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Jiu-jitsu and submission grappling are full contact martial arts, there are risks & dangers associated with participation in these classes. Precautions are taken to create a safe environment but this does not mitigate all chances of injury. We take precautions to create a safe environment however there is still a chance of injury.

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

Please read carefully.

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any Hills Grappling Club Pty Limited training, event and/or activity the participant:

1. Agrees and acknowledges that all participants will be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability or death, of which social and economic loss or damage might result not only from the Participant’s own actions, inactions or negligence, but also the actions, inactions or negligence of other participants, including but not limited to unforeseeable risks, rules of play, the conditions of premises or equipment used.
2. Agrees that they will inspect the premises, all facilities and associated equipment, should the Participant be of the opinion that such is unsafe, they must immediately notify a representative of Hills Grappling Club Pty Limited of the conditions and not participate until a suitable and safe remedy is in place.
3. Assumes all the foregoing risks arising from participating and associated with Jiu-Jitsu and/or any other form of martial arts or grappling as offered by Hills Grappling Club Pty Limited and accepts all personal responsibility for any such, cost, expense, loss or damage, injury, permanent or otherwise, disability or death.
4. Releases, waives, discharges Hills Grappling Club Pty Limited its affiliated clubs, regional sports organisations, their respective administrators, directors, agents, coaches, and other employees of the organisation, other participants, sponsoring agencies, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of any used premises, from any and all liability to the Participant for any and all claims, costs, expenses, demands, losses or damages on account of injury including death or damage to property, caused or alleged to be caused by negligence.
5. I authorise and grant Hills Grappling Club Pty Limited to take my photos and/or video during training, events or activities. Hills Grappling Club Pty Limited can use these materials for social media, website and advertising. These materials can be edited, altered, copied, or distributed social media advertising and marketing and belong to Hills Grappling Club Pty Limited. As such I understand that I will not receive any compensation, fee or royalty for said materials.

The Participant declares that they have read and that they understand the terms or the above Waiver and Release, and now signs this form

Code of Conduct

Purpose

Our Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful training environment for all members. We prioritise the physical and emotional safety of children, women, and vulnerable participants above all else.

All coaches, staff, volunteers, students, and parents must follow this Code of Conduct.

1. Core Values

All members will:

• Treat others with respect and dignity
• Train safely and responsibly
• Act with integrity and good sportsmanship
• Promote an inclusive environment for all training partners
• Speak up about unsafe or inappropriate behaviour

2. General Behaviour Standards (All Members)

You must:

• Follow instructor directions at all times
• Use controlled technique (no reckless or dangerous training)
• Tap early and release immediately
• Maintain good hygiene and clean uniform
• Use appropriate language (no swearing around children, slurs, or harassment)
• Respect personal boundaries and consent
• Report injuries or safety concerns immediately

You must not:

• Bully, intimidate, or harass
• Use excessive force
• Make sexual or inappropriate comments
• Discriminate based on gender, age, race, religion, or ability
• Train under the influence of drugs or alcohol

3. Child Safety Standards (Under 18s)

Our academy has zero tolerance for child abuse or unsafe behaviour.

Coaches & Staff must:

• Hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC)
• Never be alone with a child in a closed or isolated space
• Maintain clear professional boundaries
• Use appropriate, instructional touch only
• Obtain parent/guardian consent for contact or physical correction
• Use positive, encouraging language only
• Avoid favouritism or special treatment
• Never transport children alone unless pre-approved by parents
• Avoid private messaging or social media contact with minors

Prohibited:

• Physical punishment
• Yelling, humiliation, or shaming
• Inappropriate jokes or comments
• Private or secret communication
• Gifts or special treatment without parental knowledge

Supervision:

• Children must be supervised at all times
• Parents/guardians encouraged to observe classes
• No child left alone after class
• CCTV system is in place recording the training areas
• Private lessons must be supervised by a third party training partner, family member or friend
• It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure their child is not left alone in one-on-one situations

4. Women’s Safety & Respect Standards

We actively create a safe environment where women feel comfortable training.

All members must:

• Respect personal boundaries and consent at all times
• Ask before coaching or adjusting physically
• Avoid inappropriate comments about appearance
• Maintain professional behaviour during training

Zero tolerance for:

• Sexual harassment
• Unwanted physical contact
• Sexist language or jokes
• Staring or intimidation
• Pressuring anyone to train or spar

Safety Practices:

• Option to request same-gender training partners
• Option to decline any roll without explanation
• Female-only classes available where possible
• Immediate reporting pathways for concerns
• Private lessons between male/female must be supervised by a third party training partner, family member or friend

5. Instructor & Coach Responsibilities

Coaches are leaders and must model the highest standards.

Coaches must:

• Create a welcoming and inclusive culture
• Prioritise student safety over competition or performance
• Teach techniques safely and age-appropriately
• Intervene immediately in unsafe behaviour
• Use professional communication
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with students
• Complete required safeguarding training

Coaches must not:

• Form personal/romantic relationships with students under 18
• Engage in relationships that create conflicts of interest
• Use authority to intimidate or pressure students
• Train aggressively with beginners, children, or women

6. Physical Contact Guidelines

Because BJJ is a contact sport:

• Contact must be instructional and appropriate only
• Always explain what you are about to do when demonstrating
• Seek consent where possible
• Stop immediately if someone expresses discomfort

7. Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination Policy

The following will result in disciplinary action:

• Bullying or hazing
• Sexual harassment
• Verbal abuse
• Discrimination
• Online harassment related to the academy

8. Reporting & Complaints Procedure

We encourage all concerns to be raised safely and to ensure action is taken, please report to multiple people. We have several senior coaching staff that will hold each other accountable.

Reporting options:

• Coaches
• Parent/guardian (for minors)

Reports may be:

• Verbal or written
• Confidential
• Made without fear of retaliation

Serious incidents may be reported to appropriate authorities.

9. Consequences for Breaches

Breaches may result in:

• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Suspension
• Termination of membership/employment
• Reporting to governing bodies or authorities

Zero tolerance breaches (abuse, harassment, misconduct) may result in immediate removal.

10. Acknowledgement

All members, parents, and staff must:

• Read this Code of Conduct
• Agree to comply

HYGIENE

• Wear clean gear each training session
• Make sure you are clean, odour free with trimmed nails
• Wear shoes/slides when off the mat, no shoes on the mat
• Do not arrive barefoot or with dirty feet
• Get a coach to check any suspect skin issues (cuts, pimples, infections)

SAFETY

• Stop when your training partner taps or says “tap”, “yep”, “ouch”
• Follow coaching instruction
• No buttons or zippers on training gear
• Make your coach aware of any injury occurring
• Tap or verbally submit in a manner that is recognisable as submission
• Do not crank submissions or execute them without opportunity to tap
• Do not turn training into a fight by being overly aggressive (incl verbally)
• New members must not wrestle in the standing position until approved
• Banned moves:
  • Jumping guard
  • Flying submissions
  • No takedowns with uncontrolled falling body weight
  • No sagging weight on outside of knee
  • Low single
  • Take downs with trapped hands
  • Take downs head first into mat
  • Slams
  • Unsafe and/or uncontrolled moves

ETTIQUETTE

• Be a helpful training partner
• Bullying, harrassment and unsafe behaviour is forbidden
• If it is not your training session, stay off the mats until time
• No coaching from the sidelines
• Do not call your child over during class
• If you need anything, ask the coach on the mat before anyone else
• Take your rubbish, clean up after yourself and respect the training room
• Follow our Code of Conduct
• Report any behaviour or interaction contrary to the above