Jiu-Jitsu & MMA Coach Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct outlines the expected standards of behavior, professionalism, and ethical responsibility for all coaches affiliated with JAY PAGES JIU-JITSU & MMA. Adherence to this code is mandatory and non-negotiable.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This document is intended to be a guide for professional conduct. It is NOT a legal contract, guarantee, or waiver of liability. Nothing in this Code of Conduct is intended to, or shall be construed to, shift, transfer, or absolve the Gym, its owners, or its employees (including coaches) from any liability, whether civil or criminal, that may arise under applicable law. All individuals should consult with independent legal counsel regarding potential liability risks and the legal sufficiency of any waivers or agreements used by the Gym.

1. Professional Conduct and Integrity

• Respect and Professionalism:
  • Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor at all times toward students, parents/guardians, fellow coaches, staff, and opponents.
  • Refrain from using abusive, profane, derogatory, or discriminatory language, gestures, or actions.
  • Uphold the reputation of the martial arts, the Gym, and yourself as a coach.
• Ethical Behavior:
  • Act as a positive role model, demonstrating fairness, discipline, sportsmanship, and integrity.
  • Refuse to engage in or encourage cheating, unsportsmanlike conduct, or disrespect toward referees, officials, or opponents during training or competition.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive Gym business, student performance issues, or private student information.
• Appearance:
  • Ensure personal hygiene is impeccable (clean gi/attire, trimmed nails, fresh breath).
  • Wear appropriate Gym-approved attire/uniform during all coaching activities.

2. Safety, Training, and Instruction

• Safety First (Waiver Acknowledgment):
  • Crucially, remind all students that participation in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA involves inherent risks of serious injury and that they (or their guardians) have signed a comprehensive liability waiver and assumption of risk agreement with the Gym.
  • Ensure all training activities are conducted in a safe, controlled, and supervised environment.
  • Stop any technique or drill immediately if it poses an undue risk of injury beyond the scope of normal training.
• Facility and Equipment:
  • Immediately report any damaged equipment, facility hazards, or unsanitary conditions to Gym management.
  • Ensure all mats and training areas are clear of obstructions prior to and during class.
• Instructional Competence:
  • Provide instruction that is appropriate for the age, skill level, and physical capacity of the students.
  • Demonstrate techniques clearly, ensuring students understand the proper mechanics and safety protocols before execution.
  • NEVER use a technique or drill that the coach is not demonstrably qualified or certified to teach.
• Injury Management:
  • Coaches are not medical professionals. If a student is injured, the coach must immediately stop the activity and notify Gym management.
  • Do not attempt to diagnose or treat injuries. Administer basic first aid only if trained and necessary, then refer the student to Gym staff for documentation and contact with emergency services or guardians.
  • Insist that any student who is visibly injured or unwell cease training immediately.

3. Student-Coach Relationship Boundaries

• Zero Tolerance for Abuse:
  • Coaches must never engage in physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse of any student, regardless of age.
• Strict Physical and Social Boundaries:
  • All physical contact must be appropriate, necessary, and solely for the purpose of instruction, demonstration, or safety (e.g., repositioning a limb, gripping for a drill).
  • Avoid private one-on-one sessions without the presence of another adult or visibility from the main Gym area, especially with minors.
  • Refrain from initiating or pursuing any personal, romantic, or sexual relationships with current students.
• Gifts and Favors:
  • Do not solicit personal gifts, money, or favors from students or their families.

4. Operational and Administrative Compliance

• Gym Policies:
  • Adhere strictly to all Gym rules, policies, and operational procedures as set forth by Gym management.
  • Ensure timely arrival for all scheduled classes and maintain accurate records of student attendance as required.
• Legal Compliance:
  • Coaches must comply with all local, state, and federal laws. Any coach arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, sexual misconduct, or violence must immediately notify Gym management.
• Insurance and Documentation:
  • Coaches must ensure their certifications, professional licenses, and, where required, professional liability insurance are current and on file with the Gym.
• Drug and Alcohol Policy:
  • Coaches must not consume or be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or performance-enhancing drugs while on Gym premises or while coaching.
  • The use of legal prescription medication must not impair the coach’s ability to perform their duties safely.

5. Competition and Sparring Management

• Supervision:
  • Ensure sparring and competition preparation are intensely supervised.
  • Match sparring partners based on appropriate size, skill, and experience levels.
• Controlled Environment:
  • Require the use of all necessary protective gear (e.g., mouthguards, cups, headgear) for specific drills or sparring as per Gym policy.
  • Enforce a clear “tap” rule and ensure students immediately cease activity upon a verbal or physical tap-out.
  • Coaches must never pressure a student to spar, compete, or continue training if they express discomfort or are exhibiting signs of fatigue or injury.

6. Liability and Indemnification (Gym-Specific)

• Coach Acknowledgment:
  • Coaches acknowledge that this Code of Conduct is intended to promote best practices and that their failure to adhere to these standards may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.
• Non-Waiver:
  • Coaches understand that this Code of Conduct does not modify the terms of their employment or independent contractor agreement, if any, and does not provide an indemnity or liability waiver from the Gym.
  • The Coach agrees that they are responsible for their own negligent or intentional actions and omissions and that the Gym is not liable for misconduct or actions taken by the Coach outside the scope of their authorized duties.

Code of Conduct for Students

Adherence to this Student Code of Conduct is mandatory for all individuals (or their parents/guardians) participating in training activities at JAY PAGES JIU-JITSU & MMA. This code is designed to foster a safe, respectful, and productive training environment.

