SP48 - John ‘Hedge’ Hall | Parkour Earth & FIG, coaching, parkour culture
Oct 3, 2023
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John Hall, founder of Access Parkour in Scotland and deputy CEO of Parkour Earth, discusses coaching, the threat of gymnastics' misappropriation of parkour, the aims of Parkour Earth, and the communication platforms used in the parkour community. They also explore the importance of federations and governing bodies, Red Bull's involvement in parkour, plans for a competition alternative to FIG, and the legality of FIG governing parkour.
Parkour Earth has launched the Ambassadors Program to ensure diverse representation and open communication within the parkour community.
The Parkour Earth Badge signifies a commitment to parkour values and aims to promote authentic parkour practice.
Parkour Earth is actively opposing the International Gymnastics Federation's attempt to govern parkour and is exploring competition alternatives to support genuine parkour formats.
Deep dives
The Ambassadors Program: Representing Parkour Earth
Parkour Earth has launched the Ambassadors Program, bringing together individuals from different countries to represent the organization and communicate its values. Ambassadors, such as Renee Dambly, Max Henry, and Mark Bush, are responsible for engaging with the parkour community, gathering feedback, and providing information about Parkour Earth. This program aims to ensure diverse representation and create a platform for open communication within the parkour community.
The Parkour Earth Badge: Promoting Authentic Parkour Practice
Parkour Earth has introduced the Parkour Earth Badge as a recognizable symbol of affiliation with the organization. This badge signifies a commitment to parkour values and adhering to specific guidelines, including transparent competition rules, equal prize money, ethical content creation, and responsible coaching practices. The badge aims to promote authentic parkour practice and provide a marker for identifying those aligned with Parkour Earth's values.
Fighting Against the Illegal Adoption of Parkour
Parkour Earth is actively opposing the International Gymnastics Federation's (FIG) attempt to govern parkour without the consent of the parkour community. According to Parkour Earth, this encroachment is in breach of the International Olympic Committee's rules, and FIG's actions have been encouraged by the IOC. However, due to financial and legal challenges, Parkour Earth is currently unable to take legal action against FIG and continues to support grassroots initiatives and engage community feedback to protect the authenticity of parkour.
Funding Parkour Earth: Grassroots Support and Sponsorship
Parkour Earth relies on grassroots funding to sustain its operations. National governing bodies pay membership fees based on their countries' net GDP analysis, while the Supporters Initiative allows individuals to contribute regular funds. This grassroots support enables Parkour Earth to reinvest in the community, sponsor small events, and support content creators. The organization is also exploring sponsorship from brands aligned with parkour values to further its initiatives and potentially employ part- or full-time staff.
Competition Alternatives and the Development of Parkour
In response to the International Gymnastics Federation's (FIG) involvement in parkour, Parkour Earth is actively exploring competition alternatives. While initiatives like the US Parkour Association (USPK) and Sport Parkour League (SPL) have stepped up to provide competition platforms, Parkour Earth's role is to validate and support authentic parkour formats developed by the community. The organization aims to collaborate with national governing bodies and support different competition styles that align with genuine parkour values and community preferences.
John Hall, AKA Hedge, is the founder of Access Parkour in Scotland and deputy CEO of Parkour Earth, which is parkour’s international governing body. Hedge and Callum talk about coaching, the threat of gymnastics’ misappropriation of parkour, and what Parkour Earth is, its aims, and how you can help.
