Definition

Safeguarding means protecting a citizen's health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Safeguarding children, young people and adults is a collective responsibility.

Introduction - Everyone who participates at Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment. Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that when given responsibility for young people, coaches and volunteers provide them with the highest possible standard of care. Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy is committed to devising and implementing policies so that everyone in martial arts accepts their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse. This means to follow procedures to protect children and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities. The aim of this policy is to promote good practice, providing children and young people with appropriate safety/protection whilst in the care of Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy and to allow staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues. A child/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18 (Children’s Act, 1989)

1.1 Policy Statement

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy is committed to the following:

• the welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount

• all children and vulnerable adults, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in Karate, kickboxing and other Martial Arts in a fun and safe environment. taking all reasonable steps to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

• all suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• all Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy employees who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility, and will be provided with guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures

• working in partnership with parents, carers and children is essential for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy has a duty of care to safeguard all involved in its sessions and activities from harm. All have a right to protection, and the needs of the disabled and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account.

This Policy will be reviewed at 3-year intervals. The review and modification dates will be posted at the end of this document’ A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 in accordance with the Children Act 1989. All Instructors either newly qualifying or joining the CMAA will be required to:

• Be no less than 18 years of age and of grade no less than 1st Dan / Degree.
• Go through an Enhanced Disclosure every 2 years to ensure they are of suitable character to be near the young and / or vulnerable Adults. Any person refusing this check will not be permitted to Instruct within the CMAA
• Undergo Instructor Training via the CMAA programme OR produce evidence of training elsewhere.
• Be fully insured against liability via the CMAA Group Policy or equivalent.
• Keep their own Continued Professional Development (CPD) up to date by attending courses both within and outside of the CMAA.

Monitor and review the policy and procedures - The implementation of procedures should be regularly monitored and reviewed. The welfare officer should regularly report progress, challenges, difficulties, achievements gaps and areas where changes are required to the management committee. The policy should be reviewed every 3 years or whenever there is a major change in the organisation or in relevant legislation.

Promoting Good Practice

Introduction - To provide children with the best possible experience and opportunities in Spartan Element Kickboxing Aceademy everyone must operate within an accepted ethical framework such as The Code of Conduct provided by the NSPCC (Accessible at: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/templates/behaviour-codes-adultschildren). It is not always easy to distinguish poor practice from abuse. It is therefore NOT the responsibility of employees or participants in Karate and Kickboxing to make judgements about whether or not abuse is taking place. It is however their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and act if they have concerns about the welfare of the child, as explained in section 4. 

Good Practice - All personnel should adhere to the following principles and action:

• always work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets)

• make the experience of Karate and Kickboxing fun and enjoyable: promote fairness, confront and deal with bullying

• treat all young people equally and with respect and dignity • prioritise the welfare of the young

• maintain a safe and appropriate distance with students (e.g. it is not appropriate for staff or volunteers to have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room with them)

• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with young people. Where any form of manual/physical support is required it should be provided openly and with the consent of the young person. Physical contact can be appropriate so long as it is neither intrusive nor disturbing and the young person’s consent has been given

• Involve parents/cares wherever possible, e.g. where young people need to be supervised in changing rooms, encourage parents to take responsibility for their own child. If groups have to be supervised in changing rooms always ensure parents, coaches etc work in pairs

• request written parental consent if club officials are required to transport young people in their cars

• gain written parental consent for any significant travel arrangements e.g. overnight stays

• ensure that if mixed teams are taken away, they should always be accompanied by a male and female member of staff

• ensure that at away events adults should not enter a young person’s room or invite young people to their rooms

• be an excellent role model, this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol and/or using profanity in the company of young people

• always give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism

• recognising the developmental needs and capacity of the young person and do not risk sacrificing welfare in a desire for club or personal achievements. This means avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will

• secure written parental consent for the club to act in loco parentis, to give permission for the administration of emergency first aid or other medical treatment if the need arises

• keep a written record of any injury that occurs, along with details of any treatment given.

Poor Practice - The following are regarded as poor practice and should be avoided by all personnel:

• unnecessarily spending excessive amounts of time alone with young people away from others

• taking young people alone in a car on journeys, however short

• taking young people to your home where they will be alone with you

• sharing a room with a young person

• engaging in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay

• allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form

• allowing young people to use inappropriate language unchallenged

• making sexually suggestive comments to a young person, even in fun

• reducing a young person to tears as a form of control

• allow allegations made by a young person to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon

• do things of a personal nature that the young person can do for themselves

When a case arises where it is impractical/impossible to avoid certain situation e.g. transporting a young person in your car, the tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of the parent/care and the young person involved. If during your care you accidentally hurt a young person, the young person seems distressed in any manner, appears to be sexually aroused by your actions and/or if the young person misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done, report any such incidents as soon as possible to another colleague and make a written note of it. Parents should also be informed of the incident.

