Safeguarding children in martial arts
A Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts
Thousands of children take part in martial arts, so we need to get safeguarding and child protection in this area right. A safeguarding code for martial arts has been developed to recognise and uphold safeguarding standards for clubs and organisations.
Having a safeguarding code in place for organisations helps to protect the children taking part in your martial art, as well as protecting your club, instructors and staff.
Here are examples of the martial arts that the safeguarding code has been designed for:
- Aikido
- Chinese martial arts
- Ju Jitsu and Brazilian Ju Jitsu
- Judo
- Karate
- Kendo
- Kickboxing
- Korean martials arts
- Krav Maga
- Kuk Sool Won
- Kung Fu
- Mixed martial arts
- Muay Thai
- Multi-discipline
- Self Defence
- Shuai Jiao
- Taekwondo
- Tai Chi
- Tang Soo Do
- Jado Kuin Do
- Sumo
- Wrestling
Why is the code needed?
To encourage people and organisations to work towards getting recognition for the work they have done to reach and maintain a good safeguarding standard.
The code lets parents or carers and schools make informed decisions when selecting a club or provider for their child or adults in their care.
What is the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts?
The Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts recognises clubs and martial arts providers in England who have met and maintained safeguarding standards. The Code is an England- only initiative.
It was developed in consultation between Sport England, representatives from martial arts governing bodies and people who are experts in safeguarding, supported by us, the Ann Craft Trust and NWG Network. The code is funded by the National Lottery and was launched in 2018.
For further information visit Sport England Safeguarding Code for Martial Arts website.
Safeguarding practice
This video features instructors and young people talking about why safeguarding is important in martial arts and how to introduce safeguarding procedures in your club.
Introducing safeguarding practices such as addressing lower-level concerns and bullying behaviours, setting standards, putting policies and procedures in place, and having a clear safer recruitment process in place all help to create a safer place for children and young people.
Safeguarding risks to consider for martial arts
There are some additional safeguarding requirements to consider for martial arts and all other contact sports. These include the following:
- concussion guidelines - this helps you to respond to concussion injuries, know what medical attention is needed at the time and what after care is required.
- accident and incident report procedures – helps you manage and respond to any contact related injuries that may occur (for example choking, concussion, sprain injuries or dizziness), making sure the first aid is given, and the incident is recorded.
- an independent safeguarding lead – people need to feel they can raise concerns and be listened to, so the club owner or a member of their family is probably not the right person to take this role because they are so heavily involved with the club
- weight management procedures – support each young athlete with their diet to make sure they are taking in the correct fuel to aid their performance and manage the individual weight banding when training and competing.
- affiliating your club to a national governing body – they have established safeguarding policies and procedures in place and will be able to give your club.
- safe events and competitions planning and procedure – helps your club to outline the possible safeguarding risks and then put processes in place to manage the event, so you know how to respond if any safeguarding concerns arise.
What safeguards does your club need?
When your club or organisation is responsible for children and young people it’s your duty of care to those children to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep them safe.
Here’s some guidance to help you get started and put safeguards in place for your organisation:
- introduction to safeguarding in sport
- what is safeguarding? - find out what safeguarding is and what's expected of your organisation
- why should I engage with safeguarding? - having safeguards in place helps you respond appropriately to any concerns that may arise and makes it a safer place
- child abuse in sports setting - learn more about the different types of child abuse and some signs to look out for
- putting safeguards in place – get started putting safeguards in place in your club, activity or organisation
- safer recruitment – a safer recruitment process is required for all people who are in roles with responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults
- sports safeguarding training – if you work with children and young people safeguarding training helps makes sure your knowledge and skills are up to date to relevant for your role
- deal with a concern – see our guidance on how to deal with safeguarding concerns that may arise and what actions should to taken
- codes of conduct - download, print and use our sample codes of conduct to let parents, children and staff know what behaviour is expected of them whilst at your organisation
- photography and filming in sports and activities - our photography and filming guidance explains how you can create and use images and video safely in your organisation
- online safety and social media- safeguarding should continue into the online world find out more about how you can do this for your organisation
- safe sport events management tool – our events tool will help your organisation to meet the safeguarding responsibilities for your sports event