The Vanguard Centre has a code of conduct that we require all staff, members, participants, and visitors to follow. This not only sets out the safety rules and the guidelines for the practice of our activities, but also the social and interpersonal behaviour that we expect.
General rules and etiquette
- If hold is called, stop what you are doing immediately.
- Anyone can call a safety hold for whatever reason, and it is to be listened to by everyone in the hall.
- The Instructors’ word is final.
- All kit should be in good order and safe to use.
- Any borrowed kit should be returned to whence it came.
- Appropriate kit should be used for any and all activities.
- Please do not interrupt other customers if you arrive early ahead of your bookings, wait for the scheduled start time of your session.
- Zero-tolerance policy for unsafe behaviour.
Archery specific rules and etiquette
- Bows may only be loaded when in use on the range.
- No bow is to be pointed anywhere but at the targets.
- No dry firing of the bows (releasing the string when the bow is unloaded).
- No-one is to have bow pointed down the range until it is confirmed clear/safe of people.
- No one is to enter the range unless all clear has been given.
- No bows over 45lbs in draw weight
- No crossbows.
- Non target arrow heads are not permitted (eg broadheads).
- If multiple club arrows have been broken in one session you may be asked to stop shooting.
HEMA specific rules and etiquette
Intensity/consent
- Always check with your partner to what intensity they are happy to play at. If you are asked by your partner to lower your intensity you are to do so without question or protest.
- If an instructor tells you to stop doing something or that your sparring is unsafe for whatever reason you must take this on board and stop the unsafe action or reduce the intensity.
- If you are repeatedly asked to stop an unsafe action or lower intensity by an instructor you may be removed from the class or asked to step out for a moment.
- Give your partner feedback during drills to make sure you are both working at the same pace, but please ask permission before giving any other critique.
Weapon / kit
- Pointing a weapon at an unmasked person is dangerous; extreme care should be taken at all times if protective equipment is not worn. You must be aware of your weapon and take due care at all times.
- All weapons should be carried and held in a safe position when not in active use (drilling/sparring).
- You are responsible for maintaining your personal kit and making sure it’s safe to use. If an instructor decides an item is unsafe, you may not use it.
- All club kit should be inspected by the user before and after use. If any defects or damages are found it should be immediately reported to an instructor.
- Please try to ensure kit is kept to a reasonable level of cleanliness
Hall
- When crossing the hall wait for a safe moment and call behind (loudly!) to ensure people know your location.
- When watching sparring, please stand at the edge of the hall at a safe distance.
- When sparring, please be mindful of the space around you and your partner.
- The social area and armoury are not for fighting in. Please use them for their intended functions.
Inclusion
- Vanguard welcomes people of diverse gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and age, any form of discrimination against any of these or any protected characteristic will not be tolerated.
- Vanguard includes people with a range of gender identities and expressions; all members are asked to use each other’s preferred personal pronouns (e.g she/he/they) or you may address them by the name they have given you. If you are uncertain what pronouns someone prefers please ask them. We are all human mistakes are natural as long as an apology and active effort is being made no issue will be taken.
- Sexual harassment, defined as being where a person is subjected to unwanted or uninvited sexual behaviour, will not be tolerated.
Issue Resolution
- If you have any issues with fellow members or instructors please speak to an instructor, preferably in person and at the time. All reports are taken seriously and will be investigated and acted on accordingly.
- Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable speaking in person with an instructor or are unable to do so at the time, you can send us a Facebook/Instagram message to our page, or email us through the website.
Respect
- Respect means considering other people’s needs and feelings. We must act considerately, listen and make reasonable adjustments with others. Treat all students and instructors with respect and courtesy.
- We ask that students arrive on time and be ready to begin at the scheduled start time of the class. If lateness is unavoidable, The student should enter the club quietly and wait at the side for an appropriate moment to join in
- We request students attend class in a reasonably clean state and wear appropriate attire. This also includes your kit, please make sure that all kit is clean and free from strong odour.
- Remember when training for a martial art, we are participating in a close and confrontational situation. Be aware that your training partner may have different comfort limits so ask permission if you are initiating close physical contact (Outside or in drilling/sparring – for sparring please discuss this in advance)
