Dear Members,
Its perhaps timely to remind you all that we all are dependant on each other
to practice aikido in a safe and enjoyable environment. This includes the
highest standards of cleanliness and personal grooming of self and dogi so
as to minimise the associated health risks and enhance the comfort of our
training partners. Beyond these try also to be respectful of your partners
individual ailments and allergies so that we can all learn together.

Below I have included the relevant Aikido Yuishinkai National Guidelines, it
is each members responsibility to read and follow these thoroughly and also
to see what you can do to help e.g. if you notice a potential issue please
do something about it.

For those interested the full copy of the guidelines are available from your
instructors for your perusal as well. All instructors are of course aware of
and uphold these as a part of the national accreditation scheme.

Best wishes,
Danny

PS Whilst the use of aerosols is problematic for some, so to isthe dreaded
odour-nage for others - in the spirit of harmony perhaps roll-ons and clean
dogi are an appropriate solutions

PPS great to be back and looking forward to training with you all soon!

Aikido Yuishinkai
Official Gudelines
April 2002

6 Health and Safety Guidelines
Student¹s safety and welfare is of paramount importance. With the exception
of visiting instructors approved by Chief Instructor Aikido Yuishinkai
Australia, only Instructors holding a current Instructor Accreditation
Certificate may conduct classes.
The Head Dojo Instructor ensures that Instructors and students follow the
safety guidelines listed below at all times. When a Dojo Instructor is
conducting a class independently, the Head Dojo Instructor grants full
authority to the Dojo Instructor to implement these guidelines. All training
programs and venues must have the approval of the Head Dojo Instructor.

6.1 Venue
It is the responsibility of the Head Dojo Instructor (including visiting
instructors) to ensure that the venue constitutes a safe training
environment that permits compliance with the student guidelines.
Points to consider are:
- Adequate lighting
- Adequate ventilation
- Safety mats of a reasonable standard and in good repair, secured together
so they do not separate during training.
- Adequate toilet/change room facilities
- Ensure that students are aware of any features, which may be hazardous
during training.
- Instruct and supervise students in the correct use, transport, and storage
of equipment (such as mats) to minimise the risk of accidents.
- Establish safety rules and emergency procedures for each venue, including
procedures for obtaining medical aid.
- Implement a risk management program specific to the venue and the
competency of students.
- Ensure that first aid equipment is available on site including surgical
gloves to minimise risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission

6.2 Safety Guidelines
It is the responsibility of Instructors to ensure that students follow the
safety guidelines listed below.

6.2.1 General Safety Guidelines
a. Advise students of safety risks and suggest appropriate ways to minimise
injury risk during training.
b. Ensure that the class syllabus is appropriate for the competency level of
all students in attendance.
c. Ensure that the student/instructor ratio is adequate for activities
undertaken.
d. Ensure that the number of students training is appropriate for the venue.
e. Ensure that appropriate care is taken for students with disabilities,
aged students and children.
f. Ensure that children under 12 do not train with adult students and that
they are isolated from adult students when training on the mat concurrently.
g. Ensure students follow recommended safety procedures and dojo etiquette
to minimise the risk of injury.
h. Ensure an adult who has the knowledge of and ability to perform first aid
procedures is present for all activities.
i. In the case of an injury requiring transport to a medical facility,
ensure that medical advice is sought prior to transporting student to avoid
further injury.
j. Ensure that skill development is progressive and sequential with adequate
stretching, warm-up and warm-down activities.

6.2.2 Safety Guidelines-Prior to Training
a. Ensure that all students are aware of the dojo¹s safety policies before
undertaking training. Make students aware that advice is available from all
Instructors.
b. Ensure that the Release and Indemnity Agreement and Student Code of
Conduct are correctly implemented (see Release and Indemnity Agreement
section)
c. Ensure that students notify the Head Dojo Instructor/Instructor of any
pre-existing medical condition or disability prior to training. For serious
conditions a medical clearance must be obtained. Instructors must be aware
of the contents of medical alerts worn by students, as it is not always
possible to wear them during training.
d. After serious injury or illness, students should not return to physical
training until fully recovered. If there is any doubt, a medical clearance
must be obtained.
e. Students must not participate if they have injuries or conditions such as
serious cuts or abrasions, rashes, boils or any contagious condition. Minor
abrasions and cuts must be adequately dressed and covered prior to training.
f. Ensure that students remove jewellery, watches and other ornaments that
may cause injury prior to training.
g. Ensure that long hair is secured.
h. Ensure that fingernails and toenails are smooth and short.
i. Ensure that students wear a training gi or other appropriate clothing and
that it is in good repair.
j. Ensure that weapons are in good repair and stored in an appropriate
manner when not in use.
k. Inform students that cleanliness of both clothing and person is
essential.
l. Inform students that they must not train under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.

6.2.3 Safety Guidelines-During Training
a. Inform students that they may opt to decline to participate in any
activity they feel uncomfortable with.
b. Inform students that they should train at a level they feel comfortable
with. Always attempt a technique/activity at the basic level before
proceeding to a more advanced level.
c. Partners should train at the level of the least experienced partner.
d. Competency at rolling and break falling is developed over a long period
of time. Partners should agree prior to training whether they are prepared
to take a fall (ukemi). Proceed slowly.
e. Students must take care to avoid collisions by being aware of other
students on the mat.
f. Students should train only in the specific technique demonstrated by the
Instructor.
g. Freestyle training should always be supervised by an Instructor.
h. Students must report all accidents to the Instructor immediately.
Exercise universal precautions in regard to blood-borne pathogens (see
Preventative Health Measures below).
i. Students must notify the Instructor if any medical condition becomes
apparent during training that may affect safety.
j. Students should pace themselves according to their level of fitness and
competency.
k. Students must avoid dehydration and over-exertion.

6.3 Preventative Measures for Blood-Borne Pathogen Transmission
Below is the joint position statement on public policy from the
International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) and the World Health
Organisation (WHO) for the prevention of blood-borne pathogen transmission.

