1. Purpose & Scope
The BMABA National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF) exists to establish clear, nationally recognised standards for the safe and fair delivery of martial arts events under BMABA oversight. Its primary purpose is to safeguard all participants, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults, while ensuring that events operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability. By setting out minimum expectations for governance, welfare, medical provision, and risk management, NMESGF provides assurance to clubs, participants, parents, and the wider public that martial arts events are delivered to a consistent and credible standard.
This framework applies to all individuals and organisations involved in the planning, delivery, or oversight of martial arts events operating under BMABA recognition. This includes event organisers, promoters, and clubs hosting competitions, as well as referees, officials, safeguarding leads, and medical teams. While it is designed to be universally applicable across all martial arts disciplines, NMESGF is style-agnostic: it respects the diversity of martial traditions while setting consistent, non-negotiable benchmarks for safety and governance.
By situating event organisation within a structured governance framework, NMESGF also provides credibility for insurance coverage, strengthens Regulation Ready and Club Colours assurance processes, and aligns martial arts practice with the expectations of statutory safeguarding bodies, insurers, and sector regulators.
While the NMESGF is primarily designed as a benchmark for individuals and organisations in positions of authority within an event — such as promoters, hosting clubs, or event managers — it is also intended to guide those attending events in a non-authority capacity. Instructors, clubs, or designated responsible persons accompanying students to third-party events remain bound by the same safeguarding-first principles and are expected to apply this framework to their due diligence and advocacy duties. Section 6 of this framework sets out specific expectations for visiting events, but the overarching standards contained in NMESGF remain relevant to both hosts and attendees alike.
2. Principles of Event Governance
All martial arts events operating under the BMABA National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF) must be delivered in accordance with a clear set of core values that place participant welfare and safeguarding at the heart of event governance. The physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of every individual taking part is the guiding priority. No competitive, commercial, or organisational objective may override this responsibility.
Safeguarding remains a non-negotiable duty. Children, young people, and adults at risk must be protected at all times, but welfare extends further — encompassing every participant, coach, official, and volunteer. This includes ensuring safe physical conditions, providing emotional support in moments of stress or disappointment, and respecting the psychological dignity of those who compete, regardless of outcome.
Event governance must also be guided by the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Every participant, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, faith, or background, must be afforded the same protection, respect, and opportunity to participate safely. Discrimination or exclusion in any form is incompatible with this framework and will be treated as a breach of duty.
Fairness and transparency extend beyond competition results to include event planning, matchmaking, communication with participants and parents, and the handling of safeguarding or welfare concerns. All decisions must be impartial, evidence-based, and capable of withstanding review or audit.
These principles align NMESGF with wider BMABA governance, including the National Safeguarding Policy, the Concussion & Head Injury Management Policy (CHIMA), the Regulation Ready initiative, and Club Colours assurance. They also reflect statutory safeguarding obligations, insurance requirements, and sector benchmarks set by organisations such as Sport England, CIMSPA, and the Martial Arts Safeguarding Group.
Together, these principles form the ethical and professional foundation of every martial arts event under BMABA recognition, ensuring that governance is not only effective but trusted by participants, parents, regulators, and the wider public.
3. Eligibility & Prerequisites for Event Organisers
Only individuals or organisations who meet defined eligibility criteria may host or deliver martial arts events under BMABA NMESGF recognition. These criteria ensure that every event reflects BMABA’s standards of safety, welfare, and integrity.
⚠️ Important Notice on Language and Representation
Compliance with the National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF) confirms that an organiser has met BMABA’s minimum governance standards, but it does not imply that BMABA has hosted, endorsed, or directly approved the event. Organisers must not describe their events as “BMABA Approved,” “BMABA Licensed,” or use any similar language that could mislead participants or the public. The only permitted phrasing is:
“BMABA NMESGF Compliant” or
“Compliant with the BMABA National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework”.
This ensures transparency and avoids any confusion between compliance with BMABA frameworks and formal endorsement by BMABA CIC.
Event organisers must be current BMABA members in good standing, with all membership, licensing, and compliance obligations fully up to date. As a minimum threshold, organisers must hold a Bronze or higher Regulation Ready rating, demonstrating that their club or organisation meets BMABA’s essential safeguarding, governance, and compliance benchmarks. Whilst we appreciate this may seem burdensome, the Regulation Ready framework ensures a solid baseline of safeguarding, professional standards and policy frameworks at club level which we know from our research and experience will then follow over to club run events.
