PLAYFIGHT LONDON RETURN TO TRAINING POLICY

Purpose:
To ensure that all athletes & trainees, returning after an injury or extended break from professional wrestling of more than 4-6 weeks, are physically prepared; with a focus on safe re-conditioning of bumping, neck strength, and knee and joint health to reduce injury risks.

Policy Details:

When returning from injury or from a break in training, please speak to a member of the Playfight team, about your level of physical readiness and establish some clear milestones for making a healthy return to full training.

  1. Medical Clearance:
    Following fractures, surgeries or serious injuries involving medical treatment and physiotherapy, where athletes have been out of the ring for more than 6 weeks, athletes must provide a medical clearance note from a qualified healthcare professional before resuming training. For athletes and trainees recovering from long-term injuries, who do not yet have full medical clearance, we highly recommend private sessions with content tailored to your level, and open house sessions where progressive re-introduction to basic movements can take place in a low-pressure way.

  2. Gradual Return Protocol:
    Returning athletes will follow a step-by-step reintegration plan designed by our coaching team. This includes:

    • Initial Assessment: A coach will assess the athlete’s current physical condition and provide direction regarding physical conditioning to strengthen neck, knees and major joints, and make recommendations regarding appropriate levels of muscular development for joint protection when undertaking complex movement sequences in the ring.

    • Conditioning Phase: Regardless of level and ability, athletes & trainees will be required to revisit Grade One sessions for the first month, to undertake general fitness, neck strengthening, and knee and joint conditioning exercises and to reestablish timing and good lifting technique when working with, and keeping others safe.

  3. Progressive Bumping, Knee, and Neck Conditioning:
    Athletes will not perform full bumping moves in the ring immediately. They will practice bumping mechanics first on safety mats outside the ring, then on safety mats inside the ring, and only then progress to full moves with bumping in the ring once the coach is satisfied it is appropriate to do so. This ensures that knees and joints are well-conditioned and athletes build up strength and technique safely.

  4. Coach Oversight:
    Coaches will closely monitor progress and provide feedback when trainees and athletes are returning to training following a break of 6 weeks or more. Full training clearance will be granted only when the athlete demonstrates readiness and confidence in their movements and in all aspects of the Grade One syllabus. .

  5. Ongoing Support:
    We encourage open communication between coaches, trainees and athletes, so trainees & athletes can voice any concerns or discomfort. Additional support or modifications will be available as needed. Lets train smart and work together to keep each one another safe.