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Safeguarding and Codes of Conduct

Our Codes Of Conduct

Extreme Academy of Wrestling: Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct?

It is a set of requirements that you are expected to meet during your time training / working with us here in EWW / within the Extreme Academy of Wrestling. The Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for your conduct and behaviour, both in the Academy and in the various professional contexts in which you are placed during your professional training; reflecting the standards of behaviour and conduct thought to be reasonable and appropriate for any trainee on an Extreme Academy of Wrestling training programme. Professional knowledge of, and adherence to, these expectations are a requirement of the training programme for which you are registered and it is your responsibility, by accepting a place on the programme, to ensure that you will endeavour to uphold these standards at all times. If these rules are disregarded or the trainees behaves wrongly in some other way, EWW may discipline trainees.

Disciplinary action can consist of oral warnings, meetings, retraining, withdrawal from performances and also termination of your education / career with EWW

What sits behind the Code of Professional Conduct?

As a trainee wrestler, you will be working within frameworks – both national government legislation and statutory guidance as well as EWW and Academy policies. These frameworks inform the Code of Conduct. Of particular importance are the policies and legislations that respect individuals, challenge stereotypes and prejudice, and promote equal opportunity regardless of age, class, disability, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, marital status, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

At all times on your training programme, the health and safety, welfare and safeguarding of you and everyone in the company are critical factors that govern decisions about your progression on the programme for which you are registered.

Trainees’ Gradings

EWW expects its trainees to demonstrate good or outstanding performance. Any student whose performance is deemed by the Academy to be Inadequate will automatically be considered as not making satisfactory progress. In addition, those trainees whose performance is classified at threshold (Requires Improvement) would normally be deemed as making insufficient progress. In such cases the Extreme Academy of Wrestling will initiate a supportive mentoring process to help the trainee attain EWW’S expected level of performance & compliance to these professional requirements.

So what are these Professional Conduct Requirements?

It is not possible to specify precisely all behaviours that could be considered to be acceptable professional conduct. The following provides you with general guidance for your Academy-based and workplace-based experiences.

Rules

1. Extreme Academy of Wrestling will not accept any trainee under the age of 16 years old

2. Trainees are expected to comply with the terms of their training

3. Trainees are expected to satisfactorily perform the instructions given for carrying out the function of their course

4. Trainees are expected to satisfactorily perform any reasonable request relating to their training by an authorised trainer

5. Trainees are expected to demonstrate that they are physically and mentally fit to train and take responsibility for the health and well-being of other trainees. All trainees have a responsibility to inform Academy staff off any health conditions that could be contagious or pose risk to yourself or others in the Academy

6. All absence from the school, except for reasons of sickness, should be authorised. Cancellation within 24 hours of notice without appropriate reason means you must still pay for your session.

7. Trainees are expected to be punctual for all training, placement and other sessions (both at the Academy and workplaces)

8. Trainees are expected to seek, listen to and act upon feedback and advice from coaches

9. Trainees are expected to show knowledge of, and adherence to, policies and practices defined by EWW

10. Extreme Academy of Wrestling equipment, time and property must be used properly and with authorisation only. This is not limited to use of the ring without permission, use of the gym without a coach present, wilful damage or vandalism

11. Use of mobile phones during school sessions is prohibited. Trainees may NOT post footage or pictures taken within the Academy without permission from the coaches or management

12. Removal of Extreme Academy of Wrestling property from the premises is not permitted unless authorised by a staff member

13. All safety rules and instructions must be adhered to at all times

14. Safety equipment, where valid, should be used at all appropriate times

15. Threatening, aggressive or violent behaviour or language is not permitted and may lead to dismissal – this includes unnecessary loudness or persistent bad language

16. Discriminatory behaviour, language, or non-verbal language is not permitted – this is not limited to gender, sexuality, race, ability, age or appearance