In addition, organisers must hold valid and appropriate insurance that extends to the hosting of martial arts events, including public liability for spectators or visitors of the event, as well as suitable referee cover. Insurance documentation must be made available to BMABA upon request as part of sanctioning or audit procedures.
Safeguarding requirements are non-negotiable. Every event must appoint a trained and vetted Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensure all relevant staff and volunteers have appropriate DBS/PVG checks, and have a safeguarding plan in place that complies with BMABA’s National Safeguarding Policy.
Finally, the lead organiser must have successfully completed the BMABA Event Ready Award (or an equivalent qualification formally recognised by BMABA). This ensures that those responsible for planning and delivering events have demonstrated competence in risk assessment, safeguarding oversight, medical planning, and governance in line with the National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF).
4. Governance Authority
Event organisers operating under the National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF) hold ultimate authority for the safe and lawful delivery of their event. This authority extends beyond the competitive area and encompasses all aspects of planning, organisation, and oversight. Organisers are therefore accountable for ensuring that safeguarding, medical provision, insurance, and governance standards are met in full.
With this authority comes responsibility. Organisers are expected to establish and maintain clear lines of accountability within their event team, ensuring that duties such as safeguarding, medical oversight, and officiating are properly delegated to competent individuals. While certain responsibilities may be shared with referees, officials, or safeguarding leads, the organiser retains overall responsibility for the integrity and safety of the event.
Organisers must also respect the Stated-Once-Stand principle when invoked by referees or officials. This means that any safety, welfare, or safeguarding decision taken by an official — such as halting a contest or withdrawing a participant — is binding and cannot be overturned, even in the face of commercial, competitive, or audience pressure. The organiser’s duty is to uphold, not undermine, these decisions.
To support transparency, organisers should:
Ensure all staff, volunteers, and participants understand the organiser’s role as the ultimate authority for event governance.
Document and communicate chains of command for safeguarding, medical provision, and officiating.
Provide clear escalation routes for concerns, ensuring that participants and parents know who to approach if they have welfare or safety issues.
5. Pre-Event Responsibilities
No martial arts event should proceed unless all required pre-event responsibilities have been completed to a satisfactory standard. Organisers are accountable for ensuring that events are planned and delivered with safeguarding, welfare, and safety as the guiding priorities.
5.1 Event Objectives and Format
Organisers must define the purpose, scale, and structure of the event. Categories (e.g., age, weight, gender, experience) must be clearly set out in advance, with rules published and accessible to all participants, parents, and officials. Formats such as knockout or round-robin must be selected with safety and fairness in mind.
5.2 Venue Selection & Safety
The venue must be suitable in size, layout, and facilities for the event. Organisers must confirm:
Adequate space for mats, rings, warm-up, and seating.
Accessibility for disabled participants and spectators.
Compliance with fire safety, emergency exits, and crowd management requirements.
Risk assessment of the venue, including head injury and concussion risks (e.g., floor surfaces, barriers).
5.3 Permissions and Licensing
Where necessary, organisers must secure permissions from local authorities and ensure the event complies with statutory requirements. All BMABA policies — including the Concussion & Head Injury Management Policy (CHIMA) and the National Safeguarding Policy — must be integrated into planning.
5.4 Insurance
Organisers must ensure that:
Instructor public liability insurance is valid and extends to coaching/supervision.
Event insurance is in place, covering spectators, volunteers, and property.
All participants sign an Assumption of Risk (AoR) form, tailored to the event format, confirming awareness of inherent risks.
5.5 Risk Assessment & Mitigation
A comprehensive risk assessment must be completed prior to the event, with specific focus on:
Head injury and concussion risks.
Crowd management and venue safety.
Emergency evacuation routes.
Equipment safety checks.
Mitigation strategies must be implemented and documented.
5.6 Medical Provision
Events must provide:
Qualified first aid or medical personnel in proportion to event scale.
A designated first aid station with clear signage.
An AED (defibrillator) on site.
A plan for escalation to emergency medical services.
Medical briefings for referees and officials.
Medical provision must be documented and communicated in advance, with the organiser responsible for verifying staff qualifications.
5.7 Safeguarding & DSL
A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) must be appointed for the event. The DSL must:
Hold safeguarding training recognised by BMABA.
Be clearly introduced to participants, coaches, and referees.
Maintain responsibility for managing disclosures and concerns on the day.
Organisers must also confirm DBS/PVG checks for all relevant staff and ensure parental consent has been secured for under-18 participants.
