TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Trampoline parks around Arizona have been working to meet new regulations since a state law regulating their safety passed last month, the Arizona Daily reported (https://bit.ly/QQQMFz ).
The state’s nine trampoline parks have 90 days to comply with the new requirements, according to the law.
Trampoline parks, which have grown in popularity, must now register with the Arizona Department of Fire Building and Life Safety and show proof of a minimum $1 million bodily injury insurance. The law also mandates the department keep a database of all trampoline courts. The agency is required to make available to the public a company’s proof of insurance, emergency calls made to the business and inspection certificates.
The department could shut down any park that fails to meet these criteria.
The International Association of Trampoline Parks assisted in getting the legislation passed. Ed Reed, an association board member, said Arizona’s law could be a model for other states.
“We believe it protects patrons and the industry,” he said. “Without it we think our industry would be in trouble.”
ASTM International, formerly American Society for Testing and Materials, set up industry standards for trampoline parks last year. But Reed said that states outlining standards is also important.
Republican Rep. Doug Coleman of Apache Junction brought the bill forward in response to a woman whose son died of injuries suffered at a Phoenix trampoline park. In February 2012, 30-year-old Ty Thomasson jumped from a trampoline into a pit filled with foam blocks. According to the Phoenix Fire Department, Thomasson broke his neck upon landing. He died at a hospital three days later.
Coleman said the new law also protects trampoline parks that are satisfying safety standards from negligence claims.
Arvie Webster, a trauma program manager at the University of Arizona Medical Center, said 11 people have been treated for trampoline-related injuries since January 2013. One patient ended up with a broken neck and broken legs while jumping at one of Tucson’s two trampoline parks, Webster said. He called the new law “a start” and that parks need better supervision.
Visitors under the law will bear some responsibility as well. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs or with a certain health condition won’t be able to go jumping.
“We want them to be responsible when they come in,” Reed said. “If they follow our rules, we think that risk substantially decreases.”
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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, https://www.azstarnet.com
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