Here’s the Ticket!
– IATP Assists in Development of New ASTM Standard F2970-13 for Trampoline Courts
– California Bill is a Threat to the Trampoline Industry
The International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP) was founded in 2012 by a group of industry representatives who saw the need to have a unified voice for trampoline parks and courts nationwide. Since that time, they have been actively engaged in building a strong foundation for the industry based on education and safety.
IATP leaders have been collaborating with industry stakeholders, regulators, risk management professionals and consumer interest groups in order to complete and publish the new ASTM F2970-13 standard for trampoline courts. The new standard will significantly enhance consumer experience in both existing and new facilities, while promoting consistency and industry-wide practices. It provides owners of trampoline parks guidance for planning, operation, signage, and patron education, while establishing clear, responsible-conduct guidelines for the public.
California Senate Bill 256
Most recently, the leadership has been closely following the introduction of Senate Bill 256 in the California legislature that is intended to regulate trampoline parks in a similar fashion to that of permanent amusement rides. The current bill is closely patterned after the California permanent amusement ride statute. It creates an entirely new – and expensive – inspection and regulatory scheme that will be administered by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. There are 8 different layers of inspections or investigations. There are also mandatory insurance and accident-reporting requirements. In the event that a patron goes on for follow-up medical care, the bill would require you to shut down the entire trampoline court. DOSH will be free to develop regulations as it deems fit. Violations would carry a mandatory penalty of $25,000-$70,000 per infraction.
In its current form, it is fair to say that SB 256 will make it difficult to do business in California. DOSH has already estimated that it will cost $650,000 just to start the program. Park/FEC owners in California will be expected to absorb this cost in addition to expenses for private inspectors, mandated modifications, accident investigations and potenially lost revenue. Ongoing costs will vary for each park/FEC, but it is estimated between $25,000-$40,000 will be required per year for annual regulatory inspections.
The goal of the association is to engage state and federal regulators in discussions geared to assist them in creating effective policy for trampoline courts and to work together on legislation that mandates the ASTM standard and provides an option for third-party inspections. Although this bill has been introduced in California, they anticipate more bills being introduced nationwide.
Annual Meeting
The first Annual Meeting of the Membership is being held October 23-24, 2013 at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. Group room rates are only $135++ (Single/Double). This meeting provides a great opportunity to meet the IATP Board of Directors, interact with other IATP members, volunteer for a committee, and network with professional suppliers to the industry. If you are interested in attending or are a supplier to the industry and would like to sponsor an event, contact Tracy Sarris at [email protected].
The association is looking to expand its membership, which will allow them to provide a growing number of benefits that include :
- Access to the latest industry news.
- Continued representation on the ASTM F24.6 Subcommittee on Special Rides/Devices.
- Training videos, webinars, seminars, publications and other tools to learn practical strategies for meeting the challenges of running a safe and successful trampoline park.
- A variety of networking opportunities to connect trampoline court professionals and colleagues.
Membership is open to any individual, partnership, corporation or other entity, engaged in the business of leisure and entertainment that includes an indoor commercial trampoline court. Join before October 1, 2013 and be recognized as a ‘Founding Member’ of the association. For more information, visit www.indoortrampolineparks.org or downoad an application HERE.
