The Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) would like to remind tournament participants including parents and supporters that the focus of competitions is to ensure that the athletes have fun testing and showcasing their skills. This can be achieved only if safety, sportsmanship and fairplay are present.
Spectators are encouraged to cheer and motivate the athletes to give of their best. They should not not ‘blind’ or distract the athletes with flash photography. And they should always support the athletes regardless of the outcome. It will always be commendable if spectators can applaud the winners even though they are not from the same camp. In this area, Team Managers and Coaches can play their part in advising their supporters to be in their best behavior at all times.
Coaches, who are technical experts in the sport, should prepare, guide and help their athletes well. They should not be responsible for their athletes’ defeat especially before the start of the match. There is no excuse for any athlete to enter the arena with groin guard worn outside his pants, mouth guard which does not fit and sensing socks used incorrectly.
For clarity and consistency in the application of the rules involving the use of equipment, we would like the hightlight the following.
- Punitive Declaration (One-minute grace will NOT be given): An athlete who enters the arena with safety equipment not properly worn or poorly fitted – for example, groin guard worn outside the pants, mouth guard not properly molded, sensing socks too large or worn incorrectly;
- Gam-jeom: An athlete who does not have his or her mouth guard or gloves at the arena.
Although the inspection desk officials will do their best to ensure that athletes are cleared for the competition, it is the responsibility of the coaches and the athletes if any infractions are discovered in the arena.
In addition to the above, the STF would like to also remind athletes to wear only Taekwondo groin guard. The normal sport groin guard which may be cheaper is not suitable for taekwondo.
Team Managers or coaches who require further clarifications may email STF at stkdf@mail.com.