Policies, Terms and Conditions
Please read the following information carefully. If you have any questions at all, please contact us.
The executive
The Principal Instructor (PI) is Peter Zarb and the Business Manager (BM) is Stephanie Raven. Karate Community (KC) is run by an Executive Committee (‘the ‘Executive’) made up of the PI, BM and any persons the PI and BM deems appropriate to assist in the running of KC.
Insurance Policy
KC, maintains the following specialist sports insurance, including for injury of members, and:
• Public & Products Liability Insurance ($20mil)
• Professional Indemnity ($5mil)
Code of Conduct
The CMAHD Inc Code of Conduct has been developed to safeguard the rights and to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of all its members, be they students, instructors, administrators or the many volunteers who assist KC in so many ways. KC is committed to ensuring that every individual is treated fairly without prejudice to gender, race, colour, or beliefs religious or otherwise.
KC requires every individual bound by this policy to:
Be ethical, fair and honest in all their dealings with other people and KC
Treat all persons with respect and courtesy and have proper regard for their dignity, rights and obligations
Always place the safety and welfare of children above other considerations
Comply with all KC rules and policies
Operate within the rules and spirit of Martial Arts
Comply with all relevant Australian laws (Federal and State), particularly anti-discrimination and child protection laws
Be responsible and accountable for their conduct
Abide by the KC relevant Role-Specific Codes of Conduct
Students also have a specific Code of Conduct that they are required to follow. Please contact us for more information.
Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct
As a parent or guardian of a student or participant at KC, or at any activity or event in which KC is represented, you must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others
Remember that your child participates in sport for their own enjoyment, not yours
Focus on your child’s efforts and performance, rather than winning or losing
Never ridicule or yell at your child or other children for making mistakes or losing a competition
Show appreciation for good performances and skilful plays by all participants (including opposing competitors)
Demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility especially when dealing with or in the vicinity of persons under 18 years of age, as your words and actions are an example
Respect officials’ decisions and teach your children to do likewise
Do not physically or verbally abuse or harass anyone associated with the sport (student, coach, referee, administrators, and so forth)
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion
Be a positive role model
Understand that the repercussions of breaching this code of behaviour may be suspension or removal from KC
Follow the KC Code of Conduct
Instructor’s Code of Ethics
As a traditional karate instructor, I will:
Follow the ethics of traditional karatedo and kobudo
Continue to grow myself as an instructor and continue to develop within accepted industry best practice
Ensure the safety and well-being of my students at all times
Ensure all lessons are planned and delivered within an acceptable framework
Uphold good conduct and safety standards at all time
Ensure students are aware of the associated risk of traditional karatedo and kobudo practice
Support each student in their endeavours, and deliver an individual journey through group training, and respect each person for their individuality
Ensure the principles of child protection and anti-discrimination and harassment are upheld at all times, and do not allow harassment, discrimination, bullying, victimisation, harmful behaviour or the endangerment of students
Adhere to the Code of Conduct
Do not instruct under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or anything that may impair judgement
Child Safety Policy
All children who are a part of KC have a right to feel and be safe, be happy and have a voice. The welfare of the children in our care will always be our first priority and KC has a zero tolerance for child abuse. KC aims to create a child-safe and child friendly environment where children feel safe and have fun and all activities are always carried out in the best interests of the children. KC encourages children to express their views about their safety. We listen to their suggestions, especially on matters that directly affect them. We actively encourage all children who train or are involved at KC to ‘have a say’ about things that are important to them. We teach children about what they can do if they feel unsafe. We listen to and act on any concerns children, or their parents, raise with us.
All KC staff and volunteers are responsible for promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people by:
Adhering to our Child Safe Policy, this Code of Conduct and all other policies as detailed in the KC polices webpage
Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse
Treating everyone with respect, including listening to and valuing their ideas and opinions
Welcoming all children and their families and carers; by being inclusive
Respecting cultural, religious and political differences and acting in a culturally sensitive way, particularly when interacting with children who are Aboriginal or otherwise culturally or linguistically diverse and those with a disability
Modelling appropriate adult behaviour
Listening to children and responding to them appropriately
Reporting and acting on any breaches of this Code of Conduct, complaints or concerns appropriately treating them seriously, with respect and in a timely manner.
