Essex’s First Parkour Park launched on Bank Holiday Monday, 30th May at Hadleigh Park, Benfleet.

The launch event is being co-ordinated by Active Essex with our members Southend Parkour.

Here’s a video of the Grand Opening from our members – Team Traceur

Staffordshire’s First Parkour Park launched onthis Saturday 2nd July 2016 at Burntwood Leisure Centre High Street, Chasetown, Burntwood, Staffordshire WS7 3XH  funded by Lichfield District Council.

If you’d like further information, advice or guidance on#ParkourParks please do contact us on [email protected] or 020 3544 5834 #MoreParkourParks

Elected directors will be appointed at our AGM on Saturday 9th July, 6pm in Edinburgh, Scotland. Members are advised to read through the election statements below in advance of the AGM. If you cannot attend the AGM it is advised that you download the Proxy Voting Form, complete and return this by 5pm on Friday 8th July 2016 to ensure you vote is cast and counted.

Nominee:           Dan Timms, JUMP Parkour

Seconder:           Brad Moss, Southend Parkour

Election Statement: 

I am a keen advocate for growth of Parkour in the UK and feel I can contribute positively to both the discipline and the NGB in the role of Elected Director. One of the areas I would strive to cultivate is the development of PKUK’s workforce. Facilitating the professional development of coaches will create organisations with greater capacity. This will allow more practitioners to access the discipline.

Currently I’m a director at JUMP Parkour and operate as a facility designer for Natural Sports. This has given me experience in many of the skill areas required for the role. Parts of my Masters degree were also dedicated to some of the skills required (notably business and marketing).

I am a friendly, outspoken person with a strong sense of community and fairness. I am also willing to work hard to produce results and leave a positive mark on the Parkour community.

[149 words]

Nominee:           Jade Shaw, ParkourDance

Seconder:         Jacob Peregrine-Wheller, West Coast Parkour

Election Statement: 

Jade Shaw is artistic director of Parkour Dance Company (CIC) that runs an academy, youth company, older people’s programme and professional performance collective in London. She has over 13 years experience of leading projects in education, community and performance contexts worldwide.

She strives to make parkour accessible to people from all walks of life for well-being & performance purposes. Her Forever Young programme deals with fall prevention and social isolation in seniors, Sacred Sons helps ‘at risk’ young men find purpose in their lives and the PKD Academy develops leadership qualities in young people.

As elected director Jade will build local and international partnerships, promote performance parkour, devise CPD workshops and be a voice for the female parkour community. She believes parkour can be used not only to heal, transform and catalyse the mind and body but also for positive social change.

[142 words]

• Limiting appointments of the Directors to two four year terms
• Setting two four year terms for Independent Directors, to keep this consistent with the Elected Directors
• Elected Directors for each Home Country (England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland)
• Limiting board appointments to a maximum one individual per member of organisation at any one time

Our new board stricture and composition:

With our new governance structure, vision and mission, we need individuals who can help develop and maintain Parkour UK’s strategic focus and direct the changing organisation towards its future.  Therefore we are now inviting nominations from Parkour UK members for the role of an Elected Director.         

Elected Directors are nominated for election by the Members, subject in each case to the approval of the Board. The election of Elected Directors shall be decided by votes cast by the Voting Members at the Annual General Meeting.

Following a skills audit of our existing board we have identified the following skills and experience we are looking for in particular and we therefore invite nominations from individuals who feel they have these skills to bring to the Board:

• Marketing;
• Legal and Governance;
• Leadership;
• Behaviour Change;
• Finance/Accountancy;
• HR skills;
• Digital technologies/social media;
• Commercial rights and/or sponsorship;
• Local Government/regional issues.

In line with our Equality and Diversity Policy we are keen to achieve a more diverse Board of Directors and would welcome applications from those communities under-represented on the Board, in particular women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

We can pay travel expenses and provide a full induction to the NGB’s work. Elected Directors will be expected to attend at least four to six Board meetings a year, which are normally held at the Parkour UK’s offices in Westminster, London.  In addition we would encourage your attendance at a number of Parkour UK meetings and events, as well as our members events.

