HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

HOW TO
PROTECT
YOURSELF
-THE STRAITS TIMES (Tuesday, 14 July 2009)

Taekwondo is perfectly safe if rules are followed, according to the Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF). Here are some rules and safety equipment involved in the sports.


PROTECTIVE GEAR
Safety equipment must be worn at all times during contact sparring.





BELT COLOURS
The colour of the belt is an indication of the skill level of a taekwondo student.


STF SAFETY RULES
1. Contact sparring competitions are only for holders of red belt and above.

2. Players must declare if they have other martial arts qualifications.

3. Players must be of the same belt and gender. Height does not matter, but players must be within 8kg of each other.

4. All referees must be trained and certified by the STF or the World Taekwondo Federation.

5. If the player is ill, the coach must call off the match.

6. All coaches and players must know the competition rules and regulations.


SPARRING TECHNIQUES

DURING THE MATCH
1. Qualified medical staff and an ambulance must be present throughout the competition.

2. If it is obvious that the players are mismatched, referees or coaches must call the match off.


WHAT’S PROHIBITED
1. Head kicks, for those 17 years old and younger.

2. Punches to the head or back, and attacks.

3. Grabbing, holding, pushing or throwing down the opponent

4. Using knees, elbows or head to attack

5. Attacking a fallen opponent

6. Violent or extreme remarks or behaviour by a contestant or a coach