Defining Child Abuse - Introduction Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm, it commonly occurs within a relationship of trust or responsibility and is an abuse of power or a breach of trust. Abuse can happen to a young person regardless of their age, gender, race or ability. There are four main types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. The abuser may be a family member, someone the young person encounters in residential care or in the community, including sports and leisure activities. Any individual may abuse or neglect a young person directly or may be responsible for abuse because they fail to prevent another person harming the young person. Abuse in all its forms can affect a young person at any age. The effects can be so damaging that if not treated may follow the individual into adulthood. Young people with disabilities may be at increased risk of abuse through various factors such as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, isolation and a powerlessness to protect themselves or adequately communicate that abuse had occurred.

Types of Abuse

• Physical Abuse: where adults physically hurt or injure a young person e.g. hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, biting, scalding, suffocating and drowning. Giving young people alcohol or inappropriate drugs would also constitute child abuse. This category of abuse can also include when a parent/carer reports non-existent symptoms or illness deliberately causing ill health in a young person they are looking after, this is referred to as Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy. In a sports situation, physical abuse may occur when the nature and intensity of training disregard the capacity of the child’s immature and growing body.

• Emotional Abuse: the persistent emotional ill treatment of a young person, likely to cause severe and lasting adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve telling a young person they are useless, worthless, unloved and inadequate or valued in terms of only meeting the needs of another person. It may feature expectations of young people that are not appropriate to their age or development. It may cause a young person to be frightened or in danger by being constantly shouted at, threatened, or taunted which may make the young person frightened or withdrawn. Ill treatment of children, whatever form it takes, will always feature a degree of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse in sport may occur when the young person is constant criticised, given negative feedback, expected to perform at levels that are above their capability. Other forms of emotional abuse could take the form of name calling and bullying.

• Bullying may come from another young person or an adult. Bullying is defined as deliberate and hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. There are three main types of bullying. It may be physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, slapping), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, name calling, graffiti, threats, abusive text messages), emotional (e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating, ignoring, isolating from the group), or sexual (e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive comments). In sport bullying may arise when a parent or coach pushes the young person too hard to succeed, or a rival athlete or official uses bullying behaviour.

• Neglect occurs when an adult fails to meet the young person’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, to an extent that is likely to result in serious impairment of the child’s health or development. For example, failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect from physical harm or danger, or failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. Neglect in sport could occur when a coach does not keep the young person safe, or exposing them to undue cold/heat or unnecessary risk of injury.

• Sexual Abuse occurs when adults (male and female) use children to meet their own sexual needs. This could include intercourse and other forms involving sexual activity. Showing young people pornography or talking to them in a sexually explicit manner are also forms of sexual abuse. In sport, activities which might involve physical contact with young people could potentially create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed. Also, the power of the coach over young athletes, if misused, may lead to abusive situations developing.

Indicators of Abuse - Even for those experienced in working with child abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken place, indications that a child is being abused may include one or more of the following:

• unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries

• an injury for which an explanation seems inconsistent

• the young person describes what appears to be an abusive act involving them

• another young person or adult expresses concern about the welfare of a young person

• unexplained changes in a young person’s behaviour e.g. becoming very upset, quiet, withdrawn or displaying sudden outbursts of temper

• inappropriate sexual awareness • engaging in sexually explicit behaviour

• distrust of adult’s, particularly those whom a close relationship would normally be expected

• difficulty in making friends

• being prevented from socialising with others

• displaying variations in eating patterns including over-eating or loss of appetite

• losing weight for no apparent reason

• becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt Signs of bullying include:

• behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to go training or competitions

• an unexplained drop off in performance

• physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed wetting, scratching and bruising, damaged clothes, bingeing e.g. on food, alcohol or cigarettes

• a shortage of money or frequents loss of possessions It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, but also that the presence of one or more of the indications is not proof that abuse is taking place. It is NOT the responsibility of those working in Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy to decide that child abuse is occurring. It is their responsibility to act on any concerns.