5.8 Registration & Matchmaking
Organisers must establish transparent, documented procedures for:
Participant registration and identity checks.
Verification of weights, categories, and eligibility.
Matchmaking processes that prioritise safety over spectacle.
Checks that ensure no prior Concussion or RtP sit-out process is live.
5.9 Event Briefings
Organisers must provide pre-event briefings for:
Participants (rules, signals, safeguarding, medical provision).
Coaches and corners (expected conduct, escalation routes).
Officials and referees (event-specific rules and responsibilities).
Clear, consistent communication at this stage is a non-negotiable expectation.
6. Visiting Events – Instructor & Club Responsibilities
The National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF) recognises that not all clubs and instructors will act as event organisers. Many will attend third-party or externally hosted events where they hold no formal authority over governance or delivery. In these circumstances, the responsibility for student welfare and safeguarding does not transfer to the event organiser. Instructors and clubs retain an ongoing duty of care to the students under their supervision.
6.1 Pre-Event Due Diligence
Before attending any event, instructors must take reasonable steps to satisfy themselves that the host has:
Appropriate event insurance and public liability cover, and confirmation that referees and officials are specifically insured for officiating duties.
Adequate safeguarding provision, including an appointed Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and assurance that all staff in positions of responsibility (e.g., referees, coaches, volunteers) have valid DBS/PVG or equivalent checks.
Medical cover proportionate to the scale and risk of the event, including at least one qualified first aider or medic trained in concussion management, a designated first aid station, and an on-site AED.
Clear, transparent categories and matchmaking procedures that prioritise participant safety, with published rules available in advance.
Instructors are expected to document their due diligence (e.g., notes, emails, checklists) to demonstrate compliance with BMABA governance requirements. Where due diligence raises concerns, instructors must not permit their students to attend. Failure to conduct or document such checks may be treated as a breach of duty under BMABA governance.
It is also vital that before events, the club ensures there is a designated and properly ready Participant Advocate & Safe Adult (PASA) in place for all attendees.
6.2 Duty of Care During Events
Every participant attending an event under the NMESGF must have a designated Participant Advocate & Safe Adult (PASA) assigned to them for the duration of the event. This applies equally to children, young people, and adults, including non-at-risk adults, as safeguarding and welfare responsibilities remain universal.
The PASA is formally responsible for the welfare and safeguarding oversight of the participant(s) in their care. While the ratio of PASAs to participants may vary depending on the nature of the event, risk profile, and participant demographics, the following principles apply:
One-to-Many Allowed: A single PASA may be responsible for multiple participants (e.g., an instructor overseeing their adult students at a non-contact event, or a parent accompanying several children at a junior kata tournament).
Event- and Context-Based: At full-contact or higher-risk events, the PASA should usually be a suitably experienced coach or senior instructor positioned in the corner, empowered to make welfare decisions (e.g., throwing in the towel). At lower-risk or non-contact events, a parent, assistant, or designated volunteer may act as PASA for several children, provided ratios are appropriate.
No Participant Without a PASA: Under no circumstances may a participant attend or compete without a designated PASA responsible for their welfare.
The PASA must:
Make themselves visible and accessible so participants know who to approach with concerns or distress.
Ensure students understand the rules, referee signals, and expectations for participation.
Actively monitor participants not only during competition but also in warm-up, waiting, and spectator areas to safeguard against risks outside the ring or mat.
Identify welfare or safeguarding concerns and escalate them promptly to the event DSL.
Retain full authority to withdraw participants where safety, welfare, or safeguarding is compromised, regardless of organiser, official, or coach pressure.
Escalate directly to BMABA or statutory safeguarding authorities if the DSL is absent or fails to act.
Remain contactable by parents or guardians throughout the event, ensuring clear and timely communication.
The PASA role is binding and non-transferable for the duration of the event. Where a group or club attends, the lead instructor or organiser must ensure that every participant has a clearly assigned PASA and that this is logged during registration or check-in.
6.3 Concussion & Medical Responsibility
The designated Participant Advocate & Safe Adult (PASA) must ensure that BMABA’s Concussion & Head Injury Management Policy (CHIMA) is upheld for every participant under their care, regardless of whether the host event enforces equivalent standards. Welfare obligations cannot be delegated to the organiser.
The PASA must:
Withdraw Immediately any participant suspected of sustaining a concussion or serious head injury, applying the principle “If in doubt, sit them out.”
