At NovaCity, being able to enjoy our activities safely is of the utmost importance. Our facilities offer a wide range of activities to get involved in, all of which carry an element of risk. Accidents can happen to any of us. Even professional athletes get it wrong sometimes and in many of our disciplines the better you get, the more risk you will take, and the chances of injury go up. Our job is to decrease the chances of that happening by providing coaching and advice.

​

When you join via the app or visit for the first time you will be presented with a waiver that details our activities and that you (the customer) acknowledge there is some risk involved. Beyond the waiver, each activity has its own risks, so below is a small guide detailing some steps that make the activities as safe as we feel they can be. This guide is mainly for open sessions as during classes there is always a teacher leading.

​

When you arrive for the first time, you will meet our receptionist. They will introduce themselves and have a member of staff show you around. You will also have a small briefing, where the rules listed below will be spoken about. The rules are also on display around the building. Please listen to your briefing. There may also be a separate briefing before a class or open session.

​

General Facility Rules

In Open Jams you need to be aware. Aware of your own ability, and aware of everyone else using the facilities. A lot of it is common sense. Our equipment is checked to be safe before every session. It’s up to you to use it safely.

 

Listen to the staff at all times. They are there to help you.

 

Do not attempt anything above your ability without prior coaching or support from staff. We understand you might be trying a new move; we also expect you to bail a few times. There’s nothing wrong with this, we respect it in fact. It’s how you learn. But taking too big of a step in any of the activities puts you on the fast track to getting hurt. There is no rush. Getting good takes time. Some moves take years to master. That’s the fun of the journey.

 

You come to the facilities to train and have fun with friends. But playing games such as Tig reduce your awareness levels of everyone else in the park. It will not be allowed.

 

Come ready to train, in the right footwear and clothing. You will not be allowed on the parks if we believe what you are wearing is dangerous. (Trampoline socks MUST be used on the Trampoline Park)

 

Keeping Hydrated and maintaining good energy levels is key to reducing the chances of injury. Food and drink are served in the café.

​

Parkour Park – (Rotherham & Barnsley)

Please bear in mind that in order to replicate the outdoor scenarios and give productive training in Parkour, our parks are built out of wood and metal. Care must be always taken when on the parks. Much like skating, parkour can be a rough discipline to learn, but if done safely it carries no more risk than any sport but prepared for a few knocks.

 

Look before you leap. Checking landing areas for other people is important.

 

Crash mats are available for you to use. Certain areas, such as the bars should always have a crash mat underneath when you are unfamiliar with using them or trying advanced moves.

 

Some of the park is at height. Our syllabus in classes will introduce you to working safely in the air. If you come to open jams DO NOT go any higher than you are comfortable. You need to always be able to get yourself down safely using proper technique.

 

You must be wearing suitable footwear (trainers with good cushioning). You cannot be on the parkour park barefoot or in socks.

​

Trampoline Park (Barnsley)

Trampolines are lots of fun. But if used in the wrong way they can be very dangerous. ALL of the previous rules apply for our trampoline park. But listed below are a few extra guidelines to keep you safe.

• 1 person to a pad at once

• Do not transfer (bounce) from one pad to another if someone else is using it

• Do not double bounce

• Only attempt flips if you have had training and feel confident

• No stunts (flipping over each other) are allowed

• Listen to the staff members present

• There will be different ages in the parks. Take care of each other. Older participants, look out for the younger ones. (Under 5’s must be accompanied by an adult.

• No food or drink allowed

• Trampoline socks must be used (available at reception)

 

Sprung Floors – (Rotherham and Barnsley)

Our sprung floors are impressive bits of kit. Providing extra power to your jumps and flips whilst providing a more cushioned landing that’s safer and better for your joints. Self-assessment is key when using the floors. Again, take baby steps. Landing on your head is still going to suck, even on a sprung floor.

 

No shoes are allowed – this is more to protect the floor, but also due to the nature of the bounce, wearing shoes increases the chances of an ankle injury.

 

No food or drink allowed

 

You will find Soft Blocks on the sprung floor. This is mostly where they are used. They are made from high impact foam and are an amazing coaching tool. They are used mainly for practising parkour and tricks moves before moving to hard surfaces. A face plant feels much better on a foam block. Trust us.

 

They fit together using Velcro. This must always be secured, and you will be shown how to use it. In some cases, you can also Velcro the block to the sprung floor for extra stability. Obviously, please bear in mind that the blocks are not as sturdy as the wooden park and can slip and tip over.

 

There will be many people on the floors at once. Take it in turns and be aware of other people.

 

Dance Floors – (Rotherham & Barnsley)

Probably our safest activity but care still needs to be taken. Spatial awareness is key as our dance floors get full. 

If dance classes are on during Open Jams please stay off the floor.

 

Take care when moving from the sprung floor to the dance floor. There are raised lips around the sprung floors, and we don’t want you tripping. Also, take care if you haven’t put your shoes back on. The dance floor is wooden and slippery when in socks.

 

No drinks on the floors – Make staff aware of any spillages

​

Sponge pits & AirBag Pit - (Rotherham & Barnsley)

Sponge pits and our airbag are designed to cushion your fall. They only work when used correctly. Please take care to read the guidelines below. These areas carry the biggest risk of injury as people believe that no matter how you enter the pit you will be safe. Sadly, this is not the case. Going in headfirst like you are diving into a swimming pool will most certainly cause injury.

 

• The Airbag works by inflating and letting the air out as you land. Please wait for the bag to be inflated before you jump.

• Enter the pits on your butt with your legs out in front in a seated position. This is the safest way when jumping straight into the pits. Alternatively, you can land on your back.

• If you are practising flips and trying to land upright, please be aware that you are landing on an uneven surface, especially in the sponge. You can put a thin mat on top to create a more even surface.

• One jumper at a time

• Always check that the pit is clear. Be patient. It's difficult to get out of the pits, especially if you are younger. Lend a helping hand where you can

• Listen to the staff instructions

• Make sure pockets are empty before jumping

• No shoes on the Air Bag