foot or ankle.

Question 15

B1 gumshield, protects teeth and reduces dental and jaw injuries, oe
B1 shoulder pads or scrum cap, absorbs impact and reduces head/shoulder impact risk, oe
Answer: Gumshield, which protects teeth and helps reduce dental and jaw injuries; and shoulder pads or a scrum cap, which absorb impact and reduce the risk of head or shoulder impact injury.

Question 16

B1 bend at the hips and knees, keeping the back straight, to use leg muscles, oe
B1 keep the load close to the body and avoid twisting while lifting or carrying, oe
Answer: Bend at the hips and knees while keeping the back straight so the leg muscles do most of the work, and keep the load close to the body while avoiding twisting during lifting or carrying.

Question 17

B1 a damp patch reduces grip/traction underfoot, oe
B1 a player lunging or changing direction on the damp patch is more likely to slip and fall, risking a sprain, strain or impact injury, oe
B1 response: the school should dry or rope off the affected area, or move the lesson to an unaffected part of the hall/another venue, before play begins, oe
Answer: A damp patch reduces grip underfoot, so a player lunging or changing direction on it is more likely to slip and fall, risking a sprain or impact injury; the school should dry or rope off the area, or move the lesson elsewhere, before play begins.

Question 18

B1 a bouncing performer can travel further than expected or lose control of a landing, oe
B1 if a wall or stored equipment is too close, an out-of-control bounce could end in a collision or a fall onto a hard surface, oe
B1 a checked, clear safety zone gives the performer room to land safely or be spotted/assisted if they lose control, oe
Answer: A bouncing performer can travel further than expected or lose control of a landing, so if a wall or stored equipment is too close an out-of-control bounce could end in a collision or a fall onto a hard surface; a checked, clear safety zone gives the performer room to land safely or be spotted if they lose control.

Question 19

B1 wet surface reduces traction so players are more likely to slip, oe
B1 slipping or losing balance reduces a player's control and awareness, increasing the chance of running into others, oe
B1 reduced control can lead to sudden falls or uncontrolled movement, increasing impact forces during collisions, oe
Answer: A wet surface reduces traction so players are more likely to slip; slipping reduces a player's control and awareness, increasing the chance of running into other players; reduced control can cause sudden falls or uncontrolled movement, increasing impact forces during collisions.

Question 20

B1 dehydration reduces blood volume and impairs muscle blood flow and oxygen delivery, oe
B1 reduced muscle function and earlier fatigue change running mechanics, increasing strain on muscles and tendons, oe
B1 fatigued or poorly perfused tissues are more susceptible to strains and overuse injury, oe
Answer: Dehydration reduces blood volume and impairs muscle blood flow and oxygen delivery; reduced muscle function and earlier fatigue alter running mechanics, increasing strain on muscles and tendons; fatigued or poorly perfused tissues are more susceptible to strains and overuse injury.

Question 21

B1 a boxer who cannot defend themselves is at much greater risk of taking repeated, unguarded blows, oe
B1 stopping the bout immediately removes them from further blows to the head/body, reducing the risk of serious injury such as concussion, oe
B1 the official's decision prioritises protecting the athlete over continuing the contest, which is the purpose of this officiating rule, oe
Answer: A boxer who cannot defend themselves risks taking repeated unguarded blows; stopping the bout at once removes them from further hits, reducing the risk of serious injury such as concussion, because the rule prioritises protecting the athlete over letting the contest continue.

Question 22

B1 in cold conditions muscles are stiffer and less flexible/elastic, oe
B1 a stiff muscle is more likely to strain or tear when suddenly stretched or forcefully contracted during contact, oe
B1 a full, gradual warm-up raises muscle temperature and increases blood flow and elasticity, making the muscle better able to withstand the forces of contact, oe
Answer: Cold muscles are stiffer and less elastic, so they are more likely to strain or tear during sudden contact; a full, gradual warm-up raises muscle temperature and blood flow, making the muscle far better able to withstand those forces.

