Section 1 Design of equipment

Introduction

Parkour, also known as “Freerunning” and “Art du Deplacement”, is the non-competitive sport of training to move freely over and through any terrain using only the abilities of the body, principally through running, jumping, climbing and quadrupedal movement. In practice it focuses on developing the fundamental attributes required for such movement, which include functional strength and fitness, balance, spatial awareness, agility, coordination, precision, control and creative vision.

It is a sport that encourages self-improvement on all levels, revealing one’s physical and mental limits, while simultaneously offering ways to overcome them. It is a method of training one’s body and mind in order to be as completely functional, effective and liberated as possible in any environment.

The sport aims to build confidence, determination, self-discipline and self-reliance, and responsibility for one’s actions. It encourages humility, respect for others and for one’s environment, self-expression and community spirit, and emphasizes the importance of discovery and safety at all times.

The sport, originally termed l’Art du Deplacement, was founded in France in the 1980s by a group of nine young men who called themselves “The Yamakasi”. “Yamakasi” is a Lingala word loosely meaning “strong man, strong spirit”, and summed up the core aim of the sport: to be a strong individual: physically, mentally and ethically.

The Yamakasi founders are Yann Hnautra, Chau Belle, David Belle, Laurent Piemontesi, Sebastain Foucan, Guylain N’Guba Boyeke, Charles Perriere, Malik Diouf and Williams Belle.

The term “Parkour” was first introduced by David Belle in 1998. “Parkour” derives from the French word “parcours” meaning “route” or “course”.

The term “freerunning” was coined by Guillaume Pelletier, a representative of a group of French practitioners involved in the production of the 2003 Channel 4 documentary, Jump London, to communicate this new sport to an English-speaking audience.

This British Standard covers the design of equipment for the practice and development of the principle techniques/movements of the sport of Parkour by those new to Parkour and by experienced practitioners, known as traceurs (or freerunners).

Parkour facilities can comprise a combination of items of equipment permitting flowing movement of the user.

The use of facilities as Parkour equipment is connected with sporting risks. Sporting skills and the use of appropriate equipment reduce the risk of accident, but it is important to recognize that traceurs and/or users are not required to wear personal protective equipment.

It is not the intention of this standard to specify every possible shape and construction of facilities for traceurs and/or users. Parkour is a new, developing sport and the standard does not specify requirements that affect the design of the overall Parkour facility.

Because Parkour movements are self-controlled, it is expected that injuries resulting from falls/misjudgement can occur. It is also anticipated that sites might be used by/for non-Parkour activities.

BS 10075:2013

Specification for Parkour equipment

Published:

28 Feb 2013

Withdrawn:

31 Jan 2017