If you would like to nominate or be nominated for the role of Elected Director you must first ensure that you are a member of a Parkour UK member organisation that has a valid 2016 membership. Organisations can renew their membership or join Parkour UK here.

ALL nominations must received by completing Elected Director Nomination Form 2016. Each nomination must have a Proposer and a Seconder both of which must be from Parkour UK members. The closing date for nominations is noon on Friday 1st July 2016.

If you would like further information about the nomination process please contact our CEO, Eugene Minogue on [email protected] or 020 3544 5834.

#GiveParkourAGo

This year Parkour UK have teamed up with Sport Relief to provide one lucky youth group with the chance to bag a visit from a special guest, Sebastien Foucan!

Here’s what you need to do to be in with a chance of winning:

Our Independent Directors are appointed by the Board (Elected Directors, Independent Directors and CEO) based on the relevant skills and experience we are seeking.  In order to apply for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have no association with an organisation in membership of Parkour UK at the time of your application. 

With our new governance structure, vision and mission, we need individuals who can help develop and maintain Parkour UK’s strategic focus and direct the changing organisation towards its future.  You would need to be able to make a commitment to Parkour UK and devote the necessary time, have strategic vision, independent judgement, an ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak your mind.

In particular, we are looking for an Independent Director who has skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Legal
• Finance/Accountancy
• HR skills
• Public relations
• Behaviour Change
• Digital technologies/social media
• Commercial rights and/or sponsorship
• Local Government/regional issues

Ideally, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• An impressive track record of success in the private, public and/or voluntary sector
• The ability to operate at Board level for a National Governing Body (NGB)
• A good understanding of the role that sport plays in society
• Ability to think creatively and strategically; the skills to challenge current thinking at Board level
• A clear commitment to improving diversity and equality and understanding the needs of under-represented groups in sport
• A good understanding of the UK’s sporting landscape.

In line with our Equality and Diversity Policy we are keen to achieve a more diverse Board of Directors and would welcome applications from those communities under-represented on the Board, in particular people from ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and women.

We can pay travel expenses and provide a full induction to the NGB’s work. You will be expected to attend at least four to six Board meetings a year, which are normally held at the Parkour UK’s offices in Westminster, London.  In addition we would encourage your attendance at a number of Parkour UK meetings and events, as well as our members events.

For more detailed information about Parkour UK and a list of the current Directors, please click here. For an informal discussion about the role of Independent Director please complete the interest form below, leaving your contact details and our Independent Chair, Stephen Mitchell will contact you directly.

Please send a covering letter stating your interest, suitability for the role of Independent Director and CV to Stephen Mitchell, Independent Chair, Parkour UK, 4^th Floor, Burwood House, 14-16 Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QT, or email to [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 5.00 pm on Wednesday 1^st June 2016. Interviews will be held in June with appointment being made at our AGM in July/August 2016.

#GiveParkourAGo

Parkour UK advocates and protects the rights and freedoms of Traceurs/Freerunners (practitioners) to practice our sport/discipline in the outdoors environment, providing this is done so in a safe, responsible and respectful manner.

The information, advice and guidance provided below has been developed for and with the community/practitioners. It is not designed to cover every scenario, therefore will continue to evolve and develop to meet the needs of the community/practitioners as well as the public.

What is Parkour / Freerunning / Art du Deplacement?

Parkour / Freerunning / Art du Deplacement is the non-competitive physical discipline of training to move freely over and through any terrain using only the abilities of the body, principally through running, jumping, climbing and quadrupedal movement. In practice it focuses on developing the fundamental attributes required for such movement, which include functional strength and fitness, balance, spatial awareness, agility, coordination, precision, control and creative vision.

It is a sport that encourages self-improvement on all levels, revealing one’s physical and mental limits while simultaneously offering ways to overcome them. It is a method of training one’s body and mind in order to be as completely functional, effective and liberated as possible in any environment.

The sport aims to build confidence, determination, self-discipline and self-reliance, and responsibility for one’s actions. It encourages humility, respect for others and for one’s environment, self-expression, community spirit, and the importance of play, discovery and safety at all times.

Training Areas

When selecting a training location there are a variety of factors that will not only enhance your experience and keep you safe, but will also ​help grow Parkour/Freerunning as a community, sport and activity that can be enjoyed and understood by everyone.

Always check the surfaces you are moving on, to ensure they are stable and appropriate for your movements and your level of experience. Check that the structures you are using are weight-bearing and can withstand the impacts you may expose them to.

It is beneficial for everyone if you train in spaces that are welcoming and open to Parkour/Freerunning and only where it is permitted.

Consider the members of the public who may be affected in some way by your training, for example;

• Are there residents nearby who may be disturbed?
• Will you be obstructing a high-footfall thoroughfare?
• Are there young children nearby who may be unduly influenced by your actions?

Be aware of the context of where you are training and you are far more likely to have an undisturbed session that will lead to improvements in your ability and a more enjoyable experience overall.

Ability

As Parkour/Freerunning movements are self-controlled it is expected that injuries resulting from falls/misjudgement may occur, just like in any sport/activity.

​Be safe; only train within the capabilities of your ability and don’t try to do something that you are not ready to undertake. In attempting to progress too quickly you may be at risk of injuring yourself and/or others.

Always prepare your body and mind with a thorough warm-up. Always focus on what you are doing and train with a clear mind.

After your session, ensure that you include a cool-down. This will help to maintain the health of your body in the long-term

Respect

Treat others as you expect to be treated; encourage and support others to create a positive training environment for all.

​If somebody asks you to leave an area, be courteous, explain what Parkour/Freerunning is and be prepared to comply with reasonable requests to practise somewhere else.

Parkour​/Freerunning is still a relatively new and unfamiliar sport/activity, and it is understandable that some members of the public are unsure of it. Anything you can do to give it a good name will help in making it more understood, improving relations with the public and generally advancing the sport in the eyes of the surrounding community.

There is no sporting reason/rationale for Parkour/Freerunning to be practised on roofs but it can, and ideally should, be practised in the outdoor environment, whether built or natural.

Knowledge

Do your best to learn as much about the body and fundamental biomechanics, as well as studying and researching good Parkour/Freerunning methods of training from Parkour UK qualified coaches/teachers/instructors.

Take it slow and know your limits. It’s going to take a while for your body to adapt to the physical demands of Parkour/Freerunning.

Ensure that you have mastered the basics before moving on to more complicated movements. Seek measured progressions in your practice/movements and acquire as much knowledge about your discipline as you possibly can.

Traceurs/Freerunners can further their knowledge by attending Parkour UK Awards, CPD & Qualifications

Summary of Guidelines

Parkour/Freerunning is a sport that needs and requires the same dedication, discipline and attention as any other sport.

As you can see from our sporting definition above, Parkour encourages humility, respect for others and for one’s environment, self-expression, community spirit, and the importance of play, discovery and safety at all times.

It is recommended that practitioners:

• Select an appropriate training area
• Be respectful of your surroundings
• Check your surfaces and structures
• Leave the area you’re training in as you found it (or tidier than it was!)
• Be courteous to members of the public, other practitioners and those around you
• Think of the health of your body, both in the short and long-term
• Appropriately assess the level of the movements being performed against your own skill level
• Train in an overall safe and healthful manner: remember the central motto of Parkour/Freerunning is ‘To Be and To Last’
• Through your actions and conduct always be a good ambassador for Parkour/Freerunning

If you would like any further information, advice and/or guidance then please contact us on [email protected] or 020 3544 5834. #GiveParkourAGo

Context

For clarification, it’s important that it is recognised and understood that Parkour/Freerunning is in no way a form/discipline of ​Trampolining or ​Gymnastics. As Parkour/Freerunning and Trampolining/Gymnastics​ are two completely separate sports/activities with two separate governing bodies and structures.

