DMXMA Participant Rights & Responsibilities
Introduction
Da Mo Xin Martial Arts (DMXMA) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone who enters the training venue. Safety is a shared responsibility, and maintaining a positive training culture requires cooperation between all participants, which includes instructors, students, parents/guardians, and all visitors/Spectators. This policy outlines the rights of all participants and the responsibilities expected of them to ensure classes run safely, smoothly, and in line with DMXMA’s values and legal obligations.
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the rights of all participants and the responsibilities expected of them while attending DMXMA activities. It ensures everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive training environment.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all DMXMA participants, including:
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instructors, assistant instructors, guest instructors, and volunteers
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students
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parents and guardians
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visitors and spectators
The policy applies to all DMXMA activities conducted in community venues, outdoor spaces, or any location where DMXMA is operating. It covers the period 5 minutes before before, during, and 15 minutes after classes or events while participants are present within the training venue.
3. Participant Rights
All participants have the right to:
3.1 A Safe Environment
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A training venue that is monitored for hazards and maintained to a safe standard.
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Supervision by trained instructors, assistant instructors, guest instructors and authorised volunteers.
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Access to appropriate first aid responses and incident procedures.
3.2 Respect and Inclusion
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Be treated with dignity, fairness, and cultural respect.
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Participate in an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
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Have their personal boundaries and comfort levels respected.
3.3 Clear and Honest Communication
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Receive accurate information about classes, expectations, and relevant updates.
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Have concerns acknowledged and addressed respectfully and within reasonable timeframes.
3.4 Privacy and Confidentiality
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Have personal information handled in accordance with DMXMA’s Privacy Policy.
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Expect discretion regarding sensitive matters unless disclosure is required for safety or legal reasons.
3.5 Fair and Transparent Processes
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Access clear procedures for injuries, incidents, complaints, and feedback.
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Raise concerns without fear of negative consequences or retaliation.
4. Responsibilities of Students
Students play an active role in maintaining a safe and respectful training environment.
All students are expected to:
4.1 Follow Instructor Directions
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Listen carefully to instructions and ask for clarification when needed.
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Stop immediately when asked to pause, reset, or modify an activity.
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Use techniques only as demonstrated and within the boundaries set by instructors.
4.2 Demonstrate Respectful Behaviour
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Treat every person with courtesy.
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Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
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Avoid actions that are disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful.
4.3 Participate Safely
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Train within their physical and emotional limits.
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Inform an instructor if they feel unwell, injured, or overwhelmed.
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Wear appropriate clothing and remove jewellery or hazards before class.
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Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated during breaks.
4.4 Care for the Training Environment
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Use equipment safely and return it to the designated area after use.
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Keep the venue clean and respect shared spaces.
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Avoid entering storage areas or restricted zones without permission.
4.5 Uphold DMXMA Values
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Show perseverance, patience, and a willingness to learn.
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Support a positive training culture by encouraging peers and modelling good behaviour.
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Represent DMXMA respectfully when attending events or demonstrations.
5. Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians play a vital role in supporting a safe, respectful, and well‑managed training environment. Their cooperation ensures that classes run smoothly and that students can participate safely.
5.1 Ensure Safe Arrival and Collection
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Supervise children before class begins and remain available until DMXMA’s duty of care starts 5 minutes before the scheduled session.
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Support a calm and safe transition into class by keeping children close, supervised, and signed in on the attendance sheet as part of DMXMA’s emergency procedures.
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Collect children promptly after class finishes, take responsibility for them within the 15‑minute window, and ensure they are properly signed out on the attendance sheet.
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Collect children within this timeframe; if they are not collected, instructors will follow DMXMA’s uncollected‑child procedure to ensure their safety until a parent or guardian takes over responsibility.
5.2 Provide Accurate and Up‑to‑Date Information
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Keep emergency contact details current.
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Inform instructors of relevant medical, behavioural, or learning needs that may affect safety or participation.
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Notify DMXMA of any changes that may impact a student’s wellbeing or behaviour during class.