Complying with our guidelines on physical contact with children
Working with children in an open and transparent way – other adults should always know about the work you are doing with children
Respecting the privacy of children and their families, and only disclosing information to people who have a need to know
The KC complies with Anti-Discrimination legislation and ensures instructors undergo training through the AusSport endorsed PBTR – Child Protection training.
Additionally, during pick-up and drop-off parents must be visually sighted before children will be allowed to exit the dojo. When dropping off, parents are encouraged to walk their children to the door, and at minimum, must ensure they are visually sighted entering the dojo before leaving. The instructors and staff reserve the right to determine whether children are safe to exit the dojo and move to a vehicle. Parents/guardians or those picking-up and dropping-off children are asked to do so with the safety of our community in mind, and in compliance with all road rules.
Harassment and Discrimination Policy
The KC complies with Anti-Discrimination legislation and ensures instructors undergo training through the AusSport endorsed PBTR – Harassment and Discrimination training.
Injury Prevention Policy
The KC complies with Sports Medicine Australia’s Injury Prevention Guidelines.
Pregnant Athlete Policy
The aim of this policy is to reduce the risk of injury to the pregnant student whilst at training or any event held by KC.
The main risks to the pregnant student are:
Direct trauma to the abdomen
Joint back injury due to increased ligament laxity
Overheating
Dehydration
This policy encompasses:
Support and guidance to the pregnant student
Direction for KC Instructors in assisting the pregnant student.
Instructors, officials, and students associated with the KC, are responsible for understanding, implementing and following this policy.
The pregnant student must:
Obtain expert medical advice, and obtain a clear understanding of the risks, particularly in regard with your involvement in martial arts. Before making the decision about whether to continue to participate:
Obtain medical certificate from your doctor stating that ‘you are able to continue in the sport’
Advise your Instructors of your pregnancy
Regularly review the training program with your medical adviser
Consider your insurance cover to ensure that it is adequate and relevant
Should the pregnant student decide to continue in the sport she must at all time:
Use common sense and not take unnecessary risks
Take into account her changes in physical condition
Not increase the intensity of training; always work at less than 75 per cent of her maximum heart rate; and watch for warning signs, such as bleeding or abdominal pain, and see a doctor immediately if these occur
The Instructor must:
Support the pregnant athlete who has decided to continue
Sight the medical certificate from her doctor stating “that she is able to continue in sport”; advise all other assisting Instructors for that session
Modify the program where necessary to avoid unnecessary risks; take into account the changes in her physical condition; have her work at less than 75 per cent of maximum heart rate; and allow more frequent drinks during class
Should the Instructor become concerned about the student’s well-being, the Instructor must raise this concern with the student with the view as to whether participation continues. The Instructor must avoid giving advice where not qualified to give. For further information see AusSport’s Guidelines and SMA’s Guidelines.
Blood Rule & Body Fluids Policy
The aim of this policy is to decrease the exposure risk to blood-borne and body fluid pathogens (1) whilst at training/competing/grading at events organised by KC. Instructors, officials, and athletes associated with the KC, are responsible for understanding and implementing and follow this policy.
The following guidelines must be implemented at the dojo/competition/grading area:
When the instructor is advised or witnesses a student with a bleed, the instructor will direct that student to leave the dojo mat immediately, if not already done, to seek medical attention
The participant’s injury/wound must be treated (no further bleeding) with the affected area completely and securely covered and only return to the mat on advice from the treating qualified instructor
The treating qualified instructor must record the first aid treatment given in a record book or complete an incident form
If there is any blood on the clothing, or protective equipment the competitor must change the blooded item immediately. (It is the responsibility of the athlete to ensure they have a replacement clothing.) Under no circumstances should an athlete be allowed on the mat with wet or dry blood stains on their clothing or any protective equipment
Blood or body fluids spilt on the mat or immediate surrounding area must be treated with a bleach and detergent solution (2) as outlined in procedures given as detailed in (a) below, Attending to Blood or Body Fluids on Mat or Immediate Area
Infectious Diseases Policy (including COVID-19)
The aim of this policy is to decrease the risk of exposure to infectious disease whilst at Dojo or event run by KC. A number of blood-borne and air-borne infectious diseases can be transmitted during body contact1and collision sports. The more serious include Viral Hepatitis and HIV (AIDS) infection. It is important to remember that the more common diseases, such as the ‘common cold’, COVID-19, flu and herpes simplex may be spread during body contact sports.
