Terms & Conditions of Membership

Content

1. Free Trial Period
2. Training Fees, Refunds & Cancellations
3. Grading Policy
4. Etiquette & Conduct
5. Health & Safety
6. Insurances
7. Child Protection
8. Photography & The Use Of Images
9. Complaints
10. Cancellation

Introduction

The Association of Real Martial Arts is committed to providing quality, affordable martial arts training for children and adults.

1 - FREE Trial Period

This period is designed to encourage students to participate in classes and for students and parents to ask any questions before committing as a member. Instructors will use this time to assess a student’s compatibility with this type of activity.

Training Age Restrictions

1: Due to insurance restrictions we are only able to offer training to persons between the ages of 5 and 60.

FREE Trial Duration

2: Prospective student will be given a maximum of 4 free trial classes.

Trial Membership Form

3: All prospective students must complete a trial membership form providing us with information regarding health issues, personal and emergency contact details.

Junior Trials & Parental Supervision

4: Students between the ages of 5 and 17 will require parental supervision at all time during the trial period.

Working with The Police

5: Please note that we are committed to working with Devon and Cornwall Police Constabulary to help build and maintain a safer community. Please note that if we believe your intentions to learn martial art is not genuine your details will be passed to the Police for investigation.

Terms & Conditions

6: Students participating on a free trial agree to the full terms and conditions of membership.

Cancellation

7: We have the right to cancel your free trial period at any time.

2 - Training Fees, Refunds & Cancellations

The Association of Real Martial Arts is committed to providing quality, affordable martial arts training and the aim of this section is to clearly outline all associated training costs, refund policy and cancellation process.

Fees

1: The total cost of membership is £39.00 per month for non-black belt students (white to red/black belt).

Included In Price

2: This price includes tuition, belt promotion, insurance fees and 1 white uniform.

Collection

3: All monies are collected on a monthly basis by the National Education System for Training (NEST) via a student agreement. Pre-paying annually is not an option.

Discounts

4: A maximum discount of 10% is available to families with two or more persons training.

Training Schedule

5: Fees are based on a 47 week training year.

Refunds

6: Refunds will be given on request in the form of vouchers for classes cancelled outside our pre-scheduled breaks. A maximum of £5 may be claimed for each evening classes that do not run as scheduled.

Cancellation

7: A student agreement may be cancelled by giving 30 days notification as described in the terms and conditions of that agreement.

Re-Joining

8: Students who discontinue their training and want to re-join within 12 months will be charged a £30 administration fee.

3 - Grading Policy

The Association of Real Martial Arts encourages positive development in the form of belt promotion.

New Members

1: New student members shall be awarded a white belt when they receive their uniform.

Honored Grades

New students with previous TAEKWONDO experience may have their grade honored providing;

2. They can provide evidence in the form of certificates & ability of their previous rank.

3: They understand that to grade for their next belt with ARMA they will have to meet the grading criteria as described in section 5 of this policy.

4: Where there is any uncertainty new students will be assessed over a 4 month period and then awarded a grade deemed suitable by their instructor.

Grading Criteria

Students will be invited to grade for their next belt when:

5. They can satisfactorily demonstrate to their instructor all new and previous syllabus requirements and perform them to the required standard.

Please be aware that students develop at different speeds therefore the duration between gradings will differ from student to student.

Grading Invitations

6: Students will be invited to grade verbally by their instructor approximately 7 to 14 days prior to the pre-arranged event.

7. Belt promotions are not compulsory. However, students who choose not to grade should understand that they cannot progress thought the syllabus until their ability has been demonstrated at such an event.

Grading Dates

8: All three grading dates are pre-planned and booked for the year ahead and are available for members to see via the student zone at www.armtkd.com

Double Gradings

9: Students who make exceptional progress with the syllabus may be invited to progress through the belt system providing they can competently demonstrate their progress as described in section 5.

Grading Fees

10: Grading fees are included within the monthly payments.  