5.3 Support Behaviour and Safety Expectations
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Encourage students to follow class rules, instructor directions, and safety procedures.
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Reinforce respectful behaviour inside and outside the training venue.
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Address behaviour concerns that occur outside DMXMA’s scope, including issues at school, at home, or online.
5.4 Communicate Respectfully
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Raise concerns calmly, respectfully, and through appropriate channels.
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Avoid interrupting classes unless there is an immediate safety issue.
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Understand that instructors may not be available for discussion during class changeovers or while supervising students.
5.5 Respect Venue Rules
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Follow all venue‑specific safety requirements, including footwear, seating, and access restrictions.
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Supervise siblings and visitors to ensure they do not disrupt classes or enter the training area.
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Keep walkways, exits, and training zones clear at all times.
5.6 Model Positive Conduct
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Demonstrate courtesy, patience, and respect toward instructors, assistant instructors, volunteers, students, and other families.
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Avoid coaching, correcting, or directing students during class unless invited by the instructor.
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Support DMXMA’s values by promoting a positive and encouraging training culture.
6. Responsibilities of Visitors and Spectators
Visitors and spectators are welcome at DMXMA classes and events, and their cooperation helps maintain a safe and respectful training environment. All visitors and spectators are expected to:
6.1 Follow Venue and Safety Requirements
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Remain in designated viewing areas and keep clear of training zones, walkways, and emergency exits.
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Supervise other children in their care not participating in the class and ensure they do not enter the training area or disrupt classes.
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Follow all venue‑specific rules, including seating, footwear, and access restrictions.
6.2 Maintain a Respectful Environment
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Treat everyone with courtesy and respect.
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Avoid coaching, correcting, or directing students during class unless invited by an instructor.
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Keep noise to a reasonable level to avoid distracting students or interrupting instruction.
6.3 Support Safe Class Operations
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Refrain from entering the training area unless given permission by an instructor.
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Avoid using flash photography or bright lights that may distract or endanger students.
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Follow any instructions given by instructors or volunteers during emergencies, evacuations, or lockdowns.
6.4 Model Positive Conduct
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Demonstrate patience, encouragement, and respect for all participants.
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Promote a positive training culture by supporting DMXMA’s values and behaviour expectations.
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Address concerns through appropriate channels rather than during active class time.
7. Instructor Responsibilities
This section applies to all DMXMA instructors, assistant instructors, guest instructors, and volunteers. These roles share responsibility for maintaining a safe, respectful, and well‑managed training environment. All instructional personnel are expected to:
7.1 Maintain a Safe Training Environment
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Monitor the training area for hazards and take immediate action to reduce or remove risks.
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Ensure equipment is used safely and appropriately for the age and ability of students.
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Follow all of DMXMA’s policies and procedures
7.2 Provide Clear and Consistent Instruction
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Deliver techniques, drills, and activities in a structured, age‑appropriate, and ability‑appropriate manner.
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Use clear coaching language and provide corrective feedback that supports learning and safety.
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Ensure students understand boundaries, expectations, and safe practice requirements before beginning any activity.
7.3 Supervise Students Effectively
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Maintain active supervision at all times and position themselves to observe the entire training area.
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Adjust activities, pairings, or intensity levels when students show signs of fatigue, distress, or unsafe behaviour.
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Stop or modify drills immediately if safety concerns arise.
7.4 Model Professional and Respectful Conduct
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Demonstrate calm, respectful, and inclusive behaviour at all times.
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Treat all persons with courtesy and professionalism.
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Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as intimidating, discriminatory, or inappropriate.
7.5 Work Within Role Boundaries
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Operate within the limits of their training, experience, and assigned responsibilities.
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Seek guidance from the Head Instructor when unsure about safety decisions, student needs, or procedural requirements.
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Understand that the Head Instructor’s decisions regarding safety, class management, and training modifications are final.