Use of Photographic/Filming Equipment at Sporting Events -There are incidents in the country where photographic content are used inappropriately E.g. for but not limited to pornographic purposes or using images without consent for promotional material. All clubs should be vigilant and any concerns should be reported to the Club welfare officer. All parents and performers should be made aware when coaches use video equipment as a coaching aid. Parents and guardians may take photography of their children only, should photography of all children be requested a form acquiring personal details which should be validated should be filled by the person(s) taking photos.

Responding to Suspicions and Allegations - Introduction

It is not the responsibility of anyone working in Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However, there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities so that they can then make inquiries and take necessary action to protect the young person. This applies BOTH to allegations/suspicions of abuse occurring within Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy and to allegations/suspicions that abuse is taking place elsewhere.

Receiving Evidence of Possible Abuse - There are several ways of becoming aware of possible abuse. We may see it happening, we may suspect it happening because of signs such as those listed in section 3 of this document, it may be reported to us by someone else or directly by the young person affected. In the last of these cases, it is particularly important to respond appropriately. If a young person says or indicates that they are being abused, you should:

• stay calm so as not to frighten the young person

• reassure the child that they are not to blame and that it was right to tell

• listen to the child, showing that you are taking them seriously

• keep questions to a minimum so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said. The law is very strict and child abuse cases have been dismissed where it is felt that the child has been led or words and ideas have been suggested during questioning. Only ask questions to clarify.

• inform the child that you have to inform other people about what they have told you. Tell the child this is to help stop the abuse continuing.

• safety of the child is paramount. If the child needs urgent medical attention call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the concern and ensure they are made aware that this is a child protection issue

• record all information

• report the incident to the club/welfare officer In all cases if you are not sure what to do you can gain help from: NSPCC England Child Protection in Sport Unit NSPCC National Training Centre, 3 Gilmour Close, Leicester LE4 1EZ Tel: 0116 234 7278 Online: Enquiry form Email: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk.

Recording Information - To ensure that information is as helpful as possible, a detailed record should always be made at the time of the disclosure/concern. In recording you should confine yourself to the facts and distinguish what is your personal knowledge and what others have told you. Do not include your own opinions. Information should include the following:

• the child’s name, age and date of birth

• the child’s home address and telephone number • whether or not the person making the report is expressing their concern or someone else’s

• the nature of the allegation, including dates, times and any other relevant information

• a description of any visible bruising or injury, location, size etc. Also any indirect signs, such as behavioural changes

• details of witnesses to the incidents

• the child’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising/injuries occurred

• have the parents been contacted? If so what has been said?

• has anyone else been consulted? If so record details

• has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record details

Reporting Concerns - All suspicions and allegations MUST be reported appropriately. It is recognised that strong emotions can be aroused particularly in cases where sexual abuse is suspected or where there is misplaced loyalty to a colleague. It is important to understand these feelings but not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any action to take. Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy expects its members and staff to discuss any concerns they may have about the welfare of a child immediately with the person in charge and subsequently to check that appropriate action has been taken. If the nominated club welfare officer is not available you should take responsibility and seek advice from the NSPCC helpline, the duty officer at your local social services department or the police.

Where there is a complaint against an employee or volunteer, there may be three types of investigation:

• Criminal in which case the police are immediately involved

• Child protection in which case the social services (and possibly) the police will be involved

• Disciplinary or misconduct in which case Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy will be involved This policy is to ensure the safeguarding of participants. All suspicions and allegations must be shared with professional agencies that are responsible for child protection.

Social services have a legal responsibility under The Children Act 1989 to investigate all child protection referrals by talking to the child and family (where appropriate), gathering information from other people who know the child and making inquiries jointly with the police. NB: If there are any suspicions, it must be reported immediately where one incident may follow on to a series of incidents. Any suspicion that a child has been abused by an employee or a volunteer should be reported to Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy who will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.

This will include the following:

• Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy will refer the matter to social services department

• the parent/carer of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from the social services department

• the chief instructror of your organisation should be notified to decide who will deal with any media inquiries and implement any immediate disciplinary proceedings

• if the club welfare officer is the subject of the suspicion/allegation the report must be made to Cobra Martial Arts Association (CMAA) who will refer the matter to social services.

Allegations of abuse are sometimes made sometime after the event. Where such allegation is made, you should follow the same procedures and have the matter reported to social services. This is because other children in the sport or outside it may be at risk from the alleged abuser. Anyone who has a previous conviction for offences related to abuse against children is automatically excluded from working with children.

Concerns outside the immediate Sporting Environment - (e.g. a parent or carer)

• Report your concerns to the Club welfare officer

• If the Club welfare officer is not available, the person being told or discovering the abuse should contact their local social services department or the police immediately.