Examination Panel

11: Their shall be a minimum of 2 ARMA Black Belts present at the examination event.

4: Etiquette & Conduct

The Association of Real Martial Arts requires all member students to conduct themselves in a safe, controlled and respectful manner at all times both inside and outside the Academy, remembering that they represent a professional organisation.

In Class

All students must ensure that;

1: They are familiar with and abide by all ARMA's terms and conditions of membership.

2: All jewelery and any other sharp objects are removed.

3: Toe & finger nails are appropriately cut and filed and feet are kept clean.

4: They are not intoxicated in any way.

5: They bow as they enter and leave the training area (Dojo).

6: They must not leave or re-join the class or Dojo without first obtaining permission from the instructor.

7: Only ARMA provided uniforms are to be worn in the Dojo.

8: Uniforms must be well presented and should be clean, well presented and put on in the changing rooms before entering the Dojo.

9: Uniforms must not be worn outside the Dojo.

10: Deodorant is a MUST for adults as we often work closely with each other.

11: All Black Belts should be addressed as Sir or Mam or by their prefix and surname within the Academy.

12: The use of bad, foul of offensive language is prohibited.

Outside Class

13: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which positively represents our professional organisation g humility, control and respect at all times towards others.

Membership Cancellation

14: An Instructor reserves the right to cancel a student’s memberships without question or refund should any of the above be mentioned points be abused or an issue that is deemed to be more serious occurs.

5: Health & Safety

The Association of Real Martial Arts regards the promotion of Health and Safety measures as a mutual objective of instructors, members and visitors at every level and will fully support all those who abide by this policy.

The aim of this section is to promote good practice and to do all that is reasonable to prevent personal injury and damage to property and protect everyone including the public from foreseeable hazards, in so far as they come into contact with the organisation and its activities.

Responsibility (ARMA)

The Association of Real Martial Arts recognizes the following responsibilities:

1: To provide and maintain a safe and healthy level of instruction.

2: To provide appropriate training and instructors, so far is reasonably practical, to enable members to practice safely and efficiently.

3: To ensure that all learning material is fit for purpose.

4: To encourage the use of all necessary protective equipment and to supervise their use.

5: To maintain a constant and continuing interest in health and safety matters applicable to all organizations activities.

6: Advise the members of any standards of safety.

7: Have Health and Safety on the agenda and discussed at every meeting.

8: Provide and maintain all Health and Safety policy documentation.

Responsibility (Visitors & Members)

All members and visitors who visit the premises have a duty of care to observe and co-operate with this policy and should note.

1: All terms and conditions.

2: All exit routes.

3: First aid facilities.

4: Fire extinguishers.

5: Toilets and changing rooms.

6: Notice boards.

7: Telephones.

8: Nearest casualty Hospital.

It shall be the duty of every member to ensure that they have familiarized themselves with all terms and conditions (including this section) and should always;

9: Encourage safe practices.

10: Use protective equipment when required or instructed to do so by instructor.

11: Report incidents that have lead, or may lead to injury or damage.

12: Adhere to ARMA’s procedures agreed on their behalf for securing a safe environment.

13: Assist in the investigation of any incident with the object of introducing measures to prevent recurrence.

Legal Obligation (Visitors & Members):

It shall be the legal duty of every visitor and member whilst at the premises:

14: To make themselves familiar with the Association of Real Martial Arts Health and Safety policy at all times.

15: To take reasonable care in terms of the Health and Safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by his/hers actions.

Responsibility (Instructors)

It shall be the responsibility of Instructors to:

16: Familiarise themselves with all terms and conditions.

17: Conduct a standard Risk Assessment & student register prior to all classes.

18: Monitor any suggestions or complaints from members or instructors on the subject of safety, and take action where practicable.

19: Investigate all accidents and dangerous practices and report accordingly.

20: Ensure that a record is maintained of all injuries. Such records to be produced as and when required.

21: Be directly responsible for the safe running of classes they instruct.

22: Adequately supervise all members, particularly young or inexperienced members or new instructors.

23: Take any action necessary to ensure that legal safety obligations have been carried out by the owners/authority in charge of the premises.

24: Ensure that any training or safety equipment being used is in a safe, clean and in a serviceable condition.

25: Ensure that any prospective instructor receives appropriate training.

26: Introduce control measures where necessary, to reduce hazards.

27: Ensure that all persons acting on their behalf comply with these terms and conditions.

Sparring & Combat Techniques

The Association of Real Martial Arts encourages light, enjoyable sparring, however, the following criteria is compulsory.

28: Students will not be invited or permitted to participate in contact sparring until they achieve the rank of orange belt.

29: Only semi-contact sparring is permitted within the Association of Real Martial Arts. Students who deliberately and or consistently fail to control their level of contact will have their membership revoked.

30: Students must wear safety equipment during semi-contact sparring where injury could result or when directed to do so by an instructor, any refusal or non-compliance with any reasonable request to wear adequate safety equipment must result in the exclusion of the individual concerned from any activity requiring such protection, this is for the health and safety of themselves and others.

31: For personal hygiene and efficiency, the borrowing and lending of equipment is not encouraged. All members should obtain their own personal items of safety equipment.

First Aid

32: Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations 1981, premises must have first aid provision.

A ‘Responsible’ or ‘Appointed person’ is someone who is authorized or expected to take charge of a serious situation (e.g. to call an ambulance) if there is a serious illness or injury. The person will act in the absence of the trained or qualified first aider or where a qualified first aider is not required.

33: A qualified first aider is a person who must have undertaken training and holds a valid qualification.

34: A record (Accident book) must be carried by the instructor managing the class.

All Instructors must hold a valid first aid qualification & are expected to carry and maintain a sufficient first aid kit.

First Aid Special Precautions

In any situation requiring first aid, certain precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of transmitting infections. First aiders should always cover any exposed cuts or abrasions they may have with a waterproof dressing before treating a casualty whether or not any infection is suspected. They should also wash their hands both before and after applying dressings. Whenever blood or other body fluids have to be mopped up, disposable plastic gloves should always be worn and paper towels used, these items should then be placed in plastic bags and safely disposed of, preferably by burning. Clothing may be cleaned in an ordinary washing machine using the hot cycle. The AIDS virus is killed by household bleach and the area in which any spills have occurred should be disinfected using one part bleach diluted with 10 parts water, caution should be exercised as bleach is corrosive and can be harmful to the skin

If direct contact with another person’s blood or other body fluids occurs, the area should be washed as soon as possible with ordinary soap and water. Clean cold tap water should be used if the lips, mouth, tongue, eyes or broken skin are affected and medical advice sought.

First aiders who may be called upon to give mouth to mouth resuscitation should be aware that mouthpieces are available for this procedure for specially trained persons. Such treatment should NEVER be withheld in an emergency if a mouth piece is not available.

6: Insurances

The Association of Real Martial Arts holds public liability and instructor indemnity insurance policies to cover accident claims of up to £5M. These certificates are issued in by with Towry Law in conjunction with New Hampshire insurance Company.

Additional Personal Insurance Recommended

1: Participating in any sporting activity is a risk. TAEKWONDO is classified as a dangerous sport and although we hold both public liability and instructors indemnity insurances we strongly recommend that all students (and parents where applicable) organize additional personal insurance to cover general accidents not involving other persons. (For example a student may fall over whilst trying to strike a punch bag). These incidents may lead to time off work or education so insurance is recommended to cover such instance.

7: Child Protection

The Association of Real Martial Arts regards the protection of children as paramount importance and recognizes its duty of care to safeguard all children from harm.

Dropping Off & Collecting Children From Class

1: Because we take the responsibility of teaching every child very seriously, we require all parents to deliver and collect their child in person to the instructor.

This ‘hand over’ ensures that children are not left un-supervised. Please arrive 5 minutes prior to the class starting and be ready to collect your child 5 minutes before the class is scheduled to finish.

