Competitor Safety

• Adherence to all safety procedures, both those generally applicable and those specific to the event, are expected throughout the event.

Injury to Actors

The Texas Public Safety Association (TPSA) is committed to the safety and well-being of all participants involved in its activities and competitions. This includes not only the competing students but also the actors playing various roles in simulation scenarios. Any activity that results in the physical injury of an actor due to negligence, non-compliance with safety rules, or deliberate action will not be tolerated.

These policies aim to ensure the safety and integrity of our events, promote respectful and professional behavior, and uphold the fundamental principles of our organization. The development of students into public safety professionals includes the ability to handle high-pressure situations responsibly and safely. Violating these principles not only jeopardizes the health and safety of individuals but also undermines the learning process and the public's trust in future professionals.

(a) Any team or individual found to have directly caused the physical injury of an actor during a competition event that requires intervention by the judge will be subject to disqualification from the competition.

(b) In the event of an injury, an immediate investigation will be launched by the TPSA officials present. The investigation will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident and the team's or individual's adherence to safety guidelines, established rules, and professional standards.

(c) If the injury is found to have been preventable and was caused due to a breach of safety protocols, negligence, or deliberate action on the part of the team or individual, immediate disqualification of the team or individual will be determined by the investigating TPSA Official present.

(d) Should a team or individual be disqualified, they will be ineligible for any awards or recognitions from the competition, and may also face additional penalties or sanctions as deemed appropriate by the TPSA Executive Council. This could potentially include prohibition from future competitions or events.

(e) In instances where the circumstances surrounding the injury are unclear or disputed, the decision of the TPSA officials, in consultation with the Executive Council and possibly independent experts, will be final.

(f) Appeals to the disqualification can be made in writing to the TPSA Executive Council in accordance with the grievance policy.

(g) Any deliberate use of pressure points or techniques intended to cause pain, incapacitation, or injury to the actor, even if not resulting in a physical injury, will be treated as a serious violation of this policy. Such actions go against the principles of safety, respect, and professionalism that the TPSA seeks to promote and uphold.

(h) Teams or individuals found to have used such techniques will be subject to immediate disqualification from the competition, irrespective of the resulting condition of the actor. In addition to disqualification, they may also face additional penalties or sanctions as deemed appropriate by the TPSA Executive Council.

This rule serves to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, promote professionalism and responsible behavior, and uphold the values of the Texas Public Safety Association.