• Social Services and the Club welfare officer will decide how to inform the parents/carers

• The welfare officer or a senior official should also report the incident to the Governing Body (CMAA). The Governing Body should ascertain whether or not the person/s involved in the incident play a role in the organisation and act accordingly

• Maintain confidentiality and discretion within the organisation

Confidentiality - Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all those concerned. Information should be handled and distributed on a need-to-know basis only.This includes the following people:

• The Welfare Officer – Chief Instructor John Peet (Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy)

• The parents of the child

• The person making the allegation

• Social Services/police

• Governing Body Club welfare officer (CMAA)

• The alleged abuser (and parents if the alleged abuser is a child)

Seek social services advice on who should approach the alleged abuser. All information should be stored in a secure place with limited access to designated people, in line with data protection laws.

Internal Inquiries

• Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy's welfare officer will make an immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending further police and social services inquiries

• Irrespective of the findings of the social services or police inquiries Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy will assess all individual cases to decide whether a member of staff or volunteer can be reinstated and how this can be sensitively handled. This may be a difficult decision; especially where there is insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the police. In such cases Spartan Elemet Kickboxing Academy must reach a decision based upon the available information which could suggest that on the balance of probability, it is more likely than not, that the allegation is true. The welfare of the child should remain of paramount importance throughout.

Recruiting and Selecting Personnel - Introduction

It is important that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent unsuitable people from working with children. This applies equally to paid staff and volunteers, both full and part time. To ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with children the following steps should be taken when recruiting.

Controlling Access to Children

• All staff and volunteers should complete an application form. The application form will elicit information about the applicants past and a self-disclosure about any criminal record.

• Consent should be obtained from the applicant to seek information from the Disclosure and Barring Services.

• Two confidential references, including one regarding previous work with children should be obtained. These references MUST be taken up and confirmed through telephone contact.

• Evidence of identity (passport or driving licence with photo)

Interview and Induction All employees and volunteers will be required to undertake an interview carried out to acceptable protocol and recommendations. All employees and volunteers should receive formal or informal induction during which:

• A check should be made that the application form has been completed in full, including sections on criminal records and self-disclosures

• Their qualifications should be substantiated

• The job requirements and responsibilities should be clarified

• They should sign up to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Conduct • Child Protection Procedures are explained and training needs identified e.g. basic child protection awareness

Training - In addition to pre-selection checks, the safeguarding process includes training after recruitment to help staff and volunteers to:

• Analyse their own practice against what is deemed good practice, and to ensure their practice is likely to protect them from false allegations

• Recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice and/or abuse

• Respond to concerns expressed by a child

To work safely and effectively with children Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy requires:

• All staff and volunteers who have access to children to undergo a DBS check 
• All employees, volunteers, coaches, welfare officers and team managers to undertake relevant child protection training or undertake a form of home study, to ensure their practice is exemplary and to facilitate the development of positive culture towards good practice and child protection.
•  All staff and volunteers to receive advisory information outlining good/bad practice and informing them what to do if they have concerns about the behaviour of an adult towards a young person  All coaches, trainee coaches and leaders should have an up to date first aid qualification

Additions and amendments will be made to this policy should any major changes occur which would affect the welfare of children involved at SPARTAN ELEMENT KICKBOXING ACADEMY.

The NSPCC and other appropriate bodies were consulted on the creation of this policy.

Last updated Feb 2024

 

 

 

 

 

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy Anti-Bullying Policy

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy will provide a supportive, caring and safe environment in which all children and adults are free from the fear of being bullied.

Bullying of any form is not tolerated in our club, whether carried out by a child or an adult. Staff, children and parents or carers will be made aware of the Club’s position on bullying. Bullying behaviour is unacceptable in any form. Any child or adult who is a victim of bullying will be dealt with in a sympathetic manner. If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the member of staff informed, and then discussed with the chief instructor. A clear account of the incident will be recorded in an Incident log. All staff will be informed so that close monitoring of the victim and bully can begin. Parents of both parties will be informed if the incident involves children. 

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy defines bullying as the repeated harassment of others through emotional, physical, psychological or verbal abuse.

Physical: Pushing, scratching, spitting, biting, taking or damaging belongings. This also includes tripping up, kicking, hitting, punching or using any sort of violence against another person that is not training related and is carried out with the intent to cause harm.

Psychological: Behaviour likely to create a sense of fear or anxiety in another person.

Emotional: Being deliberately unkind, shunning or excluding another person from a group or tormenting them. For example, making another person feel ‘left out’ of a game or activity, passing notes about others or making fun of another person.

