Project AIR - Academy Rules

Training Etiquette & Guide

We aim to provide the ideal learning environment for all our members - balancing the creative, social, modern aspects of movement-sport culture as well as the discipline required for Parkour. Please read carefully through the following guidelines and either contact us directly or via your class coach if you have any queries.

1. General Rules

These rules apply across the entire facility:

• Always check that your space is clear before starting your trick / freerun line. That includes checking on all sides of obstacles, including behind you.
• Don't move into the path of another athlete whilst they are in motion.

2. Equipment Specific Rules

Foam Pit

Despite being a great learning to for many new tricks, there are many risks associated with the use of the foam pit. These rules are designed to help keep everyone safe and injuries to a minimum:

• Look before you leap! Always check (and then recheck) that noone is in the area in which you're intending to land.
• No head-first entries are permitted. Note: Anyone caught doing this will be suspended from using the equipment.
• The foam pit is designed for 1 practitioner at a time. Wait for any other athletes to exit the foam pit before entering
• Flip towards the center of the pit and avoid landing near the edges.
• Young members require constant observation whilst entering the foam pit!

Air-Trick & Sprung Floor

The Air-Trick & Sprung Floor is designed to assist you with transition tricks towards the ground. It does apply lift, but does have some associated risks:

• Avoid tricking close to the edge of the Air-Trick. This can cause unpredictable bounce, as well as cause unintentional landings onto the floor.
• Avoid landing on head/shoulders. When landing, use correct technique to decelerate out of a flip in order to avoid ground-shock.

Parkour / Freerunning Area

The Parkour / Freerunning Area is made to represent real-life obstacles and requires appropriate care when using to avoid injury.

• Use approved technique for navigating in this area.
• Always check for hidden obstacles before each run.
• Signal intention to move before starting.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Inspect the equipment before use for signs of wear / loosening and make sure it is clear of unintended objects such as drink bottles or clothing.
• Use the appropriate safety equipment (such as crash mats) when learning new skills.

NZ Parkour Equipment

This equipment is only to be used under direct NZ Parkour Coach supervision (as signposted). Anyone using the equipment without may be subject to disciplinary action.

3. Respect the gym facilities

We do our best to maintain a high facility standard for all of our members, and health and safety are key priorities. The following are firm rules and misuse will not be accepted - repeat offences may result in membership being revoked.

• Use only whats relevant to the class at hand (as directed by the coach) and watch out for misuse of equipment.
• Don't leave a general mess or unwanted items such as drink bottles and clothing around the gym - these can be extremely dangerous hazards as well as creating additional mess.
• If you require medical attention, stop immediately and to attend to the injury. For serious injuries, call 111. Anglesea Medical centre is also located directly across Thackeray St for any moderate injuries requiring medical attention. For anything minor such as cuts and scrapes, we have a first-aid & cleaning station - the coaches will gladly show you where & how to go about cleaning up.
• Kids must remain supervised before and after their classes. The free-running gym is only to be used during dedicated class hours.
• Always train with a spotter, and keep a mobile device on hand to call 111 in the case of a medical emergency.

Looking out for the gym facilities helps to keep maintenance bills and membership fees down. There are a few key elements which help here:

• No shoes on the sprung floor, and shoes should be on whenever you're using the Parkour area (as well as walkways and toilets).
• Make sure that your shoes and other equipment are suitably clean. Don't bring wet or muddy gear into the gym for training.
• Make sure you leave the toilets in a clean and friendly state. If they need attention please make a class coach aware.
• Put equipment back where it belongs.
• If you plan on using the CORE MMA gym area (including the weights), please read through their additional gym rules 

If you're unsure or have questions about how to do something, please ask - one of our friendly team members will gladly help or point you in the right direction.

4. Keep up the Personal Hygiene

Although Parkour / Freerunning is a non-contact sport, we do use the same training space and equipment - so it's important that everyone maintains a high standard of cleanliness to prevent the spread of serious illness and disease, as well as preventing physical harm. This allows for a greater focus on quality training!

• Self hygiene - make sure your gym clothes are clean and that you've showered recently before attending class. Trim your nails short.
• Clean up after yourself. Bring a towel and wipe off sweat.
• Cuts and bruises must be cleaned and covered.
• No training with any form of sickness or contagious diseases.

5. Be a good training partner

We're all here to learn, help and build off each other - that's what helps us improve and maintain a competitive advantage. However, this sometimes requires a few pointers:

• Leave your ego at the door - we're all here to learn.
• Be coachable - it's what you're paying your fees for. Try to understand the purpose of each drill and make sure you're upholding your part. Observe the technique with full focus.
• Let the coaches do the coaching - it's what they are there for. Helping your partner to understand the drill or breaking down movement is fine, but make sure it's in line with the class at hand.
• Show up on time so you don't miss key points at the start of the class - and warm up properly. Similarly, don't slink off early and skip your role on the receiving end.
• Keep focussed throughout the session. Avoid unneccessary distractions and bring a drink bottle for quick drink breaks.
• Be patient and stick it out. Everyone starts as a beginner.

6. Train to your level

It is important to only take well-calculated risks in training to avoid injury. Seek coach / peer advice before performing new tricks and use dedicated equipment to help progression (such as starting with the Foam Pit, before migrating to the Air Trick and then the Plyo floor).