Trampoline Parks/Facilities can ​introduce Parkour/Freerunning activities and spaces/places/equipment​, providing these are introduced in a safe, appropriate and managed way. Parkour UK can support Trampoline Park/Facility operators ​in safely and​ appropriately introducing Parkour/Freerunning activities and spaces/places/equipment to their facilities in a managed way​, ensuring it meets Parkour UK guidelines and recommendations which will ensure that the provision is safe, appropriate and fit-for-purpose​.

Parkour UK recommends working with our member organisations locally to build and develop​ local partnerships that are mutually beneficial for the community, our member organisations and the trampoline park/facility.

What is Parkour/Freerunning
The term ‘Parkour’ originating in France in the 1980s, was adopted from 1998. It derives from the French word ‘parcours’ meaning ‘route’ or ‘course’.  Used interchangeably, “Parkour, Freerunning, Art Du Deplacement, is the non-competitive physical discipline of training to move freely over and through any terrain using only the abilities of the body, principally through running, jumping, climbing and quadrupedal movement.

​Our full sporting definition of Parkour/Freerunning which fully outlines what Parkour/Freerunning is can be found on our website. ​

In sporting terms (as opposed to describing the philosophy of Parkour), it aims to develop the functional strength and fitness, balance, spatial awareness, agility, coordination, precision, control and creative vision that are required to achieve the movement, whilst at the same time aiming to build confidence, determination, self-discipline and self-reliance, and a responsibility for one’s actions.

Spaces/Places & Equipment for Parkour/Freerunning

​Where Parkour /Freerunning is offered within a Trampoline Parkour/Facility​ it should​ ​take place in a separate, designated and risk-benefit assessed area​ and not on trampolines.

Some existing equipment can be used, ​providing it’s suitability has been checked, including a risk-benefit assessment. Purpose built Parkour spaces/places/equipment can be purchased from a number of suppliers. Purpose built spaces/places/equipment etc, including but not limited to fixed, permanent, temporary and/or portable Parkour/Freerunning spaces/places/equipment should comply with the BSI British Standard for Parkour Equipment BS10075:2013.

​Facility operators should avoid improvising with existing equipment other than those items deemed suitable for ​Parkour/Freerunning activities. Guidance on this can be sought through enquiring to Parkour UK or attendance at one of ​our​ courses, or from a qualified Parkour/Freerunning coach.

​As Parkour/Freerunning movements are self-controlled, it is expected that injuries resulting from falls/misjudgement​, may occur, just like in any sport. It ​should also be anticipated that spaces/places/equipment provided for Parkour/Freerunning may also be used by/for ​other a​ctivities and appropriate control measures should be considered by facility owners/operators. ​​

Workforce for Parkour/Freerunning Activities​ 

​T​he current Parkour UK ​pathway​ for training and development​, can be found on our website​. The coaching strand is clearly outlined showing the different stages that a Parkour/Freerunning coach can go through.

​Where Parkour/Freerunning activities are provided, ​facilities must ensure that all sessions are:

• ​Delivered by and/or under the overall supervision of a Parkour UK 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Parkour/Freerunning (QCF) qualified coach
• All other coaches ​are ​appropriately qualified via the​ Parkour UK 1st4sport Level 1 Award and/or Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Parkour/Freerunning (QCF) qualifications
• A​ll coaches should meet the Sports Coach UK, Minimum Standards of Deployment​ (​including but not limited to)​:
  • Have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)​ check or home country equivalent ​(such as Disclosure Scotland, AccessNI check ​etc)
  • Have undertaken appropriate Safeguarding training (in the last 3 years)
  • Have undertaken appropriate First Aid Training (in the last 3 years)
• All coaches ​should be ​appropriately (as recommended) registered with the Parkour UK, Parkour Professionals Register which provides proof of qualification and insurances of £10m​. Alternatively, appropriately insured by the facility​ for their Parkour/Freerunning activities
• Managed in-line with Parkour UK guidelines, particularly (​but not limited to​)​:
  • The relevant coaching ratio(s) is applied (1:8 outdoors and 1:15 indoors)
  • ​Appropriate ​Risk-Benefit Assessments ​for all equipment and activities ​are in place​

