Student Code of Conduct

Introduction

Judo is more than a sport. It is a way of developing character, respect, self-discipline, and mutual welfare.

At Honto Judo, every student is expected to uphold the values of Judo both on and off the tatami. This Code of Conduct is based upon the principles promoted by the British Judo Association (BJA), Welsh Judo Association (WJA), and International Judo Federation (IJF).

By following this Code, we create a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn and improve.

The Values of Judo

Every member is expected to demonstrate the core values of Judo:

Respect		Friendship
Courtesy		Honour
Honesty		Modesty
Courage		Self-Control

Students should also strive to follow the Judo principles of:

Seiryoku Zenyo (Maximum efficiency with minimum effort)

Jita Kyoei (Mutual welfare and benefit)

Respect for Others

Every student agrees to:

Treat coaches, volunteers, and officials respectfully.

Treat fellow students with dignity and kindness.

Welcome beginners and help create a friendly atmosphere.

Respect opponents before, during, and after training or competition.

Never bully, intimidate, or deliberately exclude another member.

Respect people regardless of: Age, gender, disability, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, background, ability.

Harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Behaviour During Training

Students will:

Arrive on time whenever possible.

Bow correctly when entering and leaving the dojo.

Always wear appropriate footwear off the mat, no footwear to be worn on the mat.

Inform coaches if you intend to leave the mat.

Follow the coach's instructions immediately.

Pay attention during demonstrations.

Train safely and responsibly.

Practise techniques appropriate to their and Uke’s grade and experience.

Stop immediately when instructed by a coach.

Inform the coach if injured or feeling unwell.

Never deliberately injure another person.

Never use techniques outside the rules taught by the club.

Horseplay or dangerous behaviour is not acceptable.

Looking After Training Partners

Every student has a duty of care to their partner.

Students will:

Train at an appropriate level for their partner.

Respect differences in size, age, and experience.

Apply techniques with control.

Release submissions immediately when a partner taps.

Tap early if caught safely.

Never attempt techniques they have not been taught.

Help partners improve rather than trying to "win" every exchange.

Judo is based upon cooperation during learning.

Personal Conduct

Students will:

Be honest.

Show humility in both victory and defeat.

Accept coaching positively.

Respect referees and officials.

Never use offensive language.

Never threaten another member.

Never engage in fighting.

Never damage club property or equipment.

Hygiene and Personal Appearance

Students agree to:

Wear a clean Judogi.

Keep hands and feet clean.

Keep fingernails and toenails short.

Remove jewellery before training.

Cover cuts and abrasions.

Maintain good personal hygiene.

Tie back long hair.

Not train if suffering from a contagious illness.

Good hygiene protects everyone.

Not train if you have an injury.

Safety

Students will:

Maintain a valid WJA licence.

Report injuries immediately.

Inform coaches of any medical conditions.

Never train under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Use equipment correctly.

Follow all emergency instructions.

Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Behaviour Towards Coaches

Students will:

Listen respectfully.

Ask questions politely.

Accept constructive feedback.

Not interrupt instruction unnecessarily.

Support coaches in maintaining a safe training environment.

Behaviour Towards Officials

Students will:

Respect referees' decisions.

Never abuse officials.

Never argue aggressively.

Conduct themselves with dignity during competitions.

Competitions

When representing the club, students will:

Behave professionally.

Respect opponents. Respect officials & volunteers. Respect venue staff.

Win with humility, Lose with dignity.

Support teammates.

Students represent both themselves and the club.

Mobile Phones and Photography

Students should:

Respect safeguarding rules regarding photography:

Never take photographs in changing areas.

Seek permission before photographing others.

Respect anyone who does not wish to be photographed.

Phones should be silenced during all classes.

Social Media

Students will:

Use social media responsibly.

Not bully or harass others online.

Not post offensive comments about coaches, officials, or other members.

Not share confidential club information.

Not post images that could damage the reputation of the club or Judo.

Online behaviour should reflect the same respect expected in the dojo.

Anti-Bullying

Our club has zero tolerance for bullying.

Bullying includes:

Physical intimidation

Verbal abuse

Online abuse

Exclusion

Threats

Humiliation

Repeated unwanted behaviour

Students should report concerns to a coach immediately.

Equality and Inclusion

Every member has the right to train in an environment that is:

Safe

Inclusive

Respectful

Free from discrimination

Everyone deserves equal respect.

Safeguarding

The welfare of children and adults at risk is always the highest priority.

Students must:

Report any safeguarding concern to a coach or Club Welfare Officer.

Respect safeguarding procedures.

Never engage in inappropriate behaviour towards children or vulnerable adults.

Anti-Doping

Students participating in competition must:

Follow all anti-doping regulations.

Never knowingly use prohibited substances.

Seek advice before taking medication if competing.

Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs

Students must not:

Attend training under the influence of alcohol.

Attend training under the influence of illegal drugs.

Smoke or vape around the training facilities where prohibited.Attendance

Students are encouraged to:

Attend regularly.

Inform the coach if unable to attend.

Arrive ready to train.

Regular attendance helps personal development and club planning.

Looking After the Dojo

Students will:

Help keep the dojo tidy.

Respect equipment.

Report damaged equipment.

Leave changing areas clean.

Help maintain a safe environment.

Keep personal items to a minimum and safe during training (any loss or damage to personal items are not the responsibility of the club)

Breaches of this Code

Failure to follow this Code may result in:

Verbal reminder

Formal warning

Temporary suspension from training

Removal from club activities

Referral to the British Judo Association disciplinary procedures where appropriate

Serious misconduct may result in immediate suspension.