Recommendations for medical officers attending karate competitions.

Karate is now a popular participant pastime in Great Britain and with the governing bodies attempting to gain Olympic recognition for the sport it is important that adequate medical cover be available for competitors. It has already been shown that there is a relatively high incidence of injury in competition (McLatchie 1976) and that this can also be prevented to some degree (McLatchie 1977). It is, therefore, recommended that a doctor, preferably one interested in sports medicine, be in attendance at karate competitions. Further it is also possible to have in attendance a representative from Red Cross, St. John or St. Andrew Ambulance service, provided these excellent voluntary bodies are given prior notice.