Club Rules & Handbook

Welcome and Introduction

1.1. A Welcome from the Head Coach

Welcome to Pro Judo! This handbook is designed as a helpful, at-a-glance guide to the rules and expectations that keep our club a safe and positive place for everyone. Think of this as a quick reference tool. The full, detailed versions of our policies are always available on our website, and we encourage all members to read them.

Judo is an excellent way to prepare for the challenges of life. It promotes fitness, strength, confidence, and self-defence skills. Our mission is to advance amateur sport and community participation in healthy recreation by offering high-quality judo coaching to individuals of all ages.

The Club exists for the benefit of all members, and we hope you find your time with us rewarding. We look forward to seeing you on the mat!

1.2. About Pro Judo

Pro Judo was founded in 2000 and has grown to become one of Scotland’s largest and most successful judo clubs. We are proud to have produced Commonwealth, international, and numerous national medallists, showcasing the high level of talent nurtured within our club.

Our team of highly qualified coaches, all of whom have been thoroughly vetted for their suitability to work with young people, is dedicated to helping each member achieve their personal goals—whether that’s reaching the Olympic level, earning a black belt, or simply developing a lifelong passion for the sport.

1.3. Our Affiliation with JudoScotland

Pro Judo is affiliated with JudoScotland, the official governing body for judo in Scotland. This affiliation ensures our club adheres to the highest national standards of coaching, safety, and competition.

Important: All members must obtain a JudoScotland membership after completing their 4-week trial. This is essential for insurance purposes and to be eligible for gradings and competitions.

1.4. Our Charity: Sporting Chances Alba

Pro Judo is proudly owned and operated by the charity Sporting Chances Alba. Our mission is to make judo accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or location. Funds from Pro Judo and generous donations are used to:

Support Judoka: We provide funding grants to help judoka develop their skills.
Subsidise Competitions: We offer financial assistance and travel via our minibus for players to compete nationally and internationally, ensuring cost is not a barrier.
Bring Judo to Deprived Areas: We are committed to making judo accessible in underserved communities by supporting the purchase of mats and offering concession rates.

As Pro Judo is operated by Sporting Chances Alba, all participants, parents/guardians, coaches, and volunteers of Pro Judo are considered ‘Club Members’ under the charity’s constitution. This class of membership ensures you are part of our wider charitable community, though it does not carry voting rights at the charity’s Annual General Meeting.

If you would like to donate to Sporting Chances Alba, please visit:

https://localgiving.org/charity/sporting-chances-alba

Club Structure & Communication

2.1. Meet the Team

Head Coach: Claire Shiach
Chairperson (Trustee, Sporting Chances Alba): Robert Frood
Secretary: Stuart Mallan
Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officer: Serena Wegman

2.2. Key Contact Information

For any general inquiries or assistance, the best way to reach us is via email.

General Enquiries: support@projudo.co.uk
Urgent Matters Phone: 0141 488 3671 (Please leave a message)

For any child protection issues, please contact our Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer (CWPO) directly:

CWPO Confidential Phone: 0141 488 8550
CWPO Confidential Email: cwpo@projudo.co.uk

2.3. How We Communicate

We use several channels to ensure all our members stay informed about news and events.

Club Website: https://www.projudo.co.uk
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/projudo
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/projudo
Instagram: @projudoclub
X (formerly Twitter): @projudoglasgow
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projudo.glasgow
WhatsApp Channel: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaLTNSLJ93wWl1AL0435
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/projudo

Dojo Life – Rules & Etiquette

3.1. Dojo Etiquette

Maintaining proper dojo etiquette is essential for a respectful and safe training environment.

Respect the Dojo: Bow when entering and leaving the dojo. Keep the dojo clean.
Hygiene: Ensure your judogi (uniform) is clean for every session and that your fingernails are trimmed.
Punctuality: Arrive on time. If you are late, wait at the edge of the mat until the coach gives you permission to join.
Behaviour: Show respect to coaches and fellow judoka. No swearing or disruptive behaviour.
Courtesy: Bow to your partner before and after each practice.
Safety: Remove all jewellery. Inform the coach of any injuries or medical conditions before class.
Listen: Always listen carefully to the coach’s instructions.

3.2. Training Schedule

We offer a wide range of classes seven days a week. To view our complete, up-to-date class schedule, please visit our website:

Class Times

3.3. Club Holiday Closures

We observe the following holiday closures each year:

Easter Holidays: Closed for one week
Summer Holidays: Closed for two weeks
Christmas Holidays: Closed for two weeks

Our monthly payment structure takes these closures into account. Specific dates will be communicated through your Class4Kids booking, our website, and social media.

Membership & Fees

4.1. Fee Structure & Payment Policy

Our standard class fee is £35 per month, which entitles a member to attend up to two classes per week.

Family Discounts:

First family member: £35 per month
Each additional family member: £15 per month

Concession Rates:

A concession rate is available for members who require assistance with payment. Please speak to us confidentially to discuss this.

Payment Details:

Class fees are collected via monthly credit on the 1st of each month.

For more details, please visit: https://www.projudo.co.uk/membership

Your Judo Journey

5.1. The Grading System

Gradings are milestones that demonstrate your progress and allow you to achieve new belts.

Age Categories: Kai (under 8), Mon (8-15), Kyu (16+).
JudoScotland Membership: A valid, full JudoScotland license is required to grade.
Registration: Gradings are held twice a year, and members will be notified when registration opens.

5.2. The Pro Judo Pathway

We offer a clear pathway for members to progress in the sport.

Beginning Judo: Join our regular classes to develop fundamental skills.
Pro Judo Squad: Committed and talented judoka may be invited to join our advanced squad for specialised training and national competition.
National Development: Excellence in competition can lead to selection for JudoScotland’s National Talent Development programs.
National Athlete: The ultimate goal for our performance athletes is to join Team GB.

Our Codes of Conduct

6.1. Code of Conduct for Judoka (Players)

A) Code of Conduct for Junior Players (under 12)

As a Pro Judo Club kid, I will always try my best to:

Be a Good Friend: Treat my teammates, coaches, and visitors with respect and kindness. No bullying or mean words.
Listen to My Coach: Pay attention when the coach is talking and always follow their instructions. This keeps me and everyone else safe.
Play Fair: Always follow the rules of the game and be a good sport, whether I win or lose. I will shake hands with my partner after every practice.
Look After Our Dojo: Keep my judo suit (judogi) clean, have clean hands and feet, and help keep the dojo tidy.
Try My Hardest: Always give 100% effort in training and have fun!
Stay Safe: Tell a coach or my parent/carer straight away if I’m hurt, or if anything is worrying me.

B) Code of Conduct for Senior Players (Teens & Adults)

As a senior member and representative of Pro Judo Club, I will adhere to the following standards:

Respect & Sportsmanship: Treat all fellow players, coaches, officials, and visitors with courtesy and respect. Act with humility in victory and grace in defeat.
Safety & Discipline: Prioritise the safety of yourself and your training partners. Practice with control and report any injuries or unsafe conditions to a coach immediately.
Commitment & Attitude: Attend training sessions regularly and punctually. Be receptive to feedback and support your fellow club members.
Integrity & Fair Play: Compete with integrity and adhere strictly to the rules and spirit of judo. Respect the decisions of officials.
Club Ambassadorship: Act as a positive ambassador for the club. Refrain from any activity that could tarnish your reputation, or that of the club or the sport of judo.

6.2. Code of Conduct for Parents & Carers

We respectfully ask that all parents and carers agree to the following:

Support and Encourage Positively: Encourage your child to participate with enthusiasm, focusing on their effort and enjoyment rather than just results.
Respect Coaches, Officials & Volunteers: Treat all club staff with courtesy and respect. Trust their decisions, which are made in good faith.
Communicate Constructively: Please discuss any concerns with a coach privately and calmly, outside of active training time.
Uphold Sportsmanship and Fair Play: Champion the values of good sportsmanship and offer positive support to all players at the club.
Ensure Punctuality & Attendance: Ensure your child arrives on time for sessions and is collected promptly at the end.
Respect Privacy: Do not post photos or videos of other children online without the explicit consent of their parents/carers.

6.3. Code of Conduct for Coaches & Volunteers

All coaches and volunteers must:

Consistently prioritise the well-being and safety of all members above performance development.
Act as a positive role model by displaying high standards of behaviour and sportsmanship.
Hold valid qualifications, licensing, and insurance cover as required by the BJA and the club.
Maintain a professional relationship with members based on mutual trust and respect, and always maintain professional boundaries.
Ensure all activities are appropriate for the age, ability, and experience of the participants.
Never condone rule violations, foul play, or the use of banned substances.
Report any welfare or safety concerns immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.

Our Core Policies

7.1. Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Pro Judo Club is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people in our care. We have a duty of care to ensure they are protected from all forms of abuse.

Reporting a Concern: If you have any concern at all about a child’s welfare, you must report it immediately. Your Designated Club Contact is the Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officer at cwpo@projudo.co.uk or 0141 488 8550.
Immediate Danger: If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, contact Police Scotland (999).
Disclosure: If a child discloses something to you, listen calmly, take it seriously, do not promise to keep it a secret, and report it to the Welfare Officer immediately.

7.2. Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. Bullying is the repetitive, intentional use of power to harm, intimidate, or exclude someone. Any member who witnesses or experiences bullying is encouraged to report it to the Club Welfare Officer or a Head Coach. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated confidentially, and will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

7.3. Health and Safety Policy

Safety is a shared responsibility.

Dojo Safety Rules: All members must adhere to the rules on hygiene, no jewellery, hair tied back, and punctuality.
Accident Procedure: All injuries must be reported to a coach immediately. A qualified First Aider will assess the injury, and all accidents will be recorded.
Concussion Protocol: “If in doubt, sit it out!” Any player suspected of having a concussion will be removed from the session immediately and cannot return to contact judo until medically cleared.
Illness: If you are unwell with any contagious illness, do not come to training.

7.4. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

Pro Judo Club is committed to ensuring fair treatment and access to opportunities for all. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, harassment, or abuse. We will actively create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported.

7.5. Making a Referral / Raising a Concern

If you have a concern about the welfare of a child or the conduct of any member, your first point of contact is the Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officer. All information will be treated seriously and handled with confidentiality. The club has a legal duty to refer serious cases of harm to external bodies like Police Scotland, Social Work, and Disclosure Scotland.

7.6. Privacy Notice

Pro Judo Club is committed to protecting your personal data. This is a summary of our policy.

What we collect: We collect information needed to manage your membership and keep you safe, including contact details and relevant medical information.
Why we collect it: This is vital for communication and for coaches to be aware of any conditions in an emergency.
How we keep it safe: All data is stored securely on password-protected systems. We never sell your data.
Your rights: You have the right to access or correct your data.
Full Policy: Our full, detailed Privacy Policy is available on our website.

7.7. Social Media and Communications Policy

All members are expected to be respectful, safe, and honest in all online interactions related to the club.

Safeguarding Rule: Any online communication between a coach/adult volunteer and a junior member must take place on official, open club channels. Private, one-to-one messaging is strictly prohibited.
Photo Consent: Do not post images or videos that clearly feature other children online without the explicit consent of their parents/carers.
Reporting: Report any concerning online content to the Club Welfare Officer.

Procedures

8.1. Disciplinary Procedure

This procedure addresses serious or repeated breaches of our Codes of Conduct.

Step 1: Investigation: A Disciplinary Panel will investigate the alleged breach fairly and promptly.
Step 2: Hearing: The member will be invited to a formal hearing to state their case and has the right to be accompanied.
Step 3: Outcomes: Depending on the severity, outcomes can range from a warning to termination of membership.
Step 4: Appeal: Members have the right to appeal any disciplinary decision.

8.2. Grievance & Complaints Procedure

This procedure is for general club complaints. (Safeguarding concerns must be reported directly to the Welfare Officer).

Step 4: Outcome & Appeal: You will be informed of the decision in writing and will have the right to appeal.

Step 1: Informal Discussion: We encourage members to try and resolve issues informally first.

Step 2: Formal Complaint: If unresolved, a formal written complaint can be submitted to the Club Secretary.

Step 3: Investigation: The complaint will be acknowledged within 5 working days and investigated by an impartial panel. We aim to complete investigations within 21 days.