17. Harassment of individuals, whether sexual or otherwise, is not permitted

18. Bullying of individuals, in any form, is not permitted

19. Behaviour or actions that would in any way jeopardise the safety or well-being of other trainers or trainees is not permitted

20. Unnecessary disclosure of confidential information concerning the work of Extreme Academy of Wrestling or its trainees is not permitted (this does not affect the trainees rights under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998)

21. The drinking of alcohol or the taking of illegal drugs on Extreme Academy of Wrestling premises, on shows or on away jobs is not permitted

22. Smoking on Extreme Academy of wrestling premises is not permitted

23. Trainees must not behave in a way that brings or may bring EWW into disrepute, This includes online, through social media, and the sharing of unacceptable content. EWW expects trainees to maintain conduct that positively reflects the team through any and all platforms and interactions

24. Trainees will not bring sexually explicit material (pornographic) into the workplace or into the school or engage in inappropriate sexually explicit conversation or touching within the workplace or Academy. Trainees will not engage with sexually explicit conversations with fans or with colleagues. Trainees may not have intimate relationships with members of the team

25. Trainees will treat each other, our coaches, our guests and fans with respect at all times

26. You are expected to participate in events even if you are not performing. These duties will include anything from, and not limited to: flyering, event set up, ring building, front of house work, merchandise work

27. Trainees are expected to take good care of their personal appearance and hygiene and must dress in a manner suitable for the workplace when working at or on shows

28. Shouting and verbal intimidation is unacceptable

29. Students are expected to attend and comply with our safeguarding principles and are encouraged to obtain an advanced DBS check at their own expense

30. You must disclose IMMEDIATELY if you are barred from working with or around children, young or vulnerable persons, if you have a criminal record, or are on the sex offenders register

31. If anyone in our school feels like they have experienced discrimination, bullying, inappropriate sexual misconduct or indeed anything that has caused harm or concern they are expected to speak with a coach, or our safeguarding or equalities officers

32. Trainees are expected to maintain a healthy lifestyle and regularly attend the gym in their own time to further their own development and growth. We encourage trainees to seek advice from the coaches, particularly those who are personal trainers and nutritionists. We encourage any students to regularly attend any fitness and conditioning classes that these coaches make available

33. All training materials, online content and DVDs are under copyright and all trainees understand that these documents can not be used for 3rd party or different purposes (legal action can be taken)

34. Management or Head Coaches decisions are always final. You will respect that if you are not seen to be at a high enough level to conduct yourself and your matches in the safest way possible, then you will not be on shows. This also applies to persistent absence from training, lack of self development, or refusal to participate in mandatory tasks like flyering or ring construction.

EWW: Code of Conduct for Shows

EWW aims to provide a fun, friendly, encouraging, trusting, safe and supportive environment where people can enjoy performing and watching wrestling.

EWW aims to open up wrestling for everyone by putting on fun shows that are suitable for people who are new to watching wrestling, as well as existing wrestling fans and wrestlers; to help grow the overall UK wrestling audience and scene.

EWW also supports trainee wrestlers by providing a safe and supportive environment for them to build up performing experience and experiment with new ideas. We aim to have a space for everyone to perform, from beginner wrestlers stepping on stage for the first time to experienced veteran wrestlers. We vary our marketing accordingly so that the right audience turns up for the right show.

EWW aims to provide a supportive and welcoming environment to people of all ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds, physical abilities, cultural views, sexual orientations, religions and nationalities, and are currently working to encourage greater diversity and accessibility in places to work in the wrestling scene.

Everyone participating on an EWW show is expected to abide by this code of conduct.

This includes all performers, audience members, crew, staff, and volunteers.

1. Remember, we are a team. The team applies to the greater wrestling community -everyone working on the show – and transcends one person, one match or one performance

2. We treat our front of house volunteers, front of house managers, producers, tech support, hosts and audience with respect at all times

3. We behave professionally. This is a gathering of professionals, whether in the audience, on the stage, behind the stage, at the concession stand, and/or at the front door

4. We say thank you to all the team members that have helped to run the night

5. We welcome all gender identities, races, sexualities, body types, economic backgrounds, abilities, immigration statuses, religious beliefs, and overall ways of human being

6. We respect the other wrestlers when they are in the ring, by not talking loudly at the back, slamming doors or distracting from the show in any way

7. We support each other, on stage and off stage. We celebrate one another. We provide encouragement

8. You are expected to listen to your agent – they are there to help

9. You are expected to listen to your opponent, unless it is unsafe or demeaning to do so

10. You are expected to collaborate with, rather than compete with, your fellow wrestlers; find out who is doing what and check what finishes are being used

11. You are expected to respect physical boundaries and refrain from doing anything physically dangerous or reckless to yourself or your opponent

12. You are expected to respect sexual boundaries, on and off stage

13. You should never have to perform in an unsafe or unsupportive environment. If in doubt, talk to the promoter, a member of the coaching team, your agent, welfare officers or security. We do not expect performers to deal with unsafe situations

14. Help us to create an environment free from harassment of any kind

15. Risque subject matter in promos, characters with unpleasant viewpoints, and human/society/political issues can be tackled on stage if that is the artistic choice of the promoter, as long as the scene is to be treated with full emotional intelligence and the themes and moral implications of those viewpoints fully explored in the ongoing story in an intelligent manner

16. Please no drug use or excessive drinking before performing, or in the venue

17. If you are a victim of abuse or harassment, or are worried about the behaviour of someone, or if you have any concerns or complaints about about the conduct of a team member talk to the promoter, a member of the coaching team, your agent, welfare officers or security

18. EWW will not tolerate physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, sexual harassment or abuse or harassment of any kind

19. Anyone who is abusive, bullying or harassing may be asked to leave our venues and will be barred from returning and performing again

20. This extends to all our show venues, warm up spaces, gyms, rehearsal spaces and after show pubs

21. While we don’t presume to have authority over all wrestling venues, promotions or the wrestling scene in general, we can also listen if you are having problems outside of EWW

22. Safety, trust and support is always more important than the temporary existence of a match. So if in doubt about something you have been asked to do please talk to an agent, the promoter, a coach, or a welfare officer – you will never be made to feel bad for doing so and this will not jeopardise future bookings in any way

23. Our venues have trained security staff. If you feel unsafe you can talk to one of them. We never expect our performers or volunteers to have to put themselves in an unsafe situation. For instance, if there is a problem audience member (drunk, sexist heckling, disruptive behaviour or similar) please ask the security person to talk to them if you feel it would be unsafe for you to do so

24. Luckily, we rarely get unpleasant hecklers. Shouting out and audience participation is encouraged for many of our shows. However, if you do get some people who are unpleasantly heckling do feel free to talk to the welfare officers, agents or security

25. Every wrestler has a different artistic choice and group agreement regards physical boundaries. However, we reserve the right to step in and stop that which we feel is reckless or dangerous

26. We understand that wrestlers have different artistic choices and agreements regarding sexual boundaries. However, we reserve the right to step in and ask you to omit content that seems inappropriate. A wrestling show is not an excuse to be a creep!

27. Regardless of the artistic choice of the wrestler, we can not allow any of the following on the show: groping, touching of sexual areas, simulated sex, rape scenes or sexual abuse scenes, sexual aggression, wrestling moves performed by touching intimate areas

28. We do not tolerate sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, classist, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language

29. We do not use personal insults, particularly those related to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, class, immigrant status, or disability

30. We will not tolerate stalking, following, or harassing including through photography/recording

31. Unwelcome sexual attention is UNWELCOME . This includes: sexualised comments or jokes, inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcome sexual advances

32. Violence, intimidation, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person has no place outside of the ring

33. Do not touch the fans during interactions or signings. Do not allow fans to handle belts or personal items. Do not use the fan’s bathrooms at the venue, or be drawn into 1-1 situations with them. If you feel uncomfortable with fan interaction please sign your merchandise behind the table

34. Sexual contact, or conversation of any kind with fans is also strictly prohibited.

Extreme Academy of Wrestling: Code of Conduct for Coaches

The main principles that are covered in the codes are: Competence, Trustworthiness, Respect, Fairness, Caring, Integrity, and Responsibility.

Competence: Coaches only use methods and techniques that they are confident in teaching and where relevant that they possess the qualifications for. The coach avoids using methods that are a risk to the health and safety of trainees. The coach seeks continuous personal improvement. The coach keeps up with the latest developments in coaching and teaching. The coach only uses training methods that will benefit the trainees.

Trustworthiness: The coach has to inspire trustworthiness in trainees. The coach keeps to the rules of confidentiality and discusses with others matters concerning the trainee only if he/she has discussed with the athlete beforehand which information he/she is allowed to share with a third party. The coach involves trainees in decisions that concern them and their future.

Respect: The coach shows respect towards others, themself, the sport, the organisation and property. Respect towards others means to show tolerance and to treat everyone equally regardless of their sex, age, race, language, socioeconomic status, ethnic origin, disability, or religion and to respect their rights and dignity. The coach respects the decisions made by management. The coach treats each trainee as an individual with his / her own rights and needs. The coach respects promises and commitments and keeps to them; both written and verbal. The coach respects the privacy of the trainee. The coach avoids any form of harassment (sex, gender, disability) towards trainees.

Fairness: The coach is fair to the trainees. The coach provides each with the same opportunities and training times. A coach shows no favouritism to one over the other. A coach teaches trainees to be fair (fair-play) to their team-mates and opponents. The coach has to refrain from using any unfair and illegal training methods (including performance enhancing drugs). The coach has to forbear from allowing any bribery to his / her person or his / her students.

Caring: The coach provides feedback to the trainees, and avoids too much harsh negative feedback. The coach cares for the well-being of the trainees but avoids ANY kind of intimate contact with them. The coach ensures that the training and competition requirements meet the abilities of the individual in fitness and age. The coach maintains, promotes and teaches a healthy lifestyle and explains the lifelong benefits of sport and fitness. The coach leads the trainees towards becoming a mature individual who is able to take care of him- / herself, make decisions, and show responsibilities for their own behaviour and performance in all life situations. The coach has to carefully consider how to deal with the media and always keep in mind what is best for the trainee. The coach cares for the well-being of the athletes he/she is in charge of, and must be approachable for trainees to confide in should issues arise.

Integrity: The coach should be a person of integrity, keeping to their personal values in word and action at all times. The coach does not take any bribes and discourages any notion of the trainee towards taking bribes or displaying non-sportsmanship like behaviour. The coach will ensure they read and adhere to the EWW Codes of Conduct for the Extreme Academy of Wrestling, Coaching Conduct, and Event Codes of Conduct. The coach has to keep a high moral standard and has to follow it at all times. The coach acts as a role-model.

Responsibility: The coach has to give trainees the opportunities to develop their skills, confidence and self-esteem. The coach ensures that the training-program is adjusted to the needs and capabilities of each person. The coach promotes the values of team spirit and fair-play and that winning is only one part of athleticism but that fun and enjoyment, and the importance of playing your role within the team and looking at the bigger picture are more important. The coach has the responsibility to keep up with the latest developments in training and coaching techniques and makes sure that the training facilities are in good and appropriate conditions. The coach also has the responsibility to act as a role-model and to promote a healthy lifestyle for the students to follow. The coach acts as an example that trainees can copy and follow. Coaches should not over train the trainees, but have well-being at all times as a priority, as well as keeping them interested in the sport. Each individual trainee should be trained in a way that they reach their full potential. Coaches promote sportsmanship in and out of the Academy. The coