Code of Conduct

All members, parents/guardians, and visitors are expected to read, understand, and follow this Code of Conduct. It exists to keep training safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone, and to uphold the traditional values of judo.

1. Kit & Hygiene

Judo is a close-contact sport, and good hygiene is essential for the safety and comfort of everyone on the mat.

Judogi (uniform): Wear a clean, dry judogi to every session. Wash it after each training session — a sweaty or dirty gi should never be worn again without washing.
Personal hygiene: Shower or wash before training. Ensure hands, feet, and body are clean.
Nails: Fingernails and toenails must be kept short and clean at all times to avoid scratching or injuring training partners.
Bare feet: No footwear is to be worn on the mat. Feet should be clean — please use the designated area to remove shoes before stepping onto the tatami.
Jewellery and sharp objects: Remove all jewellery, watches, and hair clips/pins before training. These can cause injury to yourself or others.
Hair: Long hair should be tied back securely.
Illness and skin conditions: Do not train if you have a contagious illness, open wound, verruca, ringworm, or other transmissible skin condition. Inform your coach if you are unsure whether it is safe to train.
Mat care: No outdoor shoes on the mat, and no food or chewing gum during training. Water bottles should be kept off the mat edge, not on it.
If you would like to wear a t-shirt/rashguard under your gi, it must be white.
Female judoka are expected to wear a supportive, high impact sports bra that is appropriate for the intensity and providing a level of coverage for a professional training environment.
We have a zero tolerance policy on training under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. If suspected to be under the influence, you will not be permitted entry to dojo.

2. Attitude

A positive attitude is at the heart of good judo and reflects the club's values on and off the mat.

Respect: Treat coaches, training partners, opponents, and officials with respect at all times, regardless of grade, age, or ability.
Effort: Train with full effort and focus. Arrive on time and ready to learn.
Sportsmanship: Win and lose graciously. Congratulate opponents and training partners after randori or contest.
Support others: Encourage lower grades and newer members. Judo is built on mutual welfare and benefit (jita kyoei) — help your training partners improve, don't just focus on your own progress.
Safety first: Never train recklessly, use excessive force, or apply techniques designed to cause injury. Control is more important than winning an exchange.
No bullying or discrimination: Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind will not be tolerated.
Honesty and integrity: Be honest about your own ability and grade, and never fake injury or misrepresent results.
Positive language: No swearing, insulting language, or disrespectful comments towards others.

3. Etiquette

Etiquette is fundamental to judo and reflects the discipline's origins and philosophy of mutual respect.

Bowing:
Bow when entering and leaving the dojo/training hall.
Bow to the mat before stepping on and off it.
Bow to your coach/sensei at the start and end of every session.
Bow to your partner before and after every training section.
Punctuality: Arrive before the session starts and line up promptly when called. Late arrival should be acknowledged with a bow to the coach before joining the line.
Lining up: Stand in line order by grade when instructed, and sit in a controlled manner (seiza or cross-legged as directed) while waiting.
Listening: Stop talking and give full attention when the coach or sensei is speaking or demonstrating.
Addressing instructors: Use the appropriate title for your coach (Sensei, Coach) as directed by the club.
Belt and uniform: Wear your judogi and belt correctly at all times; do not walk around with the jacket open or belt undone.
Leaving the mat: Ask permission from the coach before leaving the mat area during a session.
Equipment and mat area: Treat the dojo, mats, and equipment with care and respect. Help set up and pack away when asked.
Guests and visitors: Welcome visitors and newcomers, and model correct etiquette for them.

4. Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in:

A verbal reminder from a coach.
A formal warning discussed with the member (and parent/guardian, if under 18).
Temporary suspension from training.
In serious or repeated cases, removal from the club.