The aim of this policy is to decrease the risk of exposure to infectious disease whilst at training/competition/grading at events organised by Kimekai Karate. A number of blood-borne infectious diseases can be transmitted during body contact and collision sports. The more serious include Viral Hepatitis and HIV (AIDS) infection.

It is important to remember that the more common diseases, such as the “common cold”, flu and herpes simplex may be spread during body contact sports. It is strongly recommended that the following people be informed of this policy and adopt its recommendations:

• instructors and officials;
• administrators; and
• athletes and their parents.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE PREVENTION OF VIRAL HEPATITIS AND HIV (AIDS):

(Taken from a circular from Dr. Jacques Huguet, President of FIBA Medical Council)

• Some sports carry a greater risk of contamination than others in so far as there is a greater possibility of blood contact.
• Contact can occur through open and bleeding wounds as well as through abrasive or inflammatory injuries to the skin.
• In the field of sports one should know that the AIDS virus cannot be transmitted by saliva, sweat, urine, skin contact, handshakes, bath water, swimming pools, showers or toilets.
• Light washing with detergent or water does not necessarily kill the HIV.
• HIV can survive in dried blood for up to seven days.
• The risk of blood on clothing being transmitted to another player is extremely small, but real.

MINIMISING THE RISK OF VIRAL HEPATITIS AND HIV (AIDS) INFECTIONS

Transmitted diseases like Viral Hepatitis (eg B and C) and HIV (AIDS) may be extremely debilitating and potentially disastrous for the athletes, the team, and associated personnel. These infections may be spread by direct contact with infected blood and other body fluids onto broken skin or mucous membranes.

All open cuts and abrasions must be reported and treated immediately.

INSTRUCTORS

• Instructors must report all open cuts and abrasions immediately for first aid attention.
• It is recommended that those who officiate in Karate competitions should consider being vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
• All contaminated Gi and protective equipment must be replaced prior to the athlete being allowed to resume.
• If bleeding cannot be controlled and the wound securely covered, the athlete must not continue.
• However, If bleeding should recur, the above procedures must be repeated.

ATHLETES

• It is every athlete’s responsibility to maintain strict personal hygiene at all times, in all activities on and off the mat.
• It is recommended that all athletes involved in Karate, and playing under adult rules consider being vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
• All participants with prior evidence of these infections are strongly advised to obtain confidential advice and clearance from a doctor prior to training/competition/grading.

DOJO’S

• It is the responsibility of the Senior Instructor on duty to ensure that the change rooms (including female/male amenities) are clean and tidy. Particular attention should be paid to hand-basins and toilets. Adequate soap, paper hand towels, brooms, waste disposal bins and disinfectants must be available at all times.
• The practice of spitting must NOT be permitted.
• All Gi, protective equipment or any other equipment and surfaces contaminated by blood must be treated as potentially infectious. Such items must be removed and placed in an appropriate container specific for this purpose which is the responsibility of the athlete.
• Contaminated equipment and surfaces must be cleaned immediately as outlined in Blood Rule and Body Fluids Policy (Attachment A), also attached to this policy.

ABOUT THIS POLICY

This policy was endorsed on the 11 August 2007. It will be reviewed annually and updated accordingly.