6.3.1 Specific Management and Preventive Measures for Sport Events
Any risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission in sports is exceedingly
small. However, all those involved with sports will help further reduce the
risk of transmission by following guidelines that are both practical and
simple to implement. A major component to these is common sense and
adherence to basic principles of hygiene. Because the risk of blood-borne
pathogen transmission in sports is confined to contact with blood, body
fluids and other fluids containing blood, preventive measures should be
focused on the recognition and immediate treatment of bleeding.
The following recommendations are designed to minimize the risk of
blood-borne pathogen transmission in the context of athletic events and
provide treatment guidelines for caregivers:
… Proper care for existing wounds is essential. Abrasions, cuts, or oozing
wounds that may serve as a source of bleeding or as a portal of entry for
blood-borne pathogens should be covered with an occlusive dressing that will
withstand the demands of competition. Likewise, care providers with healing
wounds or dermatitis should have these areas adequately covered to prevent
transmission to or from a patient.
… Necessary equipment and/or supplies, important for compliance with
universal precautions, should be available to caregivers. These supplies
include latex or vinyl gloves, disinfectant, bleach (freshly prepared in a
1:10 dilution with tap water), antiseptic, designated receptacles for soiled
equipment or uniforms (with separate waterproof bags or receptacles
appropriately marked for uniforms and equipment contaminated with blood),
bandages or dressings, and a container for appropriate disposal of needles,
syringes, or scalpels.
… During the sports event, early recognition of bleeding is the
responsibility of officials, athletes, and medical personnel. Participants
with active bleeding should be removed from the event as soon as is
practical. Bleeding must be controlled and the wound cleansed with soap and
water or an antiseptic. The wound must be covered with an occlusive dressing
that will withhold the demands of the activity. When bleeding is controlled
and any wound properly covered, the player may return to competition. Any
participant whose uniform is saturated with blood, regardless of source,
must have that uniform changed before returning to competition. Athletes
must be advised that it is their responsibility to report all wounds and
injuries including those recognized before the sporting activity in a timely
manner. In contact sports, it is the athlete's responsibility to wear
appropriate equipment, including a mouth protector, at all times.
… The care provider managing an acute blood exposure must follow universal
precautions. Appropriate gloves should be worn when direct contact with
blood, body fluids, and other fluids containing blood is anticipated. Gloves
should be changed after treating each individual and, as soon as practical
after glove removal, hands should be washed with soap and water or
antiseptic.
… Minor cuts or abrasions commonly occur during sport. These do not require
interruption of play or removal of the participant from competition. Minor
cuts and abrasions that are not bleeding should be cleansed and covered at
the next scheduled break in play. Likewise, a small amount of blood staining
a uniform does not necessitate removal of the participant or a uniform
change.
… Lack of protective equipment should not delay emergency care for
life-threatening injuries. Although HIV is not transmitted by saliva,
medical personnel may prefer using airway devices. These devices should be
made available whenever possible.
… Any equipment or area (e.g., wrestling mat) soiled with blood should be
wiped immediately with paper towels or disposable cloths. The contaminated
areas should be disinfected with a solution prepared daily of one part
household bleach to ten parts water. The cleaned area should be dry before
re-use. Gloves should be worn by persons cleaning equipment or collecting
soiled linen.
… Post-event considerations should include re-evaluation of any wounds
sustained during the sporting event. Further cleaning and dressing of the
wound may be necessary. Also, blood-soiled uniforms or towels should be
collected for eventual washing in hot water and detergent.
… Procedures performed in the training room are also governed by adherence
to universal precautions. Gloves should be worn by care providers. Any blood
body fluids or other fluids containing blood should be cleaned in a manner
as described previously. Equipment handlers, laundry personnel and
janitorial staff should be advised to wear gloves whenever contact with
bloody equipment; clothing or other items is anticipated. Appropriate
containers for the disposal of needles, syringes, or scalpels should be
available.
… Many athletic contests and practices, especially at the community or
scholastic level, occur without medical personnel in attendance. The above
guidelines apply not only to physicians, athletic trainers, and physical
therapists involved in the coverage of sports, but also to coaches and
officials who may be present as the primary caregivers. All personnel
involved with sport should be trained in basic first aid and infection
control, including the preventive measures outlined.

For further information please contact the Australian Sport Medicine
Federation on 02 6251 6944 or visit the International Federation of Sports
Medicine website at: http://www.fims.org/state.html
The following additional guidelines are recommended by Aikido Yuishinkai
Australia to further reduce the low risk of HIV and Hepatitis transmission
during training:
a. Be responsible: maintain strict personal hygiene.
b. Fingernails and toenails should be smooth and short.
c. Don¹t share cups.
d. Use paper towels for drying and dispose of them in the bin.
e. If a bleeding wound occurs during training, leave the mat and wash the
wound with soap and water, apply antiseptic cream and a secure bandage. Keep
the wound covered until you receive medical advice if necessary.
f. Similarly clean and cover any existing lesion or open wound before
training.
g. If you notice that someone else has an open cut or sore, remind them of
their obligation prior to training with that person.
h. Clean any spill of blood on the floor covering immediately. Disinfectant
is available in the change rooms.
i. If you are assisting someone with a bleeding injury, wear surgical
gloves, located in the change rooms. Wash your hands with soap and water
after you remove the gloves.
j. All used gloves, bloody dressings, rags and so on must be place in a
leakproof plastic bag and disposed of carefully.
k. If anyone¹s blood gets on your skin, leave the mat immediately and wash
the blood off thoroughly with soap and hot water.
l. The Australian Sport Medicine Federation recommends vaccination against
Hepatitis B.

--
dr. daniel james, school of microelectronics,
griffith university, nathan qld 4111, australia

http://maxwell.me.gu.edu.au/dj/
http://griffithaikido.com
+61 (0)7 3875 5036 (w), +61 (0)7 3875 5384(f) ,
+61 (0)401 683 592 (m)

"..we're continually bombarded with promises of immediate gratification,
instant success, and fast, temporary relief, all of which lead in exactly
the wrong direction", G.Leonard