Important Liability Disclaimer & Acknowledgement

• Assumption of Risk: All students and/or their guardians understand and expressly acknowledge that participation in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA involves inherent, significant risks of serious physical injury, including but not limited to concussions, broken bones, permanent disability, and death. Participation is entirely voluntary.
• Waiver and Release: Students acknowledge that they (or their guardians) have executed a comprehensive Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement, which remains in full force and effect.
• NO LIABILITY OF COACHES OR GYM: Students and their guardians expressly agree that JAY PAGES JIU-JITSU & MMA, its owners, employees, coaches, and staff are NOT liable for any injury, damage, or loss sustained by the student, regardless of the cause, including but not limited to injuries resulting from negligence, actions, or omissions of the gym, coaches, staff, or other students. The student assumes full responsibility for all such risks.
• Physical Condition: The student attests that they are in adequate physical condition to participate in strenuous martial arts training and will inform the coach immediately of any physical limitations, illnesses, or pre-existing injuries.

1. Safety and Injury Protocol

• Self-Monitoring: Students must stop training immediately and notify a coach if they feel dizzy, sick, injured, or experience any undue pain or discomfort. Continuing to train while injured or unwell is at the student’s sole risk.
• Tap-Out Rule: Students must immediately and clearly “tap” (verbally or physically) when caught in a submission or when they feel unsafe. Students must stop activity immediately upon hearing or feeling a partner’s tap.
• Equipment Use: Use required protective gear (e.g., mouthguards, cups) during all designated drills and sparring sessions.
• No Horseplay: Students shall not engage in unauthorized roughhousing, unsupervised drilling, or reckless behavior.
• Facility Care: Students must not use damaged equipment or training areas and must immediately report any hazards (e.g., spills, torn mats) to a coach or staff member.

2. Respect and Conduct

• Respect for Authority: Always respect the decisions and instructions of the coaches and staff. Do not argue with or interrupt the instructor during class.
• Respect for Peers: Treat all training partners, fellow students, and opponents with courtesy and respect, regardless of skill level, gender, race, or background.
• Language and Behavior: Refrain from using profanity, abusive, discriminatory, or derogatory language or engaging in any form of bullying or aggressive behavior.
• No Unsanitary Conduct: Students must maintain high standards of personal hygiene, including wearing clean training attire (Gi/rashguard/shorts), trimming fingernails and toenails, and ensuring fresh breath. Students with open cuts, skin infections, or communicable illnesses are strictly prohibited from training.

3. Class Etiquette and Preparation

• Punctuality: Arrive on time for class. If late, wait respectfully at the edge of the mat for the coach’s permission to join.
• Required Attire: Wear the appropriate Gym-approved uniform/attire for each class type.
• Mat Protocol: Bow upon entering and leaving the mat area. Keep the mat area clean and clear of personal belongings (water bottles only).
• Focus: Students must pay full attention when the coach is speaking or demonstrating a technique. Minimize talking or distraction during instruction.

4. Sparring and Competition

• Partnering: Sparring partners must be matched responsibly, respecting the coach’s guidance regarding size and skill disparities.
• Control: Sparring must be done with control and focus on technique, not aggression. Excessive force or intentionally malicious behavior will result in immediate dismissal from class.
• No Coaching Peers: Students shall not coach or critique other students unless explicitly authorized by the head coach.

5. Compliance and Discipline

• Adherence to Policies: Students and guardians must comply with all Gym policies, rules, and procedures, including those regarding membership, fees, and operational hours.
• Disciplinary Action: Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or permanent dismissal from the Gym, without refund.

Injury Management and Liability Protocol

Coaches must adhere strictly to the following protocols concerning student injuries. This protocol is mandatory and designed to prioritize student safety while maintaining the legal boundaries established in the “IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER” above and the Waiver Acknowledgment in Section 2.

• Non-Medical Status Acknowledgment:
  • Coaches are explicitly and formally not medical professionals (doctors, nurses, physical therapists, etc.).
  • Coaches must not imply, suggest, or assert that they possess the training or authority to diagnose, treat, or offer medical advice for any injury or illness.
• Immediate Cessation of Activity:
  • If a student is visibly injured, expresses pain, or indicates a “tap” due to injury, the coach must immediately stop the activity/drill involving that student and the training partner.
  • The injured student must be directed to cease all physical activity immediately.
• Notification and Referral:
  • Coaches must promptly notify Gym management or an authorized staff member upon observing or being informed of a student injury, regardless of perceived severity.
  • Coaches are required to refer all inquiries regarding the nature, severity, or treatment of an injury directly to the Gym staff/management for documentation and parent/guardian contact.
• Basic First Aid Protocol (Strict Limits):
  • Coaches may administer only the most basic, non-invasive first aid (e.g., applying ice/cold packs, placing a bandage on a minor scrape) only if they are currently trained and certified in basic first aid/CPR.
  • Coaches must never administer medication (prescription or over-the-counter), manipulate a suspected broken bone or joint, or perform any procedure beyond basic first aid.
  • In the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency, the coach’s sole duty is to ensure the scene is safe, initiate CPR if trained and necessary, and ensure Gym staff has called (or the coach immediately calls) 911 or local emergency services.
• No Pressure to Continue:
  • Coaches must never pressure, coerce, or encourage a student to “walk it off,” minimize the injury, or resume training before they are medically cleared or without the explicit permission of a parent/guardian (for minors) or Gym management.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Coaches must provide a factual, non-diagnostic account of the incident to Gym management for the official incident report, focusing solely on the circumstances leading to the injury and the immediate actions taken.
  • Coaches must not speculate on the cause of injury or assign blame in the official report.
• Student Accountability Acknowledgment:
  • Coaches must reiterate, when relevant and appropriate, that the student (or guardian) signed a comprehensive waiver acknowledging the inherent risks of injury and that they bear full responsibility for the decision to train while aware of those risks.
  • Coaches must not make any statements that could be interpreted as accepting liability for the injury on behalf of themselves or the Gym.