Verbal: Name-calling, put-downs, ridiculing or using words to attack, threaten or insult. For example, spreading rumours or making fun of another person’s appearance.

Staff at Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy will foster an anti-bullying culture in the following ways:

Encouraging caring and nurturing behaviour

Discussing friendships and encouraging paired, group and team play

Encouraging children to report bullying without fear

Discussing the issues surrounding bullying with the children, including why bullying behaviour will not be tolerated

Exploring the consequences of bullying behaviour with the children.

Spartan Element kickboxing Academy acknowledges that despite all efforts to prevent it, bullying behaviour is likely to occur on occasion. Should such incidents occur, the Club will respond in accordance with the following principles: 

We will address all incidents of bullying thoroughly and sensitively.

Victims of bullying will be offered the immediate opportunity to discuss the matter with a member of staff who will reassure the individual and offer support.

They will be reassured that what they say will be taken seriously and handled sympathetically.

Staff will support the individual who has been bullied, keeping them under close supervision, and checking their welfare regularly.

If another child or adult witnesses bullying and reports this, staff will reassure them that they have done the right thing. Staff will then investigate the matter.

If a member of staff witnesses an act of bullying, involving children or adults at the club, they will inform the supervisor. 

Children and adults who have bullied will be helped by discussing what has happened, establishing why they became involved. Staff will help the individual to understand why this form of behaviour is unacceptable and will encourage him/her to change their behaviour.

If bullying behaviour persists, more serious actions may have to be taken such as suspension or exclusion of the bully from the club. This decision will be final and cannot be overturned. bullying of any form will not be tolerated at Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy.

All incidents of bullying will be reported to the chief instructor/instructors and will be recorded on an Incident Log. The manager and other relevant staff will review the Club’s procedures in respect of bullying, to ensure that practices are relevant and effective.

This policy was adopted by: Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy

Date of last review: 1/3/2024

Signed: John Peet, club owner

Written in accordance with the EYFS welfare requirement: Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy operates this website. All references to "we", "us", this "website" or this "site" shall be construed to mean Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy.

This Privacy Policy describes our collection, use, and sharing of information.

Our Privacy Policy does not cover the information practices of other companies and organizations who advertise our services, and who may use cookies, web beacons (pixel tags), and other methodologies to serve personalized ads. 

HOW WE MODIFY THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may modify this Privacy Policy at any time, and without prior notice, by posting an amended Privacy Policy that is always accessible by clicking on the "Privacy Policy" link on this site's home page. Your continued use of this site indicates your acceptance of the amended Privacy Policy. 

Regarding Personal Information (defined below), if any modifications are materially less restrictive on our use or disclosure of the Personal Information previously disclosed by you, we will obtain your consent before implementing such revisions with respect to such information. 

 

THE TYPES OF INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Personal Information. "Personal Information" includes any information regarding a natural person that may be used directly to identify the person. 

Personal Information that we collect may vary with each separate purpose for which you provide it, and it may include one or more of the following categories:  name, date of birth, physical address, phone number, emergency contact name, emergency contact phone number, medical conditions (that may affect your ability to train, details of rescue medicines carried, eg: epilepsy, serious allergy etc), email address and location data.

We also may collect publicly available Personal Information posted on social media platforms and profiles. When you engage with our content on or through social media platforms or other third party platforms, plug-ins, integrations or applications, you may allow us to have access to certain Personal Information in your profile that you have added to these platforms. This may include your name, e-mail address, photo, gender, birthday, location, an ID associated with the applicable third-party platform or social media account user files, "like" photos and videos, your list of friends or connections, people you follow and/or who follow you, or your posts or "likes."

HOW AND WHEN WE COLLECT INFORMATION

Personal information.  We collect Personal Information at the time you provide it to us.  We collect Personal Information through sign-up forms and as part of your registration for a membership, product, or service, promotion, or contest from this website.  Personal Information that we collect may vary with the each sign-up or registration.

As indicated above, we may collect publicly available Personal Information posted on social media profile information including photos both directly and through the use of contact management applications.

Your Communications With Us. 

We collect Personal Information that we receive from you as you communicate with us.  If you complete a signup form subscribing to information from our site or to participate in our mailing list activities, we will receive your Personal Information from our email services and/or autoresponder service.

Usage Data. 

We collect Usage Data as you use this site, including your interactions with emails we send, and via social media platforms, third-party platforms, third-party websites, applications, integrations, and services of our marketing partners.  This data may be passively or automatically collected (that is, gathered without your actively providing the information) using various analytics and reporting technologies, such as cookies, web beacons, locally stored objects, and mobile device identifiers.