Contact Availability

2: Please ensure that you are always available to answer your phone whilst you child is on our care.

Second Adult Present

3: To avoid any misunderstanding a second adult is always present at all junior classes.

8: Photography, Video Equipment & The Use Of Images

Coaching Aid

1: There is no intention to prevent instructors from using video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. Parents and careers should be aware that this is part of the coaching programmed.

Images & Marketing

2: Student members agree that photographic and or video images of them may be used for the purpose of future advertising and marketing campaigns. For example photos may be used on flyers, poster, newspaper editorials or on our website.

9: Complaints

The Association of Real Martial Arts strongly supports one’s right to a learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. All students, parents and visitors have the right to complain about discrimination or harassment. All complaints will be treated seriously and the complainant will be protected against victimization for making or being involved in a complaint. ARMA will ensure any complaint is dealt with fairly, thoroughly, sensitively and quickly.

Making A Complaint

In many cases allegations and incidents of harassment or discrimination can be most effectively resolved if they are raised at an early stage and dealt with fairly and promptly at a local level. However, it is appreciated that making complaints of this kind can be difficult and sensitive. Procedures are therefore sufficiently flexible to take account of this.

Informal Complaint

It is up to the individual to decide whether they wish to deal with their complaint on an informal or formal basis. If they are uncertain on how best to proceed then they can seek advice by contacting ARMA direct.

1: The individual may prefer to make a direct approach to the person they consider has discriminated against or harassed them.  This can be in writing or face to face. . Obviously this method is quite informal and is not always appropriate and very much depends on the individual concerned and the nature of the harassment. If a direct approach does not work then the individual may want to pursue the matter informally through an ‘appointed person’ for example one of the Instructors or by contacting ARMA direct if the allegation involves the instructor.

2: The appointed person will then speak to the alleged offender. The complaint will have been dealt with informally if the matter is then resolved at a local level, to everyone's satisfaction, with no formal follow up action.

3: The ‘appointed person’ will then have a responsibility to ensure that a similar incident or situation does not happen again. In the event of a reoccurring incident it is the ‘appointed persons’ responsibility to report the issue formally.

4: If an ARMA representative feels that an alleged incident is too serious to be treated informally, they may decide to treat it as a formal complaint from the outset.

Formal Complaint

If a person wants to make a formal complaint then they can do so at any time by raising the matter with either:

5: Their most immediate senior instructor not involved in the complaint; or

6: By contacting ARMA direct.

In both cases the complaint will be dealt with as described in section 4 of this policy.

Making A Complaint

7: Full details of the complaint should be put in writing by the complainant.  The statement will be verified by the committee as described in section 4.1 of this policy as an accurate record of events.

After A Complaint Is Made

8: A letter of acknowledgement will be sent to the complainant within 7 working days.

9: The allegations should be quickly, thoroughly and fairly investigated, with each party having a full opportunity to make their case and have it heard. Each party will be advised of the account given by the other and have an opportunity to comment on it. Everyone should recognise the sensitive nature of enquiries into complaints of discrimination, harassment and child protection issues, every care should be taken to ensure that no unnecessary distress is caused to anyone involved. All parties to a complaint will be expected to treat the matter as confidential.

After The Investigation

If an investigation finds that a person has been discriminated against or harassed, disciplinary action may be taken against the offender. If, however, it finds that the complaint was a deliberate fabrication, thus disciplinary proceedings could be taken against the complainant.

Any action taken will depend upon the nature of the harassment or discrimination. All proposed action will be properly considered, taking advice as necessary from any other relevant authority. The main focus of any action will be to correct the injustice and the circumstances that led to the complaint, and to the behaviour of the offender.

The complainant will be told in confidence the outcome of the case and wherever possible the action taken.

Both parties have the right to appeal; this would require the submission of a new complaint.

10: Membership Cancellation

An Instructor reserves the right to cancel a student’s memberships without question or refund should any of the above be mentioned points be abused or an issue that is deemed to be more serious occurs.