8. Shared Responsibility
A safe, respectful, and well‑managed training environment depends on the combined efforts of everyone involved in DMXMA. Students, parents, instructors, volunteers, and visitors each contribute to the wellbeing of the training community. Shared responsibility means:
8.1 Working Together to Maintain Safety
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Everyone follows venue rules, safety instructions, and emergency procedures.
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Hazards, injuries, or concerns are reported promptly to an instructor or volunteer.
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All participants support a culture where safety is prioritised over speed, competition, or performance.
8.2 Supporting a Positive Training Culture
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Respect, patience, and encouragement are shown to all members of the DMXMA community.
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Behaviour that undermines learning—such as bullying, intimidation, or disruptive conduct—is not accepted from anyone.
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Everyone contributes to a welcoming environment where students feel confident to learn and participate.
8.3 Respecting Boundaries and Roles
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Each group—students, parents, instructors, volunteers, and visitors—understands and respects the responsibilities assigned to them.
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Decisions made by instructors regarding safety, class management, and training modifications are followed without challenge during active sessions.
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Parents and visitors avoid interfering with instruction, and instructors remain within their professional role boundaries.
8.4 Communicating Clearly and Respectfully
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Concerns are raised through appropriate channels and addressed calmly and constructively.
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Everyone contributes to a culture where communication is honest, timely, and solution‑focused.
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Feedback is welcomed when provided respectfully and with the intention of improving the training environment.
9. Definitions
The following terms are used throughout this policy to ensure clarity and consistency:
9.1 DMXMA
Refers to Da Mo Xin Martial Arts, including all classes, programs, events, and activities delivered under the DMXMA name.
9.2 Participant
Any person present at a DMXMA activity or within the training venue during DMXMA’s operational period.This includes instructors, assistant instructors, guest instructors, volunteers, students, parents/guardians, visitors, and spectators.
9.3 Instructor
A trained and authorised person responsible for delivering instruction, supervising students, and enforcing safety procedures.
9.4 Assistant Instructor
A student or volunteer who supports instruction under the supervision of an instructor and within the limits of their training and assigned responsibilities.
9.5 Guest Instructor
A qualified instructor invited to teach or assist during a DMXMA class or event, operating under DMXMA’s policies and direction.
9.6 Volunteer
A person authorised by DMXMA to assist with supervision, safety, or class operations without receiving payment.
9.7 Student
Any person actively participating in a DMXMA class, drill, activity, or event.
9.8 Parent/Guardian
The legal parent, carer, or authorised adult responsible for a student’s wellbeing, supervision, arrival, and collection.
9.9 Visitor
Any person present at the training venue who is not participating in the class and is not responsible for a student.
9.10 Spectator
A visitor who is observing a class or event from a designated viewing area.
9.11 Training Venue
Any location where DMXMA activities occur, including community halls, hired venues, outdoor spaces, or temporary training areas.
9.12 Training Area
The designated space where martial arts instruction, drills, and activities take place.This area is restricted to students and authorised personnel unless permission is given.
9.13 Duty of Care
The period during which DMXMA assumes responsibility for supervising students:from 5 minutes before class begins, during class, and until 15 minutes after class ends, while students remain within the training venue.
9.14 Emergency Procedures
DMXMA’s processes for responding to emergencies, including evacuation, lockdown, first aid, and incident reporting.
9.15 Attendance Sheet
The official record used to sign students in and out of class for safety, supervision, and emergency‑response purposes.
9.16 Uncollected‑Child Procedure
DMXMA’s process for managing situations where a student is not collected within the required timeframe, ensuring the child’s safety until a parent or guardian takes over responsibility.
9.17 Restricted Zones
Areas of the venue that are not accessible to students, visitors, or spectators without permission, such as storage rooms, equipment areas, or staff‑only spaces.
9.18 Behaviour Expectations
The standards of conduct required from all participants to maintain a safe, respectful, and positive training environment.
9.19 Training Equipment
Any pads, shields, mats, weapons, or other items used during DMXMA classes or events.
10. Policy Review
Approval Authority: Alan Figueroa
Version: 1
Approval Date: March 2026
Review Date: March 2028