Player Code of Conduct

1. About this code

This code explains how every player at Mike's Judo Club is expected to behave. It applies at all club sessions, gradings, competitions, training camps and club trips, and in club group chats and online. It forms part of the club's 2027 Terms and Conditions.

Parents and guardians are asked to read this code with their child, so that every player understands what is expected of them.

Our club ethos

Coach me and I will learn. Challenge me and I will grow. Believe in me and I will win.

The judo moral code

As members of British Judo, we follow the judo moral code. Every player should show these values on and off the mat:

Value	What it means at our club
Courtesy	Be polite to coaches, partners, referees and everyone at the club.
Courage	Try new things, keep going when it is hard and do what is right.
Friendship	Be a good training partner and help everyone feel welcome.
Honesty	Tell the truth, play fair and own up to mistakes.
Modesty	Win without showing off and lose without complaining.
Respect	Treat everyone fairly, whatever their age, grade or background.
Self-control	Stay calm, follow the rules and keep your temper.
Honour	Do the right thing, even when nobody is watching.

2. Respect in the dojo

Arriving: arrive on time and ready to train. If you are late, wait at the edge of the mat until a coach invites you on.
Bowing: bow when you step on and off the mat, and to your partner before and after you practise together.
Listening: listen to your coach and follow their instructions straight away. Stop and sit quietly when a coach is talking.
Leaving the mat: ask a coach before you leave the mat for any reason, including to get a drink or go to the toilet.
The venue: look after the hall and its equipment, and help put mats away at the end of the session when asked.

3. Safety on the mat

Techniques: only practise techniques your coach has taught you and allowed for your age and grade. Never try a new or dangerous technique on your own.
Tapping: if your partner taps or says “matte”, let go and stop at once. Tap whenever you need to; it is never a sign of weakness.
Randori (free practice): practise with control and care for your partner. Randori is for learning, not for hurting anyone.
Injuries: tell a coach straight away if you are hurt, feel unwell or have an injury from outside the club.
On the mat: no shoes, food, sweets or chewing gum. Drinks bottles stay at the side of the mat.

4. Kit and hygiene

Judogi: wear a clean judogi and the belt of your current grade at every session.
Nails: keep fingernails and toenails short. Players with long nails will not be allowed to take part in the session.
Jewellery: remove all jewellery, watches and hair clips before the session.
Hair: tie long hair back with a soft band, with no metal or hard parts.
Clean feet: wear flip-flops or sliders between the changing area and the mat, and make sure your feet are clean.
Cuts: cover any cuts or grazes with a plaster before you train.

5. How we treat each other

Kindness: be friendly and include everyone. Help new and younger players, just as others helped you.
No bullying: we do not accept bullying, teasing, name-calling or leaving anyone out, in person or online.
No discrimination: treat everyone equally, whatever their race, religion, gender, disability, background or ability.
Language: no swearing, rude gestures or unkind comments.
Fighting: judo is only practised on the mat, under a coach's supervision. Fighting or play-fighting off the mat is never allowed.
Other people's belongings: do not touch or take anything that belongs to someone else.

6. Competitions and gradings

Representing the club: when you compete or grade, you represent Mike's Judo Club. Wear club kit when asked and behave in a way that makes the club proud.
Referees: accept the referee's decision without arguing. If you think something is wrong, tell your coach afterwards.
Opponents: bow to your opponent before and after every contest, whether you win or lose.
Your team: stay with your coach and team, support your teammates and tell a coach before you leave the area.
Fair play: never cheat or try to hurt an opponent on purpose.

7. Phones, photos and online

Phones: phones stay in your bag during sessions unless a coach says otherwise.
Photos and videos: do not take photos or videos of other players without their permission and a coach's agreement. Never take photos in changing areas or toilets.
Online: be kind in club group chats and on social media. Do not post anything that could upset, embarrass or hurt another player or the club.

8. Speaking up

If something worries you, or someone makes you feel unsafe or unhappy, you can always tell a coach or one of the club's welfare officers. You will not be in trouble for speaking up.

Welfare officers	Contact
Masiel Lopez Sanchez	club@mikesjudoclub.com
Nelly Chiriceanu	club@mikesjudoclub.com

You can also contact British Judo's safeguarding team through the British Judo website. In an emergency, always call 999.

9. If the code is broken

Most problems are sorted out quickly with a quiet word. If a player keeps breaking the code, or does something serious, the club will usually take these steps:

Step	What happens	Details
1	A reminder	A coach speaks to the player and reminds them of the code.
2	Time out	The player sits out part of the session to calm down and think.
3	Talk with parents	A coach speaks to the player's parent or guardian about what happened.
4	Meeting and warning	The player and parent meet the head coach, and a written warning is given.
5	Suspension or ending membership	In line with section 7 of the 2027 Terms and Conditions.

For serious behaviour, such as deliberately hurting someone, bullying or a safeguarding concern, the club may go straight to a later step. Safeguarding concerns are always handled in line with British Judo's safeguarding policy.

10. Our promise

By agreeing to the club's terms when registering in MyMA, the player promises to follow this code, and the parent or guardian confirms they have read it with their child.