Code of Conduct policy

POUNDFORCE MMA is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive training environment for all members, students, parents or guardians, visitors, and spectators.

All individuals who enter or use our facilities are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect for coaches, staff, students, other participants, and the training environment.

Expected Behaviour

While on the premises, all persons are expected to:

  • Treat coaches, staff, students, and others with respect and courtesy at all times

  • Follow instructions given by coaches and staff, particularly where safety is concerned

  • Behave in a manner that supports a positive, inclusive, and family-friendly environment

  • Use appropriate language and conduct at all times

  • Respect the gym space, equipment, and facilities

Staff and Coach Authority

Coaches and staff have full authority within the gym to manage classes, training sessions, safety matters, and behaviour on the premises.

All members, parents or guardians, visitors, and spectators are required to follow the reasonable directions of coaches and staff at all times. This includes directions given in the interest of safety, wellbeing, and the smooth operation of classes.

Failure to comply with staff or coach instructions may be treated as a breach of this Code of Conduct.

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are not tolerated:

  • Aggressive, threatening, abusive, or disrespectful behaviour

  • Harassment, discrimination, bullying, or intimidation of any kind

  • Inappropriate sexual behaviour, sexual harassment, or any form of sexual misconduct

  • Manipulative, coercive, or toxic behaviour that negatively impacts others or the training environment

  • Disrupting classes, training sessions, or events

  • Ignoring or refusing to follow safety instructions or gym rules

  • Damaging, misusing, or interfering with gym property or equipment

Parents, Guardians, and Spectators

Parents or guardians are responsible for:

  • Ensuring children behave appropriately while on the premises

  • Supervising any children who are not actively participating in a class

  • Ensuring non-training children remain safely within designated spectator areas and do not enter training spaces

  • Respecting coaching decisions and class structure

Parents, guardians, and spectators must not interfere with classes unless invited to do so by a coach or staff member.

Zero Tolerance Around Children

POUNDFORCE MMA has a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour that places children or young people at risk.

Any form of abuse, grooming behaviour, sexual misconduct, inappropriate physical contact, intimidation, or behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of a child will result in immediate action.

Immediate Removal for Safety

Where behaviour poses a risk to the safety, wellbeing, or comfort of any person, POUNDFORCE MMA reserves the right to require an individual to leave the premises immediately.

Immediate removal may occur without prior warning where safety is at risk.

Serious Misconduct and Reporting

POUNDFORCE MMA takes the safety and wellbeing of all individuals seriously.

Any behaviour involving serious misconduct, harm, threats of harm, sexual misconduct, abuse, or unlawful activity may result in immediate action, including removal from the premises.

Where required, or where deemed appropriate for the safety of individuals, such behaviour may be reported to police or relevant authorities, regardless of whether the person involved is a member, visitor, or third party. This may include contacting emergency services where there is immediate risk to safety.

No Retaliation

Retaliation against any person who raises a concern, reports inappropriate behaviour, or participates in an investigation is not tolerated.

Any retaliatory behaviour will be treated as a serious breach of this Code of Conduct.

Breach of Code of Conduct

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in action deemed appropriate by the gym, which may include:

  • Verbal or written warnings

  • Temporary suspension from classes or facilities

  • Termination of membership or permanent exclusion from the premises

Serious or repeated breaches may result in immediate action.

Application

This Code of Conduct applies to all members and non-members, including trial participants, casual attendees, parents or guardians, visitors, and spectators.