Safeguarding Codes of Conduct

All members of McKinstry Family Karate are expected to uphold the values of discipline, respect, integrity and safety.

Safeguarding takes precedence over all other considerations.

Revision Record

V1.0 – 15/05/2019 – Initial Code of Conduct issued
V2.0 – 12/10/2023 – Minor wording review and clarification
V3.0 – 10/12/2024 – Alignment with updated safeguarding framework
V4.0 – 20/02/2026 – Full revision: strengthened behavioural expectations; added shared spaces clause; clarified safeguarding priority; formalised Instructor Code of Conduct; aligned progression authority with Chief Instructor

Next Review: 12 months from issue

1. Parent / Guardian Code of Conduct

Parents and guardians play an essential role in maintaining a safe, respectful and disciplined training environment.

Parents / guardians must:

  • Disclose relevant medical, behavioural, or safeguarding information.

  • Support the club’s safety and safeguarding policies.

  • Reinforce respectful behaviour expectations at home.

  • Ensure children arrive and are collected on time.

  • Raise concerns respectfully through appropriate communication channels.

This expectation applies within the training hall and in all shared spaces associated with the venue.

Parents / guardians must not:

  • Interrupt or interfere with class instruction.

  • Coach from the sidelines.

  • Publicly challenge instructors during sessions.

  • Engage in aggressive, confrontational or intimidating behaviour.

  • Create conflict in shared spaces.

All safety, safeguarding, and progression decisions remain at the discretion of the Chief Instructor.

Failure to comply with this Code may result in restricted access, formal warning, suspension, or termination of membership.

2. Participant Code of Conduct

All students are expected to train with discipline, control and respect.

Participants must:

  • Follow instructor instructions immediately.

  • Train with appropriate control and proportionate force.

  • Respect training partners at all times.

  • Use the tap-out protocol correctly where applicable.

  • Report injuries, discomfort, or concerns promptly.

  • Wear approved protective equipment when required.

Participants must not:

  • Use excessive or uncontrolled force.

  • Escalate drills beyond instructor guidance.

  • Engage in unsupervised sparring or unsafe conduct.

  • Behave in a manner that compromises safety or discipline.

Progression is based on control, maturity, and technical understanding.

Unsafe behaviour may result in removal from activities, delayed progression, suspension, or termination of membership.

3. Instructor Code of Conduct

Instructors are entrusted with the safety, development and welfare of all participants.

Instructors must:

  • Prioritise safeguarding at all times.

  • Deliver instruction consistent with the approved syllabus.

  • Model discipline, emotional control and professionalism.

  • Maintain clear professional boundaries.

  • Intervene immediately where safety is compromised.

  • Apply policies consistently and fairly.

  • Maintain current safeguarding, first aid and concussion training.

Instructors must not:

  • Encourage excessive force or unsafe behaviour.

  • Ignore injury indicators or safeguarding concerns.

  • Permit unauthorised sparring or deviation from policy.

  • Create a culture of intimidation, humiliation, or favouritism.

The Chief Instructor retains final authority in matters of safety, safeguarding and progression.