Parkour should be fun, safe, and include everyone.
Your coaches should be appropriately qualified and have completed DBS checks to ensure your safety and enjoyment while practising parkour. All volunteers working at the club or organisation should also have received training and undergone DBS checks. Additionally, your club may have a designated Safeguarding or Welfare Officer and should implement policies to prioritise your safety.
The best clubs and organisations actively engage with you, seeking your feedback on what you enjoy, what you dislike, and any changes you feel are necessary. Your opinions should be valued and respected. Clubs should promote participation from individuals of all backgrounds. If you ever feel unhappy, worried, or have a complaint, it’s important that your concerns are taken seriously and addressed appropriately.
Parkour UK has established a Safe Sport Policy, a Reporting Procedure, and additional guidance to help us provide the best possible parkour experience. You can download all relevant documents from our Resources Hub.
Download our safe sport policy
Your coach should always ask if you have any injuries before starting the session, ensuring your safety is a priority. The environment should be inclusive, welcoming everyone to participate. It’s important that your community and coach foster a supportive atmosphere where you feel encouraged to improve. Practising parkour should be a positive experience that empowers you, giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed.
You should feel safe to speak up if you notice any inappropriate behaviour, even if it involves the coach. It’s essential that you can express your feelings if you are unhappy or worried about something in the environment.
Be aware of the following warning signs that may indicate an unsafe environment:
If you notice any of these signs or feel uncomfortable, it’s important to speak up and seek support. Your safety and well-being should always come first.
Your club or organisation should provide clear guidelines on expected behaviour, often outlined in a document known as the Code of Conduct. This ensures everyone understands what is acceptable and helps maintain a positive environment.
Every parkour club and organisation has rules designed to keep you safe. It’s important to familiarise yourself with these rules and adhere to them to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Respect is fundamental in creating a supportive community. You should treat everyone with kindness and consideration, including coaches, volunteers, and fellow participants. By fostering mutual respect, we can all enjoy a positive and inclusive parkour experience.
If you’re feeling worried about bullying, abuse, or your mental health, it’s important to talk about it. You can reach out for support whether your concerns arise at home, during a parkour class, or anywhere else. If you don’t feel safe or if something inappropriate happens during a parkour class, please speak up.
You can share your concerns with your carer, social worker, key worker, or another trusted adult. This is important even if the issue involves a coach or someone significant at your club or gym.
If your club or gym has a Safeguarding or Welfare Officer, they are there to listen and help you. They know what steps to take and will provide support. While they may need to share what you’ve told them with someone else, rest assured that this will be done with confidentiality, only involving those whose job it is to keep you safe.
You can also reach out to Parkour UK for assistance by calling 07503 743852 (available during office hours) or by emailing safeguarding@parkour.uk. If you need immediate help, you can contact the police by calling 999 or you can reach out to Adult Social Care.
Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who care and want to help you.
For additional support and resources, including internal and external guidance on safeguarding and mental health, please visit our Resources Hub here. For general guidance and advice on bullying, online safety, or mental health, please visit these helpful websites:
