Aikido Seattle established this Code of Conduct to maintain an environment for aikido training that is safe, welcoming, respectful of all community members, and conducive to learning and personal development. The Code of Conduct specifies unacceptable forms of behavior and the means for addressing such behavior. It applies to training participants, instructors, visitors, participants in seminars hosted by Aikido Seattle (regardless of location), and observers (collectively, “participants”).
Participants should be aware of and follow the standards defined in Dojo Etiquette.
Aikido Seattle prohibits any discrimination or discriminatory harassment by instructors or training participants based on a person’s race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, identity, sexual orientation, religion, appearance, or age. Discriminatory harassment may include negative stereotyping, humiliation, jokes, slurs, epithets, or threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts based on such personal characteristics. Similarly, bullying or other harassment is prohibited regardless of whether it is based on a participant’s personal characteristics.
Sexual harassment by any instructor or participant will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, inappropriate touching, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that tends to create a hostile, offensive, or uncomfortable training environment.
The instructor of each class is responsible for monitoring the behavior of participants and taking appropriate action if any participant is seen behaving in an unsafe, disrespectful, or otherwise inappropriate manner. If necessary, the instructor may require that a participant or observer acting inappropriately leave the dojo premises.
When teaching minors under the age of 18 years, at least one adult person and two or more children shall be present at all times. Class must be cancelled if this requirement has not been met. Instructors and other adult dojo members should also refrain from spending time outside of class with minors who are Aikido Seattle students.
Inappropriate physical contact with a minor is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
No adult shall be alone with a minor in the changing room.
Any electronic communications or correspondence with minor participants shall include their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Any reports of potential or alleged sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or misconduct involving a minor must be reported immediately to the Board and reported by the Board to the minor’s parent(s) or legal guardian. Any concerns regarding criminal conduct shall be reported to law enforcement officials.
Any concerns regarding misconduct, persistent issues, or complaints regarding inappropriate conduct may be reported to a member of the Board of Directors or to the Board ([email protected]) for discussion and any necessary action. Instructors or Board members who learn of misconduct or complaints must report the issue to the full Board.
Except in cases of criminal activity or issues involving a minor, reports of inappropriate conduct will be kept confidential and treated with sensitivity as requested by the person making the report. Retaliation against a person for reporting a potential violation of the Code of Conduct shall not be tolerated.
The Board of Directors shall decide how to address any issues raised related to this Code of Conduct.
