- Effective Date 2025-04-15
- Last Reviewed 2025-04-15
Introduction
We are committed to maintaining a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for all members. These rules outline the expectations for behaviour and conduct to ensure that training remains enjoyable, productive, and safe for everyone.
General Conduct
- All members must conduct themselves with respect, integrity, and courtesy at all times.
- Respect should be shown to fellow students, instructors, visitors, and parents/guardians at all times.
- Members must always follow the instructions of instructors and senior club officials.
- Foul language, aggressive behaviour, or any form of misconduct will result in disciplinary action.
Anti-bullying
Our club operates a zero-tolerance policy with regard to bullying, whether in class or out, online or in-person. This includes, but is not limited to the following,
- Harassment. Defined as any behaviour which is directed at an individual or group which is non-consensual. This includes sexual harassment such as cat-calling, groping or stalking.
- Abuse. Covering both verbal and physical abuse, including sexual assault, which results in an individual or the group feel intimidated or unsafe.
- Discrimination. Including verbal and physical expressions of discrimination, based on any characteristics, including but not limited to sex, gender, age, sexual preference, race, and religion or lack thereof.
- Violence. Defined as any act of physical intimidation or aggression, including threats of violence.
Basic Etiquette
- Arrive on time for classes. If late, wait for the instructor’s permission before joining the session.
- Remove all jewellery before training for safety reasons.
- Maintain good personal hygiene, including clean hands, feet, and trimmed nails.
- Students must show respect by acknowledging training partners and instructors before and after drills.
- No food, drink (except water), or gum is permitted on the training floor.
- Ensure training attire (e.g. shoes, t-shirts, jackets, rash guards etc…) is clean and appropriate for sessions.
Training Equipment
- Protective equipment appropriate to the activity must be used while training or sparing, (e.g. gloves, masks, jackets).
- All protective equipment used in training must be approved of by an instructor.
- All weapons used in training must be approved of by an instructor.
- All weapons used in training must be in good condition and safe to use (e.g.: free of burrs, breaks, splinters).
- You are expected to acquire your own equipment soon after joining.
- Respect any equipment loaned to you by the club, instructor or fellow student.
Health & Safety
Our goal is to study historical martial arts in safety while still striving for martial realism in our practice. To facilitate that we need to practise martial safety, which is really just about exercising respect for those you train with. You are responsible not only for your own safety, but your club mates’ as well. To that end…
- All members must complete a medical disclosure form before training.
- Emergency contact details must be kept up to date with the club.
- If feeling unwell or injured, members must inform an instructor before training.
- No sparring or contact training is allowed without an instructor’s supervision or approval.
- Disciplined practice is required at all times, always be in control of yourself and your weapons, excessive force or recklessness will not be tolerated.
- If you ever see something unsafe happening during training (eg: loose mask, trip hazard), always speak up and call out “STOP!”. If you hear “STOP!” called, immediately stop what you are doing.
Safeguarding & Welfare
- The welfare of all students is paramount. If any member has concerns about safety or safeguarding, they must report it to the Club Safeguarding Officer immediately.
- Children under 18 must be dropped off and collected by a responsible adult.
- Parents/guardians are welcome to observe training sessions but must do so respectfully without interrupting the class.
- Any inappropriate, unsafe, or concerning behaviour must be reported immediately.
- If a safeguarding issue is not taken seriously or a complaint is not resolved internally, it can be escalated to BMABA’s Safeguarding Team on 01798 306546 or via email at safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk.
Competition & Representation
- Members representing in competitions must display the highest standards of sportsmanship.
- Any member competing must first seek permission from the club’s chief instructor.
- Respect towards referees, officials, and competitors is mandatory.
Club Membership & Fees
- Annual membership fees must be paid on time.
- All class fees must be paid on time.
- Missed payments may result in suspension from training.
- Refunds are not provided for missed sessions unless due to exceptional circumstances.
- Any changes to contact details must be reported to the club immediately.
Parental/Guardian Expectations
- Parents/guardians must ensure their child arrives on time and is collected promptly.
- Encouragement and support should be given, but coaching from the sidelines is not permitted.
- Any concerns should be addressed through appropriate channels (e.g., speaking to an instructor at an appropriate time).
Use of Social Media
- Members must conduct themselves appropriately online in relation to the club and adhere to our anti-bullying policies.
- Negative, defamatory, or inappropriate comments about the club, instructors, or fellow members will not be tolerated.
- Any use of social media that brings the club into disrepute may result in disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Procedures
- Failure to comply with these rules may result in warnings, suspension, or permanent exclusion.
- Serious breaches of conduct may result in immediate suspension.
- All disciplinary matters will be handled fairly and in accordance with club policies.
Amendments & Review
This code of conduct will be reviewed annually or when necessary to reflect changes in club policy or legislation.