Purpose
This policy protects the integrity of the coaching environment and ensures a safe, respectful space for all students. It addresses the potential for power imbalances and conflicts of interest arising when personal relationships develop between coaches and students.
Policy Overview
- Coaches must not teach or coach any student with whom they are in a romantic or sexual relationship.
This includes any developing or ongoing relationship. If such a relationship forms, it must be disclosed immediately to senior management or the Welfare Officer. - Upon disclosure, the coach will be temporarily suspended from all teaching duties for a minimum period of 6 weeks. Managements discretion will be taken.
This suspension is not disciplinary, but a protective measure to allow time for:- The gym to assess the situation impartially
- Adjustments to be made to class schedules or teaching responsibilities
- Avoidance of any perceived bias, discomfort, or influence within the student community
- While the gym commits to impartial assessment, we acknowledge that there are current examples of coaches in personal relationships that were established prior to their involvement with the gym. These are not considered conflicts due to the lack of any pre-existing power dynamic or imbalance. However, for transparency and consistency, these cases have also been assessed, and no safeguarding concerns have been identified.
In any future conversations, we are prepared to clarify that such relationships have been reviewed and do not present an issue due to the context in which they began. It is our responsibility to demonstrate that assessments are made with care, not exception. - Students involved will always be prioritised in any outcomes or decisions made. Their right to a safe, neutral training environment is paramount.
- Failure to disclose a personal relationship with a student will be treated as a serious breach of trust and may lead to disciplinary action, including possible termination of coaching duties.
- All coaches are expected to maintain professional boundaries at all times.
The nature of martial arts instruction involves trust, physical proximity, and mentorship, and we hold this professional relationship to the highest standard.
Disclosure and Process
If a relationship begins or develops:
- It must be reported to senior management or the Welfare Officers: Matilda Urie Dillon or Nusrat Gul Nabi.
- The coach will be temporarily suspended from coaching for a defined period.
- During this time, the gym will evaluate next steps to avoid any conflict or discomfort for all involved.
- Reassignments may be made to preserve fairness, neutrality, and the overall quality of the student’s training experience.
