Parkour should be fun, safe, and include everyone.
What should I expect from my parkour club or organisation? Your coaches should all be appropriately skilled and have had DBS checks to help you stay safe and have fun whilst practising parkour. Volunteers working at the club or organisation should also have received training and undergone a DBS check. Your club or organisation may have a Safeguarding or Welfare Officer and should have policies in place to ensure your safety.
The best clubs and organisations engage with you as much as possible and wish to hear your thoughts about what you like and dislike, as well as what you believe needs changing. Everyone’s views should be respected. Clubs and organisations should encourage participation from individuals of all backgrounds. If you need to speak to someone because you are unhappy, worried, or have a complaint, your concerns should be taken seriously.
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. Practicing parkour should be a positive experience that empowers you, giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed. Consider the following questions:
Reflecting on these questions can help you assess whether your training sessions are meeting your needs and providing a safe, enjoyable environment.
In your parkour class, it’s essential to feel comfortable speaking up if something isn’t right, even if it involves the coach. You should always be able to share your feelings if something makes you unhappy or worried. Consider the following questions:
Here are some signs that indicate the environment might not be as safe as it should be:
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to talk about your feelings and seek support. A safe environment should encourage open communication and foster a positive experience for everyone.
Your club should provide clear guidelines on expected behaviour, often outlined in a document called the Code of Conduct. This helps everyone understand what is acceptable and promotes a positive environment for all participants.
The club or organisation must have rules in place to ensure your safety and the safety of others. These rules are designed to create a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
If you’re feeling worried about bullying, abuse, or your mental health—whether it’s happening at home, during parkour, or anywhere else—it’s really important to talk about it. You should tell a parent, carer, or another trusted adult if you or one of your friends is being treated badly during a parkour session, no matter who is doing it.
If your club has a Safeguarding or Welfare Officer, or someone else you feel comfortable with, they are there to listen and help you. They will take you seriously and know what to do next. Sometimes, they might need to share what you tell them with someone who can help keep you safe, but don’t worry—they will keep it confidential.
You can also reach out to Childline by calling 0800 1111, or contact the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000, or the Police by calling 999. If you want to talk to someone from Parkour UK, you can call the Safeguarding Officer at 07503 743852 (during office hours) or email safeguarding@parkour.uk.
Remember, you’re not alone, and there are lots of people who care and want to help you! The following video may be helpful in breaking the silence around abuse:
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, visit these helpful websites:
Watch a short video on spotting the signs of mental ill-health and offering support:
