Code of conduct for members

Karate training should be enjoyable for everyone (adults and children). To ensure we all have a good time and train in a safe way we have some simple rules for our Dojo. Remember, Karate Do is first and foremost about showing respect; respect for:

• yourself
• your fellow students
• your instructor (Sensei)
• the place you train (Dojo)

Martial arts training begins with a bow and end with a bow; respect is shown through the student’s and instructor’s actions.



Class Rules

Before Class

• Before you leave your home:
  • ensure your toenails & fingernails are clean & short.
  • remove all jewellery, rings, watches, earrings, necklaces, etc.
  • go to the bathroom, if you need to.
  • bring drinking water; sports/ sparkling drinks, sweets or biscuits are discouraged in the Dojo.
• When you arrive at the Dojo:
  • Arrive 5-10 minutes before the start of class; you will not be permitted to enter the Dojo before this time.
  • Bow when entering the Dojo.
• While you are in the Dojo waiting for class to start:
  • remove your shoes & socks and leave them neatly beside the door.
  • wait quietly until you are invited onto the tatami (training mats) by your instructor; no running or horseplay is allowed as this can cause injury and you will need to save your energy for training.
  • If you have an injury, please tell your instructor.
• If you are late for class, wait quietly inside the door of the Dojo for your instructor to ask you to join the class.



During Class

• Do:
  • Bow before stepping onto the tatami
  • Show respect to your Instructor at all times and call your Instructor “Sensei”
  • Concentrate & follow the instructions of your Sensei; if you have a question, raise your hand and wait for your Sensei to call on you.
  • Show respect to your fellow students.
  • Ask your Sensei for permission to use the bathroom during class if you need to go; don’t just leave the class. If there are other students in the toilets you may be asked to wait until they return before you are permitted to go.
• Don’t:
  • Give up ……even if it’s difficult ….just try your personal best to do the exercises in the class.
  • Do anything that may be unsafe such as: messing, horseplay, bullying, not staying in and carrying out activities in the designated area.
  • Do anything to disrupt the class such as: talking/shouting, not listening to instruction, refusing to participate in class activities, leaving/entering the tatami without permission.
  • Spend unnecessarily long periods in the toilets.



After Class

• Don’t forget your belongings (coat, shoes/socks, water bottle, etc).
• Wait quietly for your Parents/Guardians/Carer to take you from the Dojo.
• Bow before leaving the Dojo
• Remember karate is about respect both inside and outside the Dojo.

Consequences of breaking class rules

In all instances, where a student has broken a class rule, they will be given a brief explanation of the rule they’ve broken

• 1st instance – student is given a verbal warning and requested to desist
• 2nd instance – student is requested to sit out of the class for a fair period of time 5-10 minutes
• 3rd instance – student is requested to sit out of the remainder of the class

All instances will be recorded, discussed and depending on the amount and severity of the behaviour a metaphorical strike may be issued; 3 strikes will result in the expulsion of the student from the club.

Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians/Carers

• Supervisor your child/children before, during and after Class, to and from the Dojo (not the car park)
• During class you are welcome to sit in the Dojo as spectators to see your child’s/children’s progression in training at any time but are requested not to distract the class.
• Understand and ensure your child/children abide by the Code of Conduct and Class Rules.
• Be available for specified duties if and when required; some duties are mandatory and form part of the procedures for safeguarding your children; some will be at the request of the Club.
• Have an awareness of and respect for Leaders and other adults and their roles within the Club.
• If you wish to raise an issue with a Leader this should be addressed with the Leader in an appropriate manner and not in front of children and young people
• Respect and abide by the decisions made by the Committee and other Leaders, these should be made in the best interests of the children in the Club.
• Understand the complaints process and follow the proper procedure if you feel unjustly treated, with the knowledge that any complaint will be dealt with effectively and confidentially.
• Know your child’s training and/or competitive programme, and accept it is your responsibility for delivering and collecting your child/children. Parents/carers should ensure they do not leave their child/children waiting unsupervised at any time.
• Ensure the environment is safe and enjoyable for your child/children.
• Promote fair play and the positive aspects of sport.
• Be a role model for your children and young people by maintaining the highest standards of personal conduct and respectful behaviour in any activity related to the sports club/organisation.
• Allow your child to focus their efforts and success in terms of their goals rather than winning being the main objective.
• Promote participation for children that is fun, safe and in the spirit of fair play
• Ensure appropriate leaders are informed regarding any absenteeism, medical conditions or other relevant matters concerning your child.
• Arrange an appropriate time and place for discussing any matter with leaders and coaches; communication should not take place whilst leaders and coaches are in a position of supervision or responsible for other young people.
• You should have the opportunity to put forward suggestions and comments.
• Provide the Club with appropriate information in relation to your child to ensure their safe inclusion in the club and with emergency contact information and to be reasonably available in case of emergency.
• Abide by these procedures and policies especially with regard to the use of smart phones, any type of camera and videoing equipment.
• Be aware and abide by the Club Safeguarding Policy, the rules and constitution of the organisation and the rules and constitution of the Club; the Club constitution is available for viewing in the Club.



Code of conduct for Volunteers

• In line with our National Governing Body, The Irish Martial Arts Commission, all volunteers in direct contact with young/vulnerable persons must sign up to our codes of conduct, complete garda vetting and safeguarding training.
• Be aware and abide by the Club Safeguarding Policy, the rules and constitution of the organisation and the rules and constitution of the Club; the Club constitution is available for viewing in the Club.