Expected Standards of Conduct

At Snow Herons Martial Arts (SHMA), we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive,

and respectful environment where everyone can learn, grow, and enjoy their martial arts journey.

 

 

As students of Tang Soo Do, we are expected to demonstrate the traditional values of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, humility, and respect in everything we do. These values apply

not only in the Dojang but also at home, at school, in the workplace, and within our wider community. To help maintain a positive training environment.

 

 

All students, parents, guardians, family members, and visitors are expected to:

 

• Treat everyone with kindness, courtesy, dignity, and respect.

• Follow the instructions of instructors and club officials promptly and respectfully.

• Encourage, support, and show consideration for fellow students.

• Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.

• Respect the Dojang, its equipment, and the property of others.

• Demonstrate honesty, humility, self-control, and good sportsmanship during training, competitions, and club events.

• Train safely and responsibly, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.

• Raise any concerns respectfully and work together to resolve issues in a positive manner.

 

 

 

 

The following behaviour will not be tolerated:

 

• Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or victimisation.

• Intimidation, threatening behaviour, or violence.

• Abusive, offensive, or inappropriate language or conduct.

• Deliberate damage to club property or the property of others.

• Behaviour, whether in person or online, that brings the club or its members into disrepute.

• Any action that compromises the safety or wellbeing of another person.

 

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action. Depending on the seriousness of the incident, this may include a verbal warning, written warning, temporary suspension, or termination of membership.

 

 

 

Speaking Up:

 

Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe, positive, and respectful training environment.

Students are encouraged to speak to an instructor if they experience, witness, or become aware of bullying, inappropriate behaviour, or anything that makes themselves or another person feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Where appropriate, students should also speak with a parent or guardian.

 

All concerns will be taken seriously and handled promptly, fairly, sensitively, and, where possible, confidentially.

 

Speaking up is not "telling tales" or "getting someone into trouble." It is an act of courage, responsibility, and respect that helps protect others and strengthens our club community.

 

By treating one another with kindness, supporting those around us, and upholding these standards, we ensure that Snow Herons Martial Arts remains a place where everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and able to achieve their personal best.

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This Student Behaviour, Rules & Safety Agreement (SBR&SA) will be emailed to the parent/carer as a PDF and forms part of the student's membership with Snow Herons Martial Arts. By enrolling, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with the terms and expectations set out in this agreement.

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Purpose of This Agreement

 

This agreement supports a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment within martial arts classes, training sessions, grading events, competitions, holiday camps, and all club-related activities. This document reflects good safeguarding practice and supports expectations around:

• Respectful conduct

• Anti-bullying

• Appropriate language and behaviour

• Behaviour and Conduct Expectations Inside and Outside the Club

• Online conduct

• Responsibility within mixed-age environments

 

Teenagers attending classes or camps may train alongside younger children. Older students are expected to act as positive role models and understand that younger students may copy language, behaviour, jokes, attitudes, or actions they observe.

 

1. Behaviour Expectations

Senior and teenage students are expected to demonstrate leadership, maturity, and positive behaviour towards younger students at all times.

I agree to:

• Treat all students, instructors, staff, volunteers, and parents with respect.

• Behave responsibly during classes, camps, competitions, changing times, breaks, and online communication.

• Follow all instructions from coaches, instructors, and class assistants acting under the direction of the Senior Class Instructor.

• Support a positive training environment where everyone feels safe and included.

• Use self-control, discipline, and respect in keeping with martial arts values.

• Accept responsibility for my behaviour and actions.

 

2. Expectations Around Younger Children

I understand that younger children may be present during:

• Martial arts classes

• Holiday camps

• Workshops

• Competitions

• Group class activities

• Shared break areas

Because of this, I agree to:

• Use age-appropriate language at all times.

• Avoid swearing, sexual language, violent jokes, or inappropriate discussions around younger children.

• Avoid conversations involving drugs, alcohol, vaping, explicit content, self-harm, criminal activity, or adult topics where younger children may hear.

