Safe Practice Policy

At Grapple Collective, safety is our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure training environment for all our members. Our safe practice policy outlines the responsibilities of both coaches and students to ensure everyone can train effectively and safely.

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety in our facility. This policy has been developed to protect all members and create a positive training atmosphere where everyone can thrive.

Coaches' Responsibilities

Coaches are required to constantly check the mat area – clean, no hazards on or around the mat (e.g. no water bottles on the mat)
Ensure all students understand how to tap and the need to stop immediately when your training partner taps
Ensure students understand the risks of submissions and how to apply – take joint locks to full-extension and no further

Intervention Policy

It is the instructor's responsibility to keep an eye on the training room and intervene early if they see something that COULD be unsafe – do not take offence, the consequences are higher for not intervening (i.e. someone getting hurt) than intervening (i.e. a potentially awkward conversation). Understand that the instructor is trying their best to keep everyone safe and sometimes may misread a situation.

Safe Training Guide for Students

Communication is Key

If you have an injury, health issue, disability etc. that may affect your ability to spar or practice certain techniques, please tell the instructor – they will be happy to work with you to try to find a suitable adaptation.

Order of Priorities in a Sparring Situation

Your own safety
Your training partner's safety
The safety of those around you
Technical progress and practice
Winning or losing the round

General Safety Guidelines

Be careful how you apply your weight onto people, especially when partnered with someone lighter
Be aware of the space around you, taking care not to collide with nearby groups
Extra care should be taken when in standing position as you will cover ground more quickly and falling bodyweight poses a greater threat from standing – the instructor should advise if it is safe or unsafe to start sparring from standing in class (usually because it's a busy class)

Consent

Everyone is entitled to refuse to roll or train with somebody, you do not need to give a reason. Do not pressure people to train with you and be understanding if they refuse.

Banned Techniques

Any jumping technique including jumping closed guard
Scissor takedowns
Slams of any kind
Check the IBJJF rulebook for general banned actions (biting, striking etc.)

Hygiene and Clothing

Ensure you and your training gear are clean before starting class – clothing must be washed between each and every session
Keep feet clean by wearing shoes or flip flops whilst not on the mat
Bare feet or clean socks only whilst on the mat (exceptions in cases of injury can be communicated with the coach)
Keep fingernails and toenails short, to avoid broken nails and scratching others
Remove all jewellery before class (or cover with athletic tape if it is not possible to remove)
Wear clothing without pockets or zips (avoids scratching or trapped fingers)

Incident Reporting

If an incident does occur, make sure your training partner is safe then notify the instructor.

Health Considerations

If you feel unwell or have a (suspected) skin infection, please stay home not to risk spreading it to others.

Safeguarding Policy

Reporting Incidents

We encourage all of our members to report any incident at the gym or involving other members or staff that makes them feel unsafe. There are a number of options available for you to report any such issues, please consider these in order and use the one that feels most appropriate for you:

Coach of the Class

All of our coaches have the duty to maintain a safe environment in their classes and are available to discuss any issues with you. Ask to talk to them in private after the class.

Head Coach and Owner

Max Bickerton can be contacted at grapplecollective@gmail.com and he is the only person with access to this email account.

Safeguarding Officer

Violet Bennett - violetxbennett@gmail.com

Violet is a former school teacher with extensive safeguarding experience, she is not a member of the gym but she does visit to train from time to time.

Safeguarding Officer

Nimoy Kher - nimoy.s.kher@gmail.com

Nimoy is an experienced Solicitor and trusted member of the gym. His role as safeguarding officer does not include providing legal advice.