All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wrestling - eviltoast

They released their first report in April 2021 with the recommendations:

  • Wrestling has fallen between the categories of sport and theatre, sometimes characterised as sports entertainment. The panel recommends that wrestling training schools be considered as ‘sporting’ and shows, promotions and associated activity be considered ‘theatrical’ or ‘artistic’ or ‘performative’, in respect of future guidance, legislation and regulation.
  • The minimum health and safety standards across independent wrestling in Britain is worryingly low. The parliamentarians have recommended a raft of measures most notably, enhanced requirements under the licencing and insurance arrangements wrestling companies have in place, and the adoption of concussion protocols. Signed PAR Q fitness forms, guidance from the Health and Safety Executive and minimum first aid training are also recommended.
  • Wrestling’s own MeToo movement, known as SpeakingOut highlighted stories of sexual abuse, assault and predation. The report makes a number of recommendations in response to the movement, including hardwiring the voice of abuse survivors into British wrestling, the development of practical guides for first responders and working to establish case management systems to address allegations of abuse.
  • Wrestling training schools have insufficient protections in place, particularly given they are regularly working with minors. The report recommends that, as is proposed under current legislation, sports coaches be recognised as a position of trust for the purposes of child sexual offences and that wrestling coaches be considered sports coaches for this purpose. A number of interim steps in relation to safeguarding and data protection are also proposed.
  • The wrestling industry suffers from a lack of official representation, and the report recommends the establishment of trade bodies to more effectively promote British wrestling.
  • Other recommendations include a call for increased data collection about the industry, appropriate memorialisation of great British wrestling talents building on the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame for Scotland, work to better understand the gender pay gap in wrestling, infrastructure to support wrestlers working overseas and better measures to accommodate visiting talent, and creating a safety standard for wrestling rings.

And in June 2023 it looks like they held a meeting at Loughborough University to discuss the issue of concussion in British wrestling:

Professor Warden said: “Concussion in sports is an important topic that requires attention and research, and this event aims to shed light on the issue within the wrestling community.

“With a line-up of esteemed speakers and experts, the event promises to be a significant platform for enhancing knowledge and fostering dialogue regarding concussion recognition, management, and guidance for a safe return to sport and work.

“We are delighted to have experts sharing their knowledge and experiences in this critical area of research and practice, and sincerely glad to partner with the APPG in applying world-leading research to wrestling”.

Alex Davies-Jones MP said: "Wrestlers from across the UK pressed us to do more on concussion, we listened and have acted. It has been brilliant to work with Loughborough University on today’s event which is shining a light on the significant issues around concussion that professional wrestlers face.

“For too long the wrestling industry has been unregulated and the lack of concussion protocols are particularly problematic.

“As co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wrestling in Parliament I am keen to support where I can, and will continue to work with wrestlers, industry experts, academics and all involved to bring improvements to this thriving sector."