The positive effect of your support, as a parent, can’t be overstated. Your behaviour has a real influence on the way your child experiences aikido – or any sport
First things first – why is your child showing an interest in aikido? Is it to learn a new activity? To hang out with their friends? Because they did it in school and liked it?

Make sure they’re playing for their own reasons, not yours!

As a responsible parent/person with parental responsibility you will

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every aikidoka, coach, technical official and others involved in aikido and treat everyone equally
• Cooperate fully with others involved in aikido such as coaches, officials, and representatives of the governing body in the best interests of the child
• Consistently promote positive aspects of aikido such as fair play and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited or age-inappropriate substances
• Never place undue pressure on children to perform, participate or compete
• Check out the qualifications and licences of people who are coaching your child .
• Take an active interest in your child’s participation
• Attend training or competitions whenever possible
• Know exactly where your child will be and who they will be with at all times
• Never make assumptions about your child’s safety
• Ensure that your child does not take any unnecessary valuable items to training or competition
• Inform your child’s coach or team manager of any illness or disability that needs to be taken into consideration during training sessions
• Provide any necessary medication that your child needs during training or for trips to events
• Assume responsibility for safe transportation to and from training and competition
• Return any necessary written consent forms to the club, including next of kin details, health and medical requirements before your child goes to any away events or trips
• Report any concerns you have about your child’s or any other child’s welfare to the Club Welfare Officer, Association CPO or the BAB Lead Safeguarding Officer. (This does not affect your right to contact your local social services or the police if you feel it is necessary)

As a responsible parent/carer attending any aikido training/coaching sessions and other events you will:

• Act with dignity and display courtesy and good manners towards others
• Avoid swearing and abusive language and irresponsible behaviour including behaviour that is dangerous to yourself or others, acts of violence, bullying, harassment and physical and sexual abuse
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others
• Be aware that your attitude and behaviour directly affects the behaviour of your child and other young aikidoka
• Avoid destructive behaviour and leave dojo venues as you find them
• Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour
• Not carry or consume alcohol to excess and/or illegal substances.