Keeping your child safe in martial arts and boxing

Contact the NSPCC Helpline

You can contact our Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or by emailing [email protected] between 11am and 4pm, seven days a week. If you send an email when the service is closed, it won't be received, and we won't know that you've tried to get in touch.

If we have not yet responded to you and your concerns for the safety of a child increase, please contact the police or local Children’s Services directly. Please be assured that we'll action all contacts that our Helpline receives.

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Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.

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Learning more about your child's martial arts or boxing club can give you the confidence to ask questions if you're worried about anything. You and your child can then focus on having fun, taking part and competing.

How can you check martial arts clubs?

The Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts was created to help you search for martial arts clubs that can demonstrate high quality practices and are suitable for children or adults. Funded by the National Lottery, this code was launched in 2018 and is delivered through a group of partners, including the NSPCC.

If your child's club is part of a national governing body (NGB), they are required to work to strict practices that help keep your child safe. For example, checking staff criminal records, and having welfare contact leads and safeguarding policies. You can check this by looking on your club's website or asking the trainer.

If the club is not affiliated to an NGB, the code supports martial arts to work towards high-quality safeguarding practice. If it has met these standards, the club is able to display the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts logo.

Whether the club is part of an NGB or has met the code, it is not a guarantee that a club is safe. You should make your own judgement.

Choosing a martial arts club

Safe martial arts club quiz

Answer 10 questions about your child's martial arts or boxing club and learn what they should be doing to prioritise your child's wellbeing.

Build confidence in 3 minutes

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What makes a good club?

Good clubs work hard to keep your children safe in their care. Find out what they should have in place.

What safeguards should be in place?

Speaking out

If you see something that worries you, you should feel able to say something to your child's club staff or volunteers, including the club welfare officer.

Would you know what to look for?

Competitions and events

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5 questions to ask

All competitions are organised differently. A good club will be happy to answer your questions.

5 questions to ask

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Safe competition

Regardless of whether a competition is organised by a local club or NGB, all should have safeguards in place.

Signs of a safe competition

Your role as a parent

Things you can do to support your child before, during and after competitions.

What to do and say

Supporting your child

Helping through injury

Having to pause sport because of an injury can be frustrating for your child. Feel more confident in supporting their wellbeing and helping them recover.

Support their recovery