Parkour should be fun, safe, and include everyone.
If you are operating a parkour gym or organising an event and require safeguarding guidance, contact us at safeguarding@parkour.uk.
To make your club or organisation even safer and more supportive, think about these practical steps:
By taking these additional steps, you can create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone involved. A useful page to assess your club/organisation’s safeguarding effectiveness: Culture in Clubs & Groups Self Evaluation – Ann Craft Trust.
Coaches play a vital role in creating sessions that are enjoyable, inclusive, and focused on improving technique and performance. It’s important for clubs, volunteers, parents, and participants to be aware of any coaching practices that may fall short of expectations, develop into poor practices, or raise safeguarding concerns. Coaches should actively involve participants and parents or carers by encouraging them to ask questions and engage in the process, supporting both the coach and the participants.
As a gym owner or someone who runs a club or organisation, you hold a position of influence. Your leadership directly impacts the success of the organisation, as well as the enjoyment and safety of all participants. With this power comes responsibility. It’s crucial that your coaches feel comfortable approaching you or raising concerns without fear of retaliation if something doesn’t seem right.
Good coaches recognise that they are part of a larger team that includes clubs, parents, participants, and volunteers. They understand that everyone involved plays a role in the overall experience. Coaches should promote an environment where people feel empowered to speak up, challenge inappropriate behaviour, and intervene when necessary, rather than creating a permissive atmosphere.
When issues arise, it can often be because the coach holds too much power, which may discourage others from voicing their concerns or questioning poor practices for fear of negative consequences or being seen as failing.
The most effective clubs and organisations prioritise keeping parents informed about how to support their children and ensure their safety. They maintain regular communication with parents and carers regarding safeguarding matters.
Parents are encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas with the club or organisation. Additionally, clear expectations should be set for parents' behaviour towards participants and coaches during training sessions and events.
For more insights on enhancing parental involvement in your club, check out the recommendations for coaches provided on this page: How to improve parental involvement in your club: recommendations for coaches | CPSU.
Safeguarding should be a topic that children, young people, and adults are familiar with in your organisation—not just knowing who the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer is, but also understanding where to find more information. It’s essential to consult with and listen to young people and adults, particularly those at risk. Regularly seeking feedback through meetings, one-on-one chats, or surveys about the organisation's operations and coaching styles can be very beneficial. For more ideas, check out these resources:
Participants should be encouraged to ask questions and contribute their ideas to the club or organisation. Additionally, clear expectations for participant behaviour should be established. If you have a concern, it’s crucial to take action—safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a duty to protect and safeguard children and adults from abuse and neglect. Any allegations or suspicions of abuse, bullying behaviour, or poor practice must be addressed and reported.
Click here and here to learn more about the different types of abuse and signs to look out for in the sports environment. More information on abuse and poor practice can also be found in the Parkour UK Safe Sport Policy.
The following video may help break the silence around abuse.
The following short animation video shows you how to respond if a child tells you about experiencing abuse.
It is crucial that adults who work with children are able to respond supportively in the moment a child chooses to disclose, and to interact and communicate in a way that helps children feel listened to. The NSPCC’s "Let Children Know You’re Listening" animation outlines the key interpersonal skills that adults should use when a child discloses abuse and/or neglect, which can help make it clear they are listening and taking the child seriously.
For more information, visit NSPCC.
