We had not anticipated putting an individual skill (especiall a non-skill, like jump to the high bar) on the safety pages, but having viewed and heard about a series of serious accidents (broken bones) and resulting negative effects (fear) of this seemingly simple transition from bar to bar, we have decided to put out an alert to gymnasts and coaches. 

Anecdotal Evidence Requires a Second Look at Safety
We have no scientific evidence that this non-rated movement is more dangerous than any other skill or skills, but our method has always been to re-evaluate any and every accident and implement any new safety procedures, progress and innovations we deem necessary to ensure the same accident never happens again.

Injuries Seem to Occur with Gymnasts New To The Skill
All of the injuries we have seen and heard about with this skill were with gymnasts who were just beginning to try this maneuver, either Level 5’s or TOP type training program gymnasts.  We have not witnessed problems with this skill with gymnasts at higher levels or experienced performing the maneuver.  Interestingly, all of the accidents were at gyms we were visiting or other programs and gymnasts, we have been monitoring, but we are still instituting these new safety measures in our own programs.

Don’t Underestimate this Maneuver
Perhaps the apparent simplicity of this movement is one of the causes of accidents.  The dangers, as evidenced by the accidents we have seen, are real and significant.  All of the injuries occurred the same way with a jump to the high bar from a stand on the low bar (as in the Level 5 and Level 6 bar routines).  The bar is caught initially, the feet swing forward and the grip is lost. 

Often Causes Arm Injuries
During the resulting fall, the gymnast instinctively reaches back with one or both arms and the weight of the body on the arm causes an injury ranging from shoulder or elbow sprain, fracture, compound fracture to dislocation.  It is possible that this skill could cause a neck or back injury, if the gymnast peels very late.

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