COVID-19
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, we ask that you do not attend training or our Centre until acute symptoms have gone and you are fully recovered. If medically able, we recommend wearing a mask during the week post-COVID-positive diagnosis or if you are the household contact of a positive COVID case.
Instructors/Athletes/Students/All visitors
Do not attend training if unwell, including with cold or flu-like symptoms.
Utilise the hand hygiene stations around the Centre before, during and after training and using equipment.
Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom facilities.
Instructors
Instructors must report all open cuts and abrasions immediately for first aid attention.
It is recommended that those who participate in Self Defence, Karate, and martial arts should consider being vaccinated against Hepatitis B and other infectious diseases, after consulting with a medical professional
All contaminated Gi and protective equipment must be replaced prior to the athlete being allowed to resume
If bleeding cannot be controlled and the wound securely covered, the athlete must not continue
However, if bleeding should recur, the above procedures must be repeated
Participants/Students
It is every athlete’s responsibility to maintain strict personal hygiene at all times, in all activities on and off the mat
It is recommended that all athletes involved in self defence, karate, and martial arts, and playing under adult rules consider being vaccinated against Hepatitis B and other infectious diseases, after consulting with a medical professional
All participants with prior evidence of these infections are strongly advised to obtain confidential advice and clearance from a doctor prior to training/competition/gradings
Training venue
The practice of spitting must NOT be permitted.
All clothing, protective equipment or any other equipment and surfaces contaminated by blood must be treated as potentially infectious. Such items must be removed and placed in an appropriate container specific for this purpose which is the responsibility of the athlete.
Contaminated equipment and surfaces must be cleaned immediately as outlined in Blood Rule and Body Fluids Policy.
The Centre will be regularly cleaned and disinfected by instructors and staff, in addition to professional cleaning services.
The Centre Director will have undertaken training in HLTINF001 – Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
Active Children & Young People in Sport Policy
The KC complies with Sports Medicine Australia’s Active Children Guidelines.
Active Older People Policy
The KC complies with Sports Medicine Australia’s Choose Health: Be Active Guidelines.
Drugs in Sport Policy
The KC complies with the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority and its guidelines.
Risk Management Policy
The KC complies with Sport Australia’s Risk Management Process.
Supervision & Parking Policy
The KC begins its supervision of under 18 participants once they have been personally dropped off inside of the dojo, this supervision ceases at the end of the scheduled class and parents are asked to be present for the end of class to immediately pick up their child. The KC requires all parents/guardians to then pick their child up personally from inside the training venue, or to be visually identifiable by the instructor/staff member who is managing the children exiting the training venue.
The application of force and the law
In Australia, the law permits a person to use reasonable force to physically defend themselves, another person or their property.
The justification of self-defence requires the person to have-
acted in a way that was reasonable in the circumstances
the defensive conduct is proportional to the threat faced.
Reasonable is defined as what the average person would deem appropriate if they were in the same circumstances. Proportionate means ‘equal or equivalent to’ and relates to the circumstances and the threat faced.
Karate is a highly effective form of self-defence when practiced correctly. Therefore, it must be balanced with self-discipline, sound judgment and moral integrity.
Karate Community is committed to helping students develop self-discipline and responsibility. It must be acknowledged that you, the student, are responsible for your choices, actions and consequences.
Cancellation policy
If you need to cancel your appointment, you can do so by contacting us up to 24 hours beforehand. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the appointment attract a cancellation fee of 50% of the appointment fee. To cancel your appointment, please email us at hello@karatecommunity.com, or call on 0401 000 297.