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5 questions to ask competition organisers
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Competitions are an integral part of sport at every level. All competitions are organised differently and they can take place locally, nationally and internationally. If the sport has a high risk of serious injury, head injury or concussion (including martial arts, rugby, trampolining, horse riding or other contact sports), you should feel confident that the organisers are doing all they can to protect your child from harm.
A good club or competition organiser will be happy to answer your questions.
These questions will help you to know what the organisers are doing to help keep your child safe while taking part. These also feature on a poster that you can download and share with your sport club and other parents and carers.
If the organisation is connected to a national governing body (NGB), they should follow their NGB's rules. But any competition organiser may use their own rules.
Check what the rules are and make sure you’re happy with them. If you’re not happy, it’s OK to withdraw your child from the competition.
The organisers should be able to explain how and who will keep your child safe, including:
- who is first-aid trained and where they’ll be during the competition
- if there will be enhanced medical provision on site (this could be an ambulance with qualified paramedics)
- what happens in an emergency or if a child is injured
- who handles the safety of the event
- who to speak to if you have any worries
All adult staff and volunteers should understand the rules, be aware of head injury, and signs and symptoms of concussion. They should know how to respond and confidently manage the competition.
All staff and volunteers should have received appropriate training for their roles.
The organisers should confirm the protective clothing and equipment children must wear for competitions.
They should provide clear information about the rules and quality of such clothing and equipment to help reduce injuries.
Ask how children are grouped: is this by age, weight or skill level?
Make sure it’s fair and safe. If there are mixed ages or abilities, the physical safety of any young person may be put at risk when engaging in the activity with older (probably larger) competitors.
If you have any concerns, talk to the safeguarding lead.
Continue to explore our tips on supporting your child in martial arts and boxing.
About this page
This information has been written, revised and edited by the NSPCC Sport team. It's been reviewed by expert safeguarding professionals in collaboration with the martial arts sport sector.
Date created: October 2026
Date for review: October 2028