Insurance
Clubs must hold public liability insurance for their activity and venue, and instructors should hold professional indemnity cover. We recommend personal accident cover for members.
First aid and emergencies
- A qualified first aider and a stocked first aid kit at every session.
- A written emergency plan, including how an ambulance reaches the training area.
- An accident book, with serious incidents reported to the association within 7 days.
- Know where the nearest defibrillator is.
Head injuries
Follow the UK concussion guidelines for grassroots sport: if in doubt, sit them out. Anyone suspected of concussion stops training straight away, does not return the same day, and follows a gradual return plan.
Training environment
- Check mats, floor and equipment before each session and record any faults.
- Make sure the space suits the number of students and the activity.
- Match sparring partners by size, age and experience, and use protective equipment suited to the style.
- Use controlled contact for juniors and beginners.
- Store training weapons securely and use blunt training versions.
Gradings
Gradings must be supervised by a qualified examiner, with a first aider present, and must not push candidates beyond safe limits of fatigue or contact.