Health & Safety of Students during training

MASTER SKEN ASSOCIATION

Health & Safety of Students during training (advice)

Author: Kru Yai Mike Richardson Version: 1.0 Updated: March 2024 Document Status: Issued

INTRODUCTION

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. It was developed several hundred years ago as a form of close-combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon. Muay Thai is sometimes referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” as it makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, thus using eight “points of contact”.

With centuries long history, Muay Thai has progressed and is now recognised in many countries worldwide. In recent years Muay Thai, both amateur and professional, has swept across the world and developed into a premier ring sport – a fighting art with no equal in terms of unarmed combat and spectator appeal, as well as being a form of self -defence and a fitness programme.

CONDUCTING A RISK ASSESSMENT

Conducting a risk assessment allows to identify the hazards present and to think of mitigating measures to reduce the risk. People have a right to be protected from harm which could be prevented.

A risk assessment enables the instructor to:

• Identify the hazards
• Determine the associated risks
• Prepare risk control action plan
• Determine who is responsible to implement the mitigating measures
• Review adequacy of action plan In order to create a safe environment, the instructor is required to carry out a risk assessment. A risk assessment is a process of evaluating the probability and consequences of injury arising from an identified hazard and determining the appropriate measures to reduce or remove the risk. For each location/gym there are two risk assessments required;

a) A generic risk assessment (Doc HS4) which covers the way the sport is taught under MSA b) A site specific risk assessment (Doc HS3), as every gym will be physically different

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SAFETY FOR MUAY THAI TRAINING

As with any sport, there is always the risk of accidental injury.

Students can choose to wear a head guard, elbow guards, shin guards, groin guards, body shields, gum shields and boxing gloves. Some safety equipment is mandatory for certain activities, for example; body shields for junior students whilst sparring.

Students below the age of 16 are strictly prohibited from punching or kicking to their opponent’s head during sparring, but may strike at head height in training using strikes to focus mitts or Thai pads under supervision and after receiving training in the safe use of this equipment. They are also not permitted to deliver elbow strikes to any part of the body, but may learn elbow technique under strict supervision and blows are to be delivered to the correct pad and after receiving training in the safe use of this equipment.

STUDENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

The foundations of Muay Thai is built on important pillars such as; tradition, respect, honour, discipline, trust, excellence & fair play. The following code of conduct shall be adhered by all trainees of Muay Thai;

• Observe the rules of Muay Thai at all times
• Learn, Observe and follow MSA Academy Rules at all times
• Ensure that Muay Thai is always conducted in a disciplined and sporting manner
• Co-operate in ensuring that the spirit of the rules of Muay Thai are upheld
• NEVER abuse, threaten or intimidate any other student, or instructor
• Conduct themselves in a manner that shall not adversely affect the good name of the sport of Muay Thai, the MSA brand or the gym RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS Students must be honest by, for example, informing the coach that they have a pre-existing medical condition or are not fit physically or mentally or both, for training or they require to take a break because they cannot handle the training rigor or the techniques to be performed are beyond their capability. Students must observe the safe practices of the sports. For example, avoid horseplay during training, stay hydrated, ensure that objects that may cause injury are removed, wear the required protective

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equipment whenever necessary, learn the skills progressively and pay attention to the correct and proper way of technique execution.

Students also have the responsibility of keeping themselves healthy by giving themselves sufficient rest and recovery period including quality sleep. They have to also watch their diet and avoid taking drugs or smoking and having contact with potential source of infection.

Students must renew annual insurance promptly, when requested, to insure continuity of member- to-member insurance.

SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR INSTRUCTORS

For students to have a safe training environment for the learning and enjoyment of Muay Thai, the instructor shall;

• Create and maintain a health and safety policy with risk assessments and emergency plans
• Observe the ‘generic’ MSA risk assessment which covers the safe teaching and training of Muay Thai across MSA gyms
• Develop and observe their ‘site specific’ risk assessment which covers the safe use of the physical location in which they teach Muay Thai
• Plan the training appropriate for the age, ability and development of the students
• Have a first-aid kit available, fully stocked with an adequate supply of the correct medical equipment and supplies
• Be prepared to summon professional medical help by having an emergency action plan
• Check the training area to make sure it is safe by removing hazards – for example, obstacles, obstructions or any equipment lying around, gaps between mats and wet patches
• Ensure that there is sufficient space for students to train and perform drills
• Ensure that the changing rom is clean and dry
• Be aware of any medical conditions or physical limitation of each participant
• Have the ability to adapt techniques for those with injuries or disabilities
• Ensure that trainees are fit, physically and mentally, for training
• Ensure trainees maintain the highest standard of personal hygiene including keeping fingernails short and grooming hair neatly
• Forbid the use of objects such as rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets and earrings
• Instil in the student the discipline of Muay Thai and the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play
• Conduct proper warm-up and cool-down
• Provide hydration breaks in training regime
• Allow adequate rest in between exercises based on the physical capacity of the trainees
• Remind participants who are feeling fatigue to take longer break or stop training, if required, for their well-being
• Increase work intensity gradually
• Introduce skills and exercises progressively
• Avoid exercises and techniques that are harmful and outdated
• Demonstrating techniques in a sequential manner where students learn at their own pace using proper stretching routines, matted flooring and protective safety equipment
• Use correct-fitting and approved protective gear for sparing,
• Ensure that participants use training equipment correctly and safely

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• Check training equipment to ensure that it is well-maintained and safe for use
• Ensure that participants know the rules
• Match participants according to size, physical maturity, skill level and experience
• Warn participants of inherent risks of difficult moves
• Forbid strictly horseplay and unruly behaviour
• Disallow violence and dangerous techniques
• Ensure that participants take care of minor injuries immediately so that they do not become major ones
• Keep records of injures that occur during training
• Stress the importance of observing safety practices when they are engaged in their own

training

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