Spartan Element Kickboxing academy: General Data Protection Regulation Policy Main Principles:

● We will endeavour to ensure that all data collected will be processed lawfully, fairly and responsibly in line with GPDR 2018 regulations, For more information on the GDPR Legislation please visit: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents/enacted

● We will only retain data for as long as is necessary for the reasons collected.

● We will collect only that which is necessary and keep it up to date and accurate. Whose data will we hold:

● Student’s name, age, gender, address, allergies, injuries and medical conditions.

● Contact telephone numbers and email addresses.

● Details of emergency contacts – name and phone number.

● Emergency contact: should an individual fall ill or be injured whilst in our care. In these circumstances, we will need to notify the individuals assigned emergency contact or, if necessary, to do so, pass these details to relevant emergency services.

● Licence renewal reminders, to ensure individuals maintain an in date licence.

● Changes to lessons, cancelled lessons and to pass information regarding courses, competitions, gradings and any other club events or updates.

Who has access to our database: Only our Instructors and governing body (CMAA) have access to our database.

Social Media:

We use social media and our website to promote ourselves, acknowledge successes and to advertise future events. At times student’s names, photographs or videos may appear in the following places: Our website, our Facebook page, our Instagram page, leaflets, flyers, banners and any other promotional items.

Students over the age of 18 will need to stiplulate in writing on thier sign up form that they do not want their image or information included in social media posts, students under the age of 18 will be required to have thier parent/guardian fill out a photo/social media consent form on sign up if they would like thier images and relevant information to appear on social media posts and website updates.  

Your Rights:

It is the right of everyone to have their details removed at any time from our database. If any individual wishes to have their information removed they will need to notify our Instructors.

Members Consent:

● It is our aim that the personal data we hold will be accurate, kept up to date and if it is no longer accurate, the data will be rectified or erased. Personal data will only be stored for as long as is necessary.

● Personal data will be held in a safe, secure way that takes reasonable steps to ensure the security of this information and avoid accidental loss, misuse or destruction.

● Should a student leave, we will endeavour to remove their personal data within three months. This allows the student time to return if they choose to do so.

● Advise any change or update to your information.

CHILDREN'S ONLINE POLICY

We are committed to preserving online privacy for all of its website visitors, including children. This site is a general audience site. We will not knowingly collect any information from, or sell to, children under the age of 16.  If you are a parent or guardian who has discovered that your child under the age of 16 has submitted his or her personally identifiable information without your permission or consent, we will remove the information from our active list, at your request. To request the removal of your child's information, please contact our site as provided below under "Contact Us", and be sure to include in your message the same login information that your child submitted.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact the owner and operator of this website business at:

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy

Attn: Chief Instructor

Email:  Spartanelementkickboxing@gmail.com

Telephone: 07753433623

 

 

There are no join up fees or direct debits!!!

Your first session is free

Each session is £6 per person thereafter, payable in cash, via paypal or bank transfer on the day of training.

We offer a family discount, pay for 3 and up to 2 additional members of the same immediate family train free.

£15 for a CMAA license that lasts 12 months (required if you intend to utilise our licensed grading scheme)

£20 per person for each belt grading attempt (includes certificate and belt when succesfully passed)

We do not require students to wear or purchase a uniform however we do have t shirts, vests, hoodies and track suits available to be purchased. just ask an instructor for more details or drop us a message via the 'contact us' form on the website home page.

We do not require you to purchase kit from us. we can supply gloves, focus pads, kickshields and shin guards for use in sessions, however you are more than welcome to purchase your own suitable kit to use during training.

Gumshields should be worn during sparring at all times, if you intend to join in with sparring, for hygiene reasons you must purchase your own gumshield.

Last update June 2024

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy Grading Policy

What is a grading?

Belts are used to indicate when a student has been promoted to the next level. Improved technique, stamina, and sparring ability needs to be shown before the next KYU/Dan can be awarded. This will be assessed through a combination of pad work and circuit training. The contents of assessments varies for different styles but each school has set criteria based around:

• Minimum Time Elapsed from Last grading 

• Consistent Training

• Proficient Technique and stamina

• Demonstrated Progress 

Every three months, if you feel you are ready you can be graded to see if you have acquired the relevant skills and knowledge to receive your next belt. The grading is similar to a regular session, however, rather than the techniques being demonstrated to you before you carry them out, you will be required to demonstrate them on command.

