C.K.A. has a nominated Safeguarding Officer – Paul Massey – who may be contacted (+44 (0) 7973 252 333) in case of questions or to discuss any concerns in relation to the well-being and safety of your child. Paul acts as an adviser to the Instructors and the C.K.A. General and Technical Committees.

All those involved in Martial Arts should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to safeguard children and young people and protect themselves from false allegations. The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate within Martial Arts: Good practice means:

– Always working in an open environment
– Treating all young people/disabled adults equally, and with respect and dignity.
– Placing the welfare and safety of the child or young person first above the development of performance or competition.
– Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with players
– Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust, which empowers children to share in the decision-making process.
– Making sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play.
– Where any form of manual or physical support is required, it should be provided openly and in accordance with the EKF Club Guidelines
– Keeping up to date with the technical skills, qualifications and insurance within Karate.
– Involving parents/carers wherever possible (e.g. for the responsibility of their children in the changing rooms)
– Being an excellent role model – this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people.
– Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.
– Recognising the developmental needs and capacity of young people and disabled adults – avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will.
– Securing parental consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if the need arises to give permission for the administration of emergency first aid.
– Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.

For full ruling and guidelines please refer to the EKF website.