Question 23

B1 poor technique, such as bending the back rather than using the hips and knees, places repeated strain on the lumbar spine, oe
B1 repeated loading of the same tissues causes microtrauma and cumulative damage over time, oe
B1 cumulative damage can lead to chronic pain or degenerative changes, reducing ability to work and increasing injury risk, oe
Answer: Bending the back rather than using the hips and knees places repeated strain on the lumbar spine; repeated loading causes microtrauma and cumulative tissue damage over time; this cumulative damage can lead to chronic pain or degenerative changes, increasing long term injury risk for the technician.

Question 24

Level 3 (5-6): A well organised discussion that evaluates multiple practical measures, including environmental checks, clothing or footwear guidance, and supervision or technique coaching, links each measure clearly to reduced injury risk with specific examples, and gives a justified and coherent judgement of three priority measures.
Level 2 (3-4): A clear discussion that describes several measures and makes links to injury risk reduction, but the judgement of priorities is limited or less well justified.
Level 1 (1-2): A basic list or description of a few relevant measures with simple links to injury risk reduction and little or no judgement about priorities.
Indicative content:
- Environmental checks: inspect track for standing water, icy patches, debris and uneven areas; check weather forecast and cancel or modify session if severe conditions are expected.
- Venue controls: ensure drainage or temporary closure of specific lanes, use cones to mark unsafe areas, and provide an alternative indoor venue if available.
- Clothing and footwear guidance: advise breathable layers for heat and waterproof layers in rain, recommend appropriate running spikes or trainers for the track surface, and discourage loose jewellery and unsuitable footwear.
- Hydration and heat/cold policies: provide water breaks, monitor for signs of heat illness or hypothermia, and alter session intensity in extreme temperatures.
- Technique and supervision: coach correct running technique to avoid overstriding, warm up and cool down routines, demonstrate safe starting and turning techniques, and use progressive load increases to avoid overuse.
- Supervision and emergency planning: maintain appropriate coach to participant ratios, brief participants on hazards before starting, and have a clear communication and first aid plan.
- Justification of priorities, for example: prioritise environmental inspection, footwear guidance and proper warm up because removing immediate hazards, ensuring correct traction, and preparing muscles directly reduce the most common causes of acute and overuse injury during track sessions.

Question 25

Level 3 (5-6): A well organised evaluation covering surface/route checks, clothing and footwear guidance for changeable weather, the role of officials and rules (marshals, course rules) and supervision, links each measure clearly to reduced injury risk with specific examples, and gives a justified and coherent judgement of the measures that should be prioritised.
Level 2 (3-4): A clear discussion that describes several relevant measures and makes links to injury risk reduction, but the judgement of priorities is limited or less well justified.
Level 1 (1-2): A basic list or description of a few relevant measures with simple links to injury risk reduction and little or no judgement about priorities.
Indicative content:
- Surface and route checks: inspect the gravel path and grass sections for hazards such as holes, roots or wet patches before the session, and mark or close off any unsafe sections.
- Road crossing: station a marshal at the crossing and set a course rule requiring pupils to slow to walking pace or stop and check before crossing.
- Clothing and footwear: advise layered kit that can be adjusted for changeable weather, footwear suited to mixed terrain rather than road-only trainers, and appropriate swimwear/kit for the pool section.
- Weather monitoring: check the forecast through the day and have a plan to pause or shorten outdoor sections if heavy rain, strong wind or a sudden temperature drop occurs; provide sun protection guidance if it is sunny.
- Officials and rules: brief marshals stationed at technical sections (the road crossing, any narrow paths), set clear course rules such as no overtaking on the gravel path, and give officials the authority to stop a participant showing signs of distress.
- Supervision: ensure qualified lifeguard supervision for the pool section and an appropriate staff-to-pupil ratio for the outdoor sections, with a clear communication and first aid plan.
- Justified priorities, for example: prioritise marshalling the road crossing, footwear suited to mixed terrain, and continuous weather monitoring, because these address the risks most likely to cause an acute injury (a traffic-related collision, a fall on the gravel path, or being caught outdoors in a sudden change of weather), ahead of lower-probability risks.

Reducing the Risk of Injury: Environmental Factors, Clothing and Technique - Worksheets, Questions and Revision

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3.9 Reducing the Risk of Injury: Environmental Factors, Clothing and Technique

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