If you are unsure whether you are ready to take your next belt, please speak with your instructor.

Black belt grading:

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy's policy is that a minimum of 6 months must have passed since you achieved your 1st Kyu (Brown/Black belt) before you can attempt your 1st Dan black belt. Within this 6 months you must demonstrate dedication to your training and continue to improve your technique and stamina.

At Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy we pride ourselves on keeping a high standard and so you will not be put forward to grade if standards fall below expectation.

YOU MUST hold a valid martial arts license and this needs to be presented at the time of your grading. This can be arranged by your instructor. Please ensure that your license is up to date!

If you are unsure if you have trained enough, are ready or have any queries about grading please do not hesitate to speak to your instructor.

All grades are registered nationally with the Cobra Martial Arts Association and all black belts will be listed on www.blackbeltregister.co.uk

Last update Mar 2024

 

Mission Statement

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy is committed to making martial arts accessible and open to everyone who wishes to take part in the practice of martial arts. We, as a club, recognise the importance of equality, diversity, equal opportunities, fair treatment and respect to all involved in our club.

We shall achieve this by upholding the principals of equal opportunity in every aspect of the work we do. We support the development and implementation of practices that do not discriminate.

The Chief instructor, instructors, cadets and volunteers of Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy fully support this policy and are responsible for its implementation and periodic review. Everyone involved in the club has a personal responsibility to meet its requirements.

Scope of the Policy

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy recognises its responsibility to ensure that its policies and procedures benefit not only its members but also the local community and will ensure that it engages with local partners and organisations.

The chief instructor, assistant instructors, cadets and volunteers are responsible for the implementation and effectiveness of the policy, however the success of the policy depends on the commitment of all the members.

The chief instructor, assistant instructors, cadets and volunteers are also responsible for establishing equality indicators and for devising and implementing positive action plans where appropriate.

The purpose of this policy is to set out our commitment to and further the work with regard to equality, diversity and inclusion. It also outlines our aims setting out the mechanism for implementing monitoring and coordinating progress towards the achievement of our policy objectives.

Policy Objectives.

To raise awareness of equality through martial arts.

To continually monitor the club’s activities and action plans.

To adopt a planned approach to eliminating barriers which discriminate against target groups.

To ensure that no one attending the club receives any less favourable treatment than anyone else.

To demonstrate good practice, working collaboratively with community partners.

To value diversity, commit to equality, provide dignity and respect and martial arts for all.

Policy Statement

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy are committed to operating in accordance and with The Equality Act 2010. More information on the Equality Act 2010 can be found at 

https://www.gov.uk/society-and-culture/equality

It is the aim of Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy, through relationships with its members, visitors and associates that everyone will be treated fairly, with respect and on an equal, non-discriminatory basis. We endeavour not to place any individual at a disadvantage by imposing conditions or requirements which cannot be justified.

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy acknowledge their responsibility for setting standards and values which will apply throughout the Club and at every level of activity.

We will ensure that all participants involved in all aspects of Martial arts, self defence, striking or other pastimes or social activity will be given equal opportunity irrespective of age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability.

 

 

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy is committed to eliminating discrimination by reason of age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability.

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy will ensure that all members of our community have access to and are offered the opportunity to take part in, and enjoy, our programme of activities, competitions and events.

Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of any individual, including sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether verbal or physical and will work to ensure such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it may occur.

The chief instructor, assistant instructors, cadets and volunteers are committed to the immediate investigation of any complaints of discrimination on the above grounds once they are brought to their attention. – see Complaints Procedure below.

We will apply the principles of equal opportunity to all areas of our activity.

The chief intructor, assistant instructors, cadets and volunteers of  Spartan Element Kickboxing believe that equal opportunity and diversity is vital to its success and an essential prerequisite to the achievement of its aims, in the delivery of the best possible facility that is accessible, appropriate and responsive to meeting the diverse needs of individuals and the local community.

Complaints Procedure

In the event that any member, instructos, assistant instructor, cadet, volunteer or visitor to the club feels that he/she has suffered discrimination or harassment in any way or that the policies, rules or code of conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures below:

The Complainant should report the matter in writing to the chief instructor of Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy. The report should include:

Details of what is alleged to have occurred.

Details of when and where the alleged incident took place.

Any witness details and copies of witness statements (if any).

Names of any others who may have been treated in a similar way (provided that those people consent to their names being disclosed).

Details of any previous complaint(s) made about the alleged incident, including the date and to whom such complaint was made.