• Speak respectfully and avoid intimidating behaviour.

• Understand that younger children may copy older students’ behaviour and language.

• Set a good example through my conduct and attitude. I understand that “banter,” jokes, sarcasm, or comments that may seem harmless to older students can upset, confuse, influence, or negatively affect younger children.

 

3. Anti-Bullying & Respect Policy

Bullying of any kind is not acceptable. This includes:

• Verbal bullying

• Physical intimidation

• Social exclusion

• Online or cyberbullying

• Humiliation or mocking

• Threatening behaviour

• Persistent teasing

• Discriminatory language or behaviour

 

I agree not to:

• Encourage bullying

• Laugh at or support bullying behaviour

• Exclude others deliberately

• Target younger or less confident students

• Use martial arts skills to intimidate others

• The use of mobile phones, photographs, and video recordings must always be appropriate and respectful. Students must not photograph, film, or record others without permission from both the individual and the club/ instructor where required.

• I understand that misuse of martial arts training, strength, seniority, or experience to frighten or dominate others is taken seriously.

 

4. Respectful Language & Communication

I agree to:

• Speak politely and respectfully.

• Avoid aggressive, insulting, discriminatory, or offensive language.

• Respect differences in age, race, religion, gender, disability, sexuality, culture, and ability.

• Avoid shouting, threatening, or humiliating others.

• Think carefully before speaking or posting online.

The following are not acceptable:

• Racist language

• Sexist comments

• Homophobic or transphobic remarks

• Sexual comments or jokes

• Swearing directed at others

• Encouraging conflict or encouraging hurtful and disrespectful communication

• Humiliating comments disguised as jokes.

 

5. Conduct in Martial Arts Training

I understand that martial arts require discipline, trust, and safety. I agree to:

• Train safely and under instruction.

• Respect personal boundaries and physical safety.

• Respect appropriate physical boundaries at all times.

• Never deliberately injure or endanger another student.

• Use techniques only as instructed and never in a reckless, aggressive, or unsafe manner.

• Stop immediately when instructed.

• Show respect during all class activities.

• Respect all belts, ages, and ability levels.

 

6. Online & Social Media Conduct

I agree to:

• Communicate respectfully in group chats and online spaces.

• Not post bullying, abusive, humiliating, or inappropriate content.

• Not share photos or videos of others without permission.

• Avoid gossip, harassment, or online arguments involving club members.

• Understand that online behaviour may lead to disciplinary action if it affects safety or wellbeing within the club or camp.

 

7. Safeguarding & Welfare

The club/camp is committed to safeguarding children and young people in line with UK safeguarding expectations and duty of care standards. Students are encouraged to:

• Speak to a trusted instructor, safeguarding lead, or adult if worried.

• Report conflict, bullying, or disrespectful communication

• Seek support if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

All safeguarding concerns will be handled appropriately, confidentially, and in accordance with UK safeguarding guidance and club procedures.

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8. Consequences of Inappropriate Behaviour

Understand that inappropriate online behaviour affecting students, staff, or the reputation and safety of the club may lead to disciplinary action. Serious incidents involving safeguarding concerns, threats, violence, harassment, discrimination, or unsafe behaviour may be escalated to appropriate authorities where necessary.

• Verbal warnings and parent notification.

• Parent/guardian discussions

• Removal from activities or sessions

• Behaviour agreements/support plans

• Suspension from classes or camps

• Permanent exclusion where necessary

• Referral to safeguarding procedures if appropriate

Serious behaviour involving bullying, threats, harassment, violence, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct around younger children will be treated seriously.

 

9. Parent/Guardian Agreement

As a parent/guardian, I agree to:

• Support the expectations outlined in this agreement.

• Encourage respectful behaviour and positive conduct.

• Work cooperatively with instructors and safeguarding staff.

• Reinforce the importance of safe and appropriate behaviour around younger children.

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10. Agreement & Signatures

By signing below, we confirm that we have read, understood, and agreed to follow this Behaviour, Respect & Safeguarding Agreement.

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