​It is not expected ​that every scenario has been addressed​ through this ​information, advice and guidance. For further information, advice or guidance please contact Parkour UK on [email protected] or 020 3544 5834

#GiveParkourAGo

Associate Membership (FREE)

• No subscription fee
• Able to attend Congress and/or Special Congress
• Professional support, advice and guidance of the NGB
• Part of the recognised NGB for Parkour/Freerunning in the UK
• Organisation development advice
• Access to exclusive Parkour/Freerunning specific insurance for individuals via the Parkour Professionals Register
• Access to eDBS checking system
• Discounts on Parkour UK Awards, CPD & Qualifications
• Advice & Guidance on facility development and funding opportunities
• Organisation Facebook page like, Twitter and Instagram follow – which we also use to promote your organisation
• Full listing on the Parkour UK website
• Use of Parkour UK Associate logo

Affiliate Membership (subscription + optional insurances) – in addition to the above receive:

• Voting Member of 1 vote at Congress and/or Special Congress
• £100+VAT subscription fee
• Optional organisational insurance @ £400 ​p.a​ – Parkour/Freerunning specific Combined Liability Insurance (Public Liability Insurance @ £10m, Employers Liability @ £10m, Directors & Officers @ £5m & Legal Defence Costs @ £250,000) for the organisation of Parkour/Freerunning events and activities in accordance with Parkour UK guidelines and recognised and designated environments. Insurance is valid up to 31st Dec 2015 & the premium is pro-rata from the date of membership.
• FREE use of RunAClub (A cloud-based, easy to use, administration system for people who run community clubs and groups, usually costs £200+VAT & £149+VAT annual subscription fee) – see attached information
• Utilisation of Participant UK (A on-line registration, payments and customer management system)
• Increased discounts on Parkour UK Awards, CPD & Qualifications
• Support to progress to Accredited Membership via PK Mark (see info in Accredited membership below)
• Use of Parkour UK Affiliate logo

Accredited Membership (subscription + mandatory insurances) – in addition to the above receive:

• Only available to members that have previously held an Affiliate membership for 1 year or more and have successfully applied for and attained PK Mark
• Achievement of PK Mark – an accreditation scheme for member organisations, based on criteria which must be supported by specific evidence. Based on four key areas of organisational development:
  • Activity Programmes – e.g coaching qualifications required, insurance and coach to participant ratios, women & girls, disability, older people etc.
  • Duty of care and welfare – e.g appropriate risk assessments, health and safety policies, training, compliance and safeguarding policies.
  • Knowing your organisation and your community – this ensures that your organisation is committed to fairness and equity in respect of the way in seeks to attract and retain participants from your local community.
  • Organisational management – covers issues to do with governance and structures and the general running of the organisation.
• Voting Member of 2 votes at Congress and/or Special Congress
• £100+VAT subscription fee
• Mandatory Organisational Insurance @ £400 ​p.a​ – Parkour/Freerunning specific Combined Liability Insurance (Public Liability Insurance @ £10m, Employers Liability @ £10m, Directors & Officers @ £5m & Legal Defence Costs @ £250,000) for the organisation of Parkour/Freerunning events and activities in accordance with Parkour UK guidelines and recognised and designated environments. Insurance is valid up to 31st Dec 2015 & the premium is pro-rata from the date of membership.
• Enhanced discounts on Parkour UK Awards, CPD & Qualifications
• Use of Parkour UK Accredited logo, a sign of quality & high performing organisation

Organisations are encouraged to apply or renew their membership with Parkour UK using our website.

Please do feel free to encourage other Parkour/Freerunning teams/groups/organisations to join Parkour UK. 

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