Safe Sparring Policy (05/01/2025)
As laid out by the International Combat Sports Association (ICSA) incorporating West Warwicks Boxing Club, Combat Sports Centre and the International Kickboxing Academy.
Sparring aims and objectives:
The ICSA recognises the value sparring has in the acquisition of skill within Combat Sports. The closer a training activity replicates a ‘live’ competitive situation, the higher benefit it will have for the participant. Given the nature of competitive Combat Sports, it is not possible to safely replicate live situations on a regular basis ie, the risks associated outweigh the benefits.
Types of Sparring
Technical Sparring/Partner drills
Specific predetermined techniques taught by the coach and performed a scheduled number of times and/or within a specific time frame at an agreed speed/level of power. Partners are compliant and acts in a semi passive role.
Conditioned Sparring
Predetermined rules or conditions are enforced by the coach with the objective of developing more specific skills or attributes. Common conditions would include:
No head contact
No face contact
Jab only to head
Straight techniques only
Roundhouse kicks only to head
Front hand/front leg only
Predetermined maximum % power
Open Sparring
Replicating live competitive situations with option to reduce maximum % of power. No limit on techniques that can be safely performed. Coach feedback is often ‘on the move’ so as to not interrupt the flow/pace of the sparring. Extra protective equipment must be worn (ie bigger gloves, thicker pads than those worn in competition).
Safety Equipment
Although specific to the Combat Sport discipline. The following general guidelines must be enforced by the supervising coach.
All protective equipment to fit correctly, be in good repair and manufactured by an approved brand
Hands wrapped correctly and groin guard protection worn (where applicable)
Well fitted gum shield
Gloves
For all ring sports, the following weight gloves are recommended:
12yrs and under/32kg and under- 10oz
13-15yrs/48kg and under- 12oz
13yrs and over/under 60kg- 14oz
16yrs and over/over 60kg- 16oz
Restrictions
In Kickboxing, K1 and other similar ring sports, head contact will not be permitted in any form of sparring on technical classes for participants under 12 years old and below Orange belt
Conditions must be placed on any participants 12-15 years, Orange belt and above
Participants under 10 years old must not participate in any open sparring
No aggressive sparring (ie. Displaying an intent to harm)
Dangerous, irresponsible techniques must not be used
Supervision
Kickboxing, K1 and other ring sports- sparring must be supervised by a licensed and insured instructor
Boxing sparring must be supervised by and England Boxing Level 2 Coach
Coaches & Instructors must enforce this policy when supervising sparring. They must be proactive and stop sparring immediately if they have any concerns.
Safety Time outs
Instructors and coaches must ensure that all participants be complicit and familiar with ‘safety time out’ in sparring
