PPE

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the standards, expectations, and procedures relating to the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at The Defensive Fitness Academy (DFA).

The purpose of PPE within the DFA is to:

• Reduce the risk of preventable injuries

• Enable realistic yet controlled training

• Support progressive contact training safely

• Build student confidence within appropriate safety boundaries

PPE plays an important role in injury prevention. However, it does not eliminate risk. There is no single item of equipment that can guarantee protection from injury, including concussion.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All DFA members

• All instructors and assistant instructors

• All classes, workshops, and seminars delivered under the DFA name

• All Krav Maga, self-defence, pad work, and sparring sessions within the DFA system

Compliance with this policy is mandatory.

3. Principles of PPE Use at DFA

Safety in training – Safety takes priority over all other considerations (for example over comfort, preference, or convenience).

Context Matters – PPE requirements vary depending on the level of contact and activity.

Progressive Contact – As intensity increases, protective requirements increase.

Supervised Use – PPE must be worn correctly and checked by instructors where required.

No False Confidence – PPE reduces certain risks but does not prevent all injuries.

4. Concussion & Head Injury Position Statement

The DFA recognises that:

• Concussions can occur even when wearing headgear.

• Headguards reduce cuts, bruises, and superficial injuries.

• Headguards do not effectively prevent rotational forces acting on the brain.

• Gumshields protect teeth and soft tissue but are not proven to prevent concussion.

Concussion is caused primarily by rapid acceleration, deceleration, and rotational movement of the head, not simply surface impact. PPE may absorb some shock but cannot prevent the internal movement of the brain within the skull.

Accordingly:

• PPE must never create a false sense of invulnerability – instructors and students must be mindful of the limitations of PPE.

• Contact levels are strictly controlled by instructors at at all times.

• Technique, control, and supervision are prioritised over impact, with or without PPE.

5. Mandatory Protective Equipment by Activity

The following outlines minimum PPE standards. Instructors may increase requirements based on context, age, experience, or risk.

5.1 Striking & Pad Work (Light to Moderate Contact)

• Gloves (appropriate weight for age/size)

• Hand wraps (recommended)

• Gumshield (mandatory for partner drills involving head contact)

5.2 Controlled Sparring / Contact Drills

• Gumshield (mandatory)

• Groin guard (mandatory for all genders)

• Gloves (appropriate to contact level)

• Shin guards

• Headguard (where specified by instructor)

• Chest protection (recommended / mandatory where appropriate)

5.3 Higher Contact Training (Advanced Students Only)

• Gumshield (mandatory)

• Groin guard (mandatory)

• Headguard (mandatory where head contact permitted)

• Gloves appropriate to contact level

• Shin guards

• Chest guard (where required)

• Additional arm/elbow protection if specified

No student may participate in contact-based training without required PPE and at the sole discretion of the class instructor (or Lead instructor if present).

6. Types of Protective Equipment Used at DFA

DFA may require or recommend the following:

• Headgear – Protects against abrasions, cuts, and contusions.

• Mouthguards (Gumshields) – Protect teeth and reduce dental injury.

• Gloves – Protect hands and wrists; weight adjusted for age and intensity.

• Chest Protectors – Reduce blunt force trauma to torso.

• Shin Guards – Protect shins and feet during kicking drills.

• Groin Guards – Essential for protection from serious injury.

• Arm Guards / Elbow Pads – Reduce impact during blocks and drills.

7. Equipment Selection Standards

7.1 Fit

• PPE must fit correctly.

• Ill-fitting equipment may increase injury risk.

• Junior members must have fit checked by an instructor.

• The DFA will maintain multiple sizes of essential shared equipment where required.

7.2 Quality

• Essential PPE must be purchased from recognised, reputable suppliers.

• Heavily discounted or unverified overseas brands are discouraged.

• Higher-quality equipment is preferred for durability and safety.

7.3 Compatibility

• Equipment must be suitable for the specific activity.

• Glove weights and protective levels will vary by age, size, and contact level.

• Instructors retain final decision on PPE suitability.

8. Correct Use & Supervision

Instructors will:

• Educate students on proper fitting and adjustment.

• Inspect PPE before higher-contact sessions.

• Ensure junior and new members wear equipment correctly.

• Refuse participation if PPE is inadequate or incorrectly worn.

Students are responsible for:

• Bringing required personal equipment.

• Wearing all mandatory PPE without exception.

• Informing instructors of damaged equipment.

9. Maintenance, Hygiene & Inspection

To maintain safety standards:

• PPE must be regularly inspected for cracks, tears, compression, or deterioration.

• Damaged equipment must be removed from use immediately.

• Equipment must be cleaned according to manufacturer guidance.

• Shared equipment must be sanitised after use.

• The DFA will maintain inspection and replacement records where applicable.

Accurate record keeping supports safety standards and provides accountability.

10. Enforcement

• PPE requirements are non-negotiable.

• Students refusing to wear required equipment will not participate in contact elements of training.

• Repeated non-compliance may result in removal from sessions.

Safety culture is a collective responsibility.

11. Culture of Safety

The DFA promotes a culture where:

• Control is valued over power.

• Skill development takes priority over impact.

• Students respect training partners.

• Protective equipment is viewed as a tool, not a guarantee.

Protective equipment significantly reduces many common training injuries, particularly superficial trauma and repetitive impact injuries. However, it does not eliminate risk entirely.

Effective instruction, intelligent training design, progressive contact, and responsible supervision remain the most important factors in injury prevention.

 

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any lockdown event to ensure its effectiveness and to make necessary updates.