Refuse Return-to-Play unless the participant has been formally cleared by a qualified medical professional on site. Under no circumstances may a participant re-enter competition based on coach, organiser, parental, or personal pressure.
Ensure Post-Event Protocols are followed in full, including Return-to-Play (RtP) sit-out periods, medical assessments, and clearance before resuming training or competition.
Document and Escalate all suspected concussions, recording actions taken and notifying the club, parents/guardians (if applicable), and BMABA where appropriate.
Where adequate medical provision is absent or fails to act, the PASA has the authority and duty to withdraw their participant(s) from competition and escalate concerns as a safeguarding issue (see Section 8).
6.4 Safeguarding Oversight
The designated Participant Advocate & Safe Adult (PASA) acts as the first point of contact for any safeguarding disclosures, concerns, or welfare issues raised by the participant(s) in their care during an event. This responsibility applies equally to children, young people, and adults, including non-at-risk adults, as safeguarding duties extend to all participants.
The PASA must:
Listen and Record Factually: Receive disclosures or concerns calmly, without judgement or leading questions. Notes must be factual, accurate, and recorded as soon as possible.
Report Immediately: Escalate concerns to the host event’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at the earliest opportunity, ensuring that action is taken without delay.
Escalate if Necessary: Where the DSL is absent, unresponsive, or fails to act appropriately, the PASA must escalate directly to BMABA’s safeguarding officers or to statutory authorities (e.g., police, local authority). This escalation must occur without fear of reprisal or sanction.
Prioritise the Participant: Ensure that disclosures or concerns are managed with dignity, confidentiality, and respect for the participant’s safety and wellbeing. Information should only be shared on a strict need-to-know basis.
The PASA role is not optional: no participant should attend or compete at an event without a designated advocate to safeguard their welfare. This ensures that every competitor has a trusted adult available to speak on their behalf and take immediate action if concerns arise.
6.5 Communication with Parents & Guardians
Where children or young people are participating in an event, the designated Participant Advocate & Safe Adult (PASA) must ensure that parents or guardians are fully informed of the event’s risks, safeguarding arrangements, and welfare provisions before participation takes place. In reality, this may be the club's responsibility if the PASA is not the lead instructor or part of the core team; but the PASA is to ensure this communication has taken place.
Parents and guardians must be clearly notified of:
Who the PASA is: The name and role of the adult formally responsible for their child during the event.
How to make contact: The method by which the PASA (or event safeguarding team) can be reached during the event, including in the case of an incident, withdrawal, or safeguarding concern.
Event safeguards: The presence of a DSL, medical cover, concussion protocols, and BMABA-aligned safeguarding standards.
Withdrawal processes: The PASA’s authority to withdraw a child from competition if safety, welfare, or safeguarding is compromised — even if parents, organisers, or coaches disagree.
Where parents or guardians are unable to attend in person, the PASA must act as their proxy, ensuring that all welfare decisions are made in the best interests of the child and that timely communication with parents/guardians is maintained.
This communication requirement ensures that parents and guardians are not left uncertain about who is directly responsible for their child’s safety and wellbeing during events, reinforcing confidence in both the PASA role and the NMESGF framework.
6.6 Withdrawal Authority
The designated Participant Advocate & Safe Adult (PASA) retains full authority to withdraw their student(s) from a bout, category, or the event entirely where safety, welfare, or safeguarding is compromised. This includes situations involving:
Suspected concussion or serious injury.
Unsafe or inappropriate matchmaking.
Failure of the organiser to provide adequate safeguarding or medical provision.
Any situation where the participant expresses distress, refusal, or withdrawal of consent.
This authority is absolute and protected by BMABA’s safeguarding-first principle and the Stated-Once-Stand rule: once a PASA withdraws a participant, the decision is binding and cannot be overturned by organisers, referees, coaches, or parents.
Attempts to undermine, delay, or override a PASA’s decision to withdraw will be treated as a safeguarding breach and may trigger disciplinary action under BMABA governance.
The PASA must record the withdrawal and provide a brief rationale, ensuring accountability and safeguarding traceability in the event’s official records.
7. Conduct During Events
All martial arts events delivered under the NMESGF must be conducted in a manner that reflects the highest standards of professionalism, welfare, and integrity.
Organisers, staff, volunteers, and appointed officials are collectively responsible for ensuring that participants, spectators, and the wider martial arts community are protected from harm and that the event is managed with transparency and fairness.
