Post your list of school rules

[John Bennett]

Last night at the club where I train some problems developed because we don't have a good set of rules. I'm looking to develop some new rules and get the club to adopt them.

If you have them handy, could you guys post your club/school rules?

Here is the handout I gave new students when I ran my own club:

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Angelina Jiu-Jitsu Club
Rules and Guidelines

The purpose of the Angelina Jiu-Jitsu Club is to have fun while at the same time learning skills and keeping fit. These rules and guidelines are designed to promote that goal. Since you will be expected to know and observe these rules, study them well.

• “Leave your ego at the door”. Anyone who is unable to control their ego or temper will be expelled from the club with extreme prejudice.
  
  
• Students should maintain the highest degree of personal cleanliness. Jiu-jitsu practice involves close bodily contact. Be considerate of your training partners. Wash your body. Brush your teeth.
  
  
• Keep your uniform (jiu-jitsu gi) clean. Wash it after every practice.
  
  
• Fingernails and toenails should always be clipped short to prevent scratching or harming others.
  
  
• Wear no jewelry during practice. This includes rings, necklaces, ear rings, and other piercings. Remove them before getting on the mat.
  
  
• Do not engage in practice if you are sick with a cold or other infectious illness that could be spread to your training partners.
  
  
• Do not attempt techniques you have not been trained to safely use, especially leg locks.
  
  
• Never substitute strength for skill and technique. Strength fades over time. Skill lasts forever. "Forcing a technique” is one of the major causes of accidents on the mat.
  
  
• No profanity or abusive language will be allowed in the club.
  
  
• Do not consume any alcohol before a practice. Doing so is highly disrespectful to both your instructor and your club brothers. You will NOT be allowed on the mat.
  
  
• Do not show anyone who is not a club member any jiu-jitsu technique.
  
  
• Do not misuse your knowledge of jiu-jitsu. Harming people who are not trained in martial arts is the same as a man harming a child. It is shameful.
  
  
• Watch your space on the mat. Be aware of those around. Collisions are painful and potentially dangerous.

The following items will be cause for immediate termination of club membership:

a. Any involvement in criminal activities
b. Drug abuse or misuse
c. Any behavior outside the club that harms the reputation or name of the club.

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I've attached my old Word document containing these.

[Prince Loeffler]

Hi John , Here's mine:

http://alljapankarate.com/index.php?...d=45&Itemid=55

[John Bennett]

Many good ideas there.

Thanks!

[andyb28]

Hi John,

Out of interest, was your first rule the based on the problem at your club last night?

[torbjork]

We used to have a pretty long written list of rules in my old club, but right now I don't really use it anymore. We are so few that it's not really necessary, so as long as people have normal good manners and show some common sense. If I ever get more than 10 students I'll probably drag out ye olde rule booke again.

[Jeff C.]

1. Wear a clean uniform to class.
2. Maintain personal cleanliness. If you have body odor before class, you need to bathe before coming to class. Showers are available at the dojo, if you chose to bathe there.
3. Keep finger and toenails short. Remove all jewelry before training.
4. Bow as you enter and leave the dojo/mat.
5. No gum, food, candy, or soda is allowed in the dojo during training.
6. Keep the dojo and bathrooms clean; pick up after yourself.
7. When an instructor talks, all student activities will cease immediately, and you will give the instructor your full attention.
8. Practice the technique you were instructed to practice - DO NOT modify the technique unless told to do so.
9. At all times, treat all people with respect, whether you like them or not.
10. All school students will bring in every progress report and report card to class for review by your instructors.
11. Cursing, racial remarks, and insults will not be tolerated at any time. Challenging authority will not be tolerated at any time.
12. Help set up equipment (mats, heavy bags, etc.) at the beginning of class. Help put them away at the end of class.
13. Always ask permission to use the bathroom, get a drink of water, or leave the floor for any reason except during break times. During breaks, DO NOT sit or lie down without permission.
14. If you have any physical, mental, or emotional situation that could possibly interfere with your safe participation in training, immediately inform your instructors.

Jeff Cook

[John Bennett]

Out of interest, was your first rule the based on the problem at your club last night?

I started a new thread about the problem Friday night here...

http://www.budoseek.net/vbulletin/sh...d.php?p=303602

[Defined]

10. All school students will bring in every progress report and report card to class for review by your instructors.

That's an interesting one. How closely do you look at these?

To John,
That set of rules looks quite good. But I'd add some more general ones in there for good measure, two in particular along these lines.

1 - Respect your fellow students and instructors.
2 - Follow the instructions and directions of the instructor and senior students at all times.

[Jeff C.]

We look at them in coordination with the parents. In the past, the parents thought it was a good idea to have their child come to the dojo, but go to another room to finish his/her homework prior to coming out on the mat.

It just gives the kids someone else to be accountable to, in addition to their parents. We have suspended some training for child students when their grades were below where their parents thought they should be - until they brought their grades up.

Jeff Cook