If the person accused of discriminatory behaviour is an instructor, assistant instructor, cadet or volunteer, the chief instructor will regard the incident as a disciplinary issue and will follow disciplinary Procedures.

If the person accused of discriminatory behaviour is a visitor or member, the chief instructor will:

Request that both parties to the complaint submit written evidence regarding the alleged incident.

May decide (at its discretion) to uphold or dismiss the complaint without holding a hearing.

May (at its discretion) hold a hearing (whether or not such a hearing is requested by either party) at which both parties will be entitled to attend and present their case

Will have the power to impose any one or more of the following sanctions on any person found to be in breach of any policy, (including the equality policy)

A written warning as to future conduct.

Suspension from membership.

Removal from membership.

Exclude a non-member from the club premises either temporarily or permanently.

Turn down a non-members current and/or future membership application.

Will provide both parties with written reasons for the decision made.

If the nature of the complaint is with regard to the chief instructor of  Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy, the member / visitor has the right to report the discrimination or harassment directly to the governing body Cobra Martial Arts Association -

cmaauk@hotmail.co.uk

https://www.cmaa.co.uk

Terminologies and descriptions

Direct discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic. Direct discrimination also includes discrimination because a person is wrongly thought to have a particular characteristic or is treated as if they do.

Indirect discrimination occurs where the effect of certain requirements, provisions or practices imposed by an organisation has an adverse impact disproportionately on one group or other. Indirect discrimination generally occurs when a rule or condition, which applied equally to everyone, can be met by a considerably smaller proportion of people from a partiuclar group, the rule is to their advantage and it cannot be justified on other grounds.

Discrimination arising from disability occurs when a person with a disability is treated unfavourably because of limitations connected with their disability and this treatment cannot be justified. The way we treat a person with a disabilty can be justified if it it can be shown that it is intended to meet a legitimate objective in a fair, balanced and reasonable way. If this can then be demonstarted then the treatment can be classified as lawful. This form of discrimination can occur only if the club (or person from the club) knows or can reasonably be expected to know that the individual with a disabilty is disabled.

Harassment can be described as inappropriate actions, behaviour, comments or physical contact, which may cause offence. i.e; mental or physical anxiety or harm to an individual. It may be related to gender, gender reassignment, and race, disability, sexuality, age, religion, nationality or any personal characteristic as an individual.

Dignity is about respectful, fair and humane behaviour. Prejudice is the act of pre-judging an individual. This is usually led by negative, irrational feelings, resulting from preconceived ideas, attitudes and opinions.

Social Exclusion is when individuals or communities are impacted by a combination of social issues such as unemployment, poor skills, low income, residing in a high crime environment or lack of facilities in the locality.

Updated Sept 2024

Constitution of Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section l. Name

The name of this club shall be: Spartan Element Kickboxing Academy

Section 2. Our Aim

The aim of the club shall be to provide a safe, supportive environment for people to train in the discipline of Martial Arts. We aim to encourage and promote our core principles of Courage, Discipline and Commitment to Excellence.

We aim to ensure all instructors, assistant instructors, cadet leaders and volunteers have relevant training and qualifications that are recognised by the CMAA and are kept up to date to ensure not only student safety but to also guarantee that we provide a high quality training experience for all our students. We will ensure that all instructors will be subject to DBS checks every 2 years.

We aim to adhere to our club policies and promote equality and diversity within our club at all times.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Recognition

The club will recognise, without question, all Martial Art Styles or Systems and all proven grades and ranks.

Section l. Discrimination

 The club will not discriminate on the basis of age, colour, gender, handicapped status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight.

Only CMAA members may be registered as Instructors and all will be listed on the CMAA website black belt register.

Section 2. Membership

Membership can be applied for in the following ways:

Approach an instructor in session for membership forms and information packs

Visit www.spartanelementkickboxingacademy.com for more information and use the contact us form on the home page to request a membership form and information pack.

Call 07753433623 and request a membership form and information pack.

ARTICLE III: OFFICERS

Senior Instructor

The club senior Instructor and safeguarding lead is John Peet.

Assistant Instructors

At present the club Assistant Instructors are:  Aaron Turner (in training for MAAIUK Level 2)

 

ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS

The club will hold meetings between club Instructors every 1^st Saturday of the month.

ARTICLE V: PROFITS

All profits will remain with the Senior Instructor and be used for the furtherance of it’s aim.

No monies will be paid out at any time to club members by way of dividends.

ARTICLE VI: INLAND REVENUE

The club does not “employ” any Instructor and as such is not and will not be responsible for any taxation.

 

Updated Sept 2024