7.1 Behaviour of Organisers, Staff, and Volunteers
Organisers must set the tone for professional conduct throughout the event. Staff and volunteers are expected to act respectfully, impartially, and consistently in all interactions with participants, coaches, and spectators. Any form of abuse, discrimination, intimidation, or favouritism is strictly prohibited. Behaviour must reflect BMABA’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding standards.
7.2 Supervision of Children and Vulnerable Adults
Children, young people, and vulnerable adults must be supervised at all times. Organisers are responsible for ensuring adequate staffing and supervision ratios, and for confirming that all individuals in positions of responsibility have undergone appropriate safeguarding checks (e.g., DBS/PVG). Unsupervised access to participants by unauthorised adults must be prevented.
7.3 Crisis Management and Emergency Procedures
Every event must have a clear crisis management plan covering medical emergencies, safeguarding incidents, fire or venue evacuations, and other major risks. All staff and volunteers must be briefed on emergency procedures, and key roles (e.g., DSL, medical officer, chief referee) must be easily identifiable and accessible. Organisers must ensure that all participants and spectators can exit safely and that emergency services can be contacted without delay.
7.4 Oversight of Officials, Coaches, and Corners
Organisers retain oversight of the behaviour and compliance of referees, judges, coaches, and corners. Officials must be supported in applying rules consistently and without interference, and organisers must intervene where inappropriate conduct by coaches or corners compromises safety or integrity. Where necessary, organisers must authorise removal of individuals from the competition area in line with safeguarding and governance protocols.
7.5 Spectator and Crowd Management
Spectator areas must be managed to prevent overcrowding, hostility, or interference with competition. Abuse, intimidation, or threatening behaviour by spectators must not be tolerated and should result in removal from the venue. Organisers must ensure that families, children, and vulnerable groups are able to watch safely without fear of harm or harassment.
8. Safeguarding & Welfare Duties
Safeguarding is the overriding priority of the National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF). All organisers, staff, officials, and volunteers share responsibility for protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm. No competitive, commercial, or organisational interest may outweigh the duty to safeguard participants.
8.1 Appointment of Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
Every event must appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The DSL must:
Hold appropriate safeguarding training to a DSL standard and suitable vetting (e.g., enhanced DBS/PVG within an acceptable valid-from period).
Be clearly identifiable and accessible to participants, coaches, referees, and PASAs.
Act as the first point of contact for all safeguarding disclosures, concerns, or welfare incidents.
Maintain direct reporting lines to BMABA safeguarding officers and statutory agencies.
The appointment of a DSL is non-negotiable. Events without a DSL cannot be considered compliant with NMESGF.
8.2 Managing Disclosures & Mandatory Reporting
Where safeguarding concerns or disclosures arise, organisers and staff must:
Listen calmly, avoid leading questions, and record concerns factually.
Escalate immediately to the event DSL.
Where the DSL is absent or fails to act, escalate directly to BMABA or statutory agencies (police, local authority).
Confidentiality must be maintained, with information shared only on a strict need-to-know basis. Failure to act on disclosures will be treated as a safeguarding breach.
8.3 Concussion & Head Injury Management (CHIMA Integration)
All events must comply with BMABA’s Concussion & Head Injury Management Policy (CHIMA). Organisers are responsible for ensuring that:
Medical cover includes staff trained to identify and manage concussion.
The principle “If in doubt, sit them out” is applied universally.
Participants suspected of concussion are withdrawn and not permitted to return.
Return-to-Play (RtP) protocols are implemented post-event.
Referees, PASAs, and coaches all retain independent authority to enforce concussion withdrawal, but organisers hold ultimate responsibility for ensuring CHIMA compliance is built into event planning and delivery.
8.4 Safeguarding-First Overrides
Organisers must ensure that safeguarding-first decisions can override competition flow. This includes:
Halting or suspending bouts where welfare is compromised.
Allowing referees, PASAs, or the DSL to withdraw participants without interference.
Pausing or cancelling the event if minimum safeguarding or medical standards are not met.
The Stated-Once-Stand principle applies: once a safeguarding decision is made by an authorised person (DSL, referee, or PASA), it cannot be overturned by organisers, promoters, or senior officials.
9. Medical & Concussion Protocols
Medical provision is a core duty of event governance. No event can be considered compliant with NMESGF unless proportionate, qualified, and clearly identifiable medical cover is in place. Organisers are responsible for ensuring that medical standards meet or exceed BMABA requirements and reflect the scale and risk profile of the event.
9.1 Minimum Standards of Medical Cover
Every event must have qualified first aid or medical personnel present and clearly designated throughout the competition.
Medical provision must be appropriate to the risk level: for example, full-contact events require higher-level medical presence (e.g., paramedics or doctors) compared to non-contact kata or forms tournaments.
A clearly marked first aid station must be established, equipped, and staffed for the duration of the event. This may be a simple stall or designated table in smaller interclub non-contact tournaments, and will of course scale up as appropriate based on the scale and risk-profile of the event.
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must be present at all BMABA-recognised events.
9.2 Required Qualifications of Medical Staff
At minimum, staff must hold a recognised first aid qualification covering trauma and head injuries.
For contact events, medical staff should include individuals with advanced pre-hospital care qualifications (e.g., paramedics, sports medics, or equivalent).
All medical personnel must be briefed on BMABA’s Concussion & Head Injury Management Policy (CHIMA) and safeguarding escalation routes before the event.
For the avoidance of doubt: At any event where the ruleset permits strikes to the head or other forms of head contact, a basic first aid or class-level/instructor-level first aid award is not sufficient. Such events require the presence of a formally qualified medical professional — such as a paramedic, doctor, or equivalent — with the competence to identify, treat, and manage concussion, head trauma, and serious injuries in real time.
9.3 Concussion Identification & Immediate Response
The principle “If in doubt, sit them out” must be universally applied.
Any participant suspected of concussion must be immediately removed from competition and referred to medical personnel.
Re-entry to competition is prohibited under all circumstances unless cleared by a suitably qualified medical professional, and only where this is compatible with CHIMA.
Where medical clearance is unavailable, participants must remain withdrawn.
9.4 Return-to-Play (RtP) Protocols
Organisers must ensure that post-event RtP protocols are followed in full.
Participants removed for suspected concussion must not return to training or competition until cleared by a medical professional in line with BMABA CHIMA sit-out periods.
Clubs and instructors are responsible for enforcing ongoing RtP compliance, but organisers must document and notify them of any withdrawals.
9.5 Documentation of Medical Incidents
All medical interventions, injuries, and withdrawals must be logged in the official event records.
Documentation must include the participant’s details, nature of the incident, actions taken, and referral outcomes.
Records must be retained securely in line with GDPR and shared with BMABA for compliance audits where required.
10. Documentation & Record-Keeping
Comprehensive documentation is essential to ensure accountability, traceability, and compliance with NMESGF standards. Organisers must maintain accurate, secure, and accessible records for every BMABA-recognised event. These records form part of BMABA’s audit trail and may be reviewed during Regulation Ready or Club Colours compliance checks.
10.1 Required Event Records
Organisers must ensure that the following records are created and retained:
Risk Assessments – including general event risk assessments and specific concussion/head injury risk assessments.
Bout Sheets / Match Records – recording pairings, outcomes, referee decisions, and withdrawals.
Medical Logs – documenting all injuries, interventions, and concussion withdrawals, with referral details where applicable.
Safeguarding Records – including disclosures, welfare interventions, or safeguarding escalations to DSLs, BMABA, or statutory authorities.
Insurance Documentation – confirmation of public liability insurance, referee/official cover, and any event-specific insurance.
PASA Assignments – records of designated Participant Advocates & Safe Adults responsible for attending participants (see Section 6).
10.2 Integration with BMABA Frameworks
Event documentation must align with wider BMABA governance requirements:
Regulation Ready – records should demonstrate that the event meets Bronze or higher standards, including safeguarding, medical provision, and governance checks.
Club Colours – documentation of referee and official assignments, safeguarding logs, and participant welfare interventions must integrate with Club Colours monitoring for accountability and insurance traceability.
10.3 Storage and Data Protection
All records must be stored securely, in compliance with GDPR and BMABA data protection requirements.
Safeguarding and medical records must be treated as sensitive personal data and only shared on a strict need-to-know basis.
Records must be retained for a minimum of six years, or longer where safeguarding or insurance considerations require.
10.4 Availability for Audit
BMABA reserves the right to audit event records as part of compliance monitoring. Organisers must make records available on request within reasonable timeframes. Failure to provide adequate documentation may result in sanctions under Section 14 (Enforcement & Sanctions).
11. Professional Conduct & Standards of Organisers
Event organisers set the tone for the culture and credibility of martial arts competition. Under NMESGF, organisers are required to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct at all times, ensuring that events are safe, inclusive, and consistent with BMABA’s safeguarding-first ethos.
11.1 Expected Behaviours
Organisers, staff, and volunteers must:
Act with professionalism, respect, and impartiality in all dealings with participants, parents, coaches, referees, and spectators.
Ensure that decision-making is transparent, evidence-based, and free from personal, commercial, or competitive bias.
Promote a culture of safety, fairness, equality, and inclusion throughout the event.
Cooperate fully with referees, PASAs, DSLs, and medical staff in safeguarding or welfare-related decisions.
Provide clear communication before, during, and after the event regarding rules, expectations, and procedures.
11.2 Prohibited Behaviours
The following behaviours are strictly prohibited under NMESGF:
Coercion of participants, referees, or PASAs to continue in unsafe or inappropriate circumstances.
Negligence in safeguarding, medical provision, or risk assessment.
Unsafe matchmaking, including mismatches of age, weight, or experience.
Interference with referees’ or PASAs’ safeguarding decisions (see Sections 4.5 and 6.6).
Ignoring or downplaying safeguarding disclosures or welfare concerns.
Discriminatory, abusive, or inappropriate conduct by organisers, staff, or volunteers.
Facilitating or permitting participation by individuals without appropriate insurance, safeguarding clearance, or medical provision.
11.3 Accountability for Event Culture
Organisers hold ultimate accountability for the culture of their event. They must ensure that all staff, volunteers, and contractors understand and comply with NMESGF standards. A failure of culture — for example, tolerating intimidation, discrimination, or unsafe practices — will be treated as a failure of governance and may lead to BMABA sanctions under Section 14.
11.4 Duty of Leadership
Organisers must lead by example, modelling respectful, welfare-first behaviour. This includes ensuring that spectators, parents, and external stakeholders experience the event as safe, inclusive, and professional.
12. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Event organisers operating under the NMESGF must commit to ongoing professional development to ensure that their knowledge, skills, and practice remain current with evolving safeguarding, medical, and governance standards.
12.1 Purpose of CPD
CPD ensures that organisers maintain competence in key areas of event delivery, including safeguarding law, concussion management, welfare-first decision-making, and risk governance. It also reinforces consistency with BMABA’s standards, sector benchmarks (e.g., Sport England, CIMSPA, MASG), and evolving best practice across the wider sports landscape.
12.2 Core CPD Requirements
Organisers must:
Complete refresher training for the BMABA Event Ready Award at intervals set by BMABA.
Undertake regular safeguarding updates in line with statutory requirements and BMABA’s National Safeguarding Policy.
Stay informed of developments in concussion science and implement any revisions to the Concussion & Head Injury Management Policy (CHIMA).
Participate in BMABA workshops, webinars, or training modules designed to support event safety and governance.
12.3 Revalidation Cycle
To remain recognised under NMESGF, event organisers must undergo a BMABA-led revalidation process on a rolling cycle. This process may include:
Submission of evidence of CPD completion.
Review of event documentation and compliance records (see Section 10).
Confirmation of ongoing Regulation Ready status (Bronze or above).
Any additional requirements specified by BMABA in response to sector developments.
Failure to complete CPD or revalidation may result in suspension or withdrawal of NMESGF recognition for the organiser until requirements are met.
13. Alignment with NROS
The National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF) operates in direct alignment with the National Refereeing & Officiating Standards (NROS). Together, these frameworks ensure that both the governance of events and the conduct of officials are integrated, consistent, and safeguarding-led.
13.1 Shared Responsibility
Event organisers and referees share responsibility for delivering safe, fair, and transparent competition. While organisers oversee governance, risk management, and safeguarding provision, referees hold authority within the bout itself to protect participant welfare and enforce competition rules. Both roles are essential and complementary, and neither can function in isolation from the other.
13.2 Respect for Referee Authority
Organisers must respect and enforce the authority of referees as defined in NROS. This includes recognising the Stated-Once-Stand principle, which protects referee stoppages and safeguarding decisions from being overturned. Organisers are responsible for ensuring that no individual — whether a promoter, coach, or spectator — undermines or interferes with a referee’s authority.
13.3 Safeguarding and Welfare Interlock
Both NMESGF and NROS embed safeguarding and welfare as the overriding priority. Organisers must provide the structures — such as DSLs, medical cover, and PASAs — that enable referees to act effectively. In turn, referees must exercise their authority in alignment with the safeguarding-first provisions of NMESGF. Together, this interlock ensures that safeguarding operates seamlessly across both event and in-bout levels.
13.4 Accountability Across Frameworks
Where disputes, appeals, or safeguarding breaches arise, BMABA will review compliance with both NMESGF and NROS in tandem. Organisers and referees may be held jointly accountable where failures occur due to poor communication, inadequate governance, or disregard for shared responsibilities.
14. Enforcement & Sanctions
Compliance with the National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF) is mandatory for all organisers delivering events within the framework, and any attached certification, licencing or insurance. BMABA retains the right to audit, investigate, and sanction organisers where breaches of this framework occur.
14.1 Audit and Oversight
BMABA may conduct audits of event documentation, safeguarding logs, medical records, and insurance compliance either routinely or in response to concerns. Organisers must provide requested records within reasonable timeframes (see Section 10).
14.2 Investigation of Breaches
Where safeguarding incidents, governance failures, or participant welfare concerns are reported, BMABA will investigate. Investigations may involve reviewing event records, interviewing staff and officials, and consulting with participants or parents.
14.3 Proportionate Sanctions
Sanctions for breaches of NMESGF will be applied proportionately to the severity and nature of the incident. Possible outcomes include:
Advisory or Retraining Requirements – for minor breaches where improvement is achievable.
Formal Warning – recorded against the organiser’s compliance record.
Mandatory Retraining or CPD – including refresher of the Event Ready Award.
Suspension of Event Sanctioning – preventing further BMABA-recognised events until compliance is restored.
Removal of BMABA Membership – in cases of serious, repeated, or wilful breaches.
14.4 Safeguarding-First Enforcement
Where breaches place children, young people, or vulnerable adults at risk, BMABA may escalate matters immediately to statutory safeguarding agencies, including local authorities or police, alongside internal sanctions.
14.5 Appeals Process
Organisers subject to sanction have the right to appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 days of sanction notification. Appeals will be reviewed by an independent BMABA governance panel, whose decision will be final.
15. Review & Policy Updates
The National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF) is a living document that must remain responsive to developments in safeguarding law, concussion science, insurance requirements, and wider sector standards.
15.1 Annual Review
BMABA will conduct a formal review of NMESGF on an annual basis to ensure it continues to reflect best practice, regulatory expectations, and sector benchmarks.
15.2 Responsive Updates
Where significant developments occur — for example, changes in statutory safeguarding legislation, updates to the Concussion & Head Injury Management Policy (CHIMA), or new insurance requirements — NMESGF will be updated outside the annual cycle. These updates will take immediate effect.
15.3 Communication of Updates
BMABA will communicate all updates to organisers through official channels, including the BMABA Handbook, email notices, and training courses (e.g., Event Ready Award refreshers). Organisers are responsible for ensuring they remain up to date with changes.
15.4 Organiser Responsibility
It is the responsibility of every event organiser operating under NMESGF to review updates and implement them without delay. Failure to follow updated requirements may result in enforcement action under Section 14.
16. Terminology & Definitions
The following terms are defined for the purposes of the National Martial Arts Event Safety & Governance Framework (NMESGF). These definitions are binding within BMABA governance but do not prevent clubs or events from using traditional or cultural terms in practice.
16.1 Organiser
The individual or organisation with overall responsibility for planning, delivering, and governing the event. Holds ultimate accountability under NMESGF.
16.2 Promoter
An individual or organisation responsible for marketing, publicity, or commercial aspects of the event. Where separate from the organiser, promoters must still comply with NMESGF standards.
16.3 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The appointed safeguarding officer responsible for receiving disclosures, managing welfare concerns, and ensuring compliance with BMABA’s National Safeguarding Policy. The DSL must hold appropriate safeguarding training and clearance (e.g., enhanced DBS/PVG).
16.4 Medical Officer
A qualified professional (e.g., paramedic, doctor, advanced sports medic) with responsibility for immediate medical care at the event. Distinct from general first aiders.
16.5 Official
Any person formally appointed to oversee, regulate, or judge bouts, including referees, judges, timekeepers, or scorers. Officials must comply with the National Refereeing & Officiating Standards (NROS).
16.6 Event Team
The collective group of staff, volunteers, officials, referees, coaches, safeguarding officers, and medical personnel working under the authority of the organiser to deliver the event safely and in compliance with NMESGF.
16.7 Participant Advocate & Safe Adult (PASA)
A responsible adult (18+) formally assigned to one or more participants to act as their advocate and safeguarding contact during events. PASAs ensure welfare, safeguarding, and concussion protocols are upheld, and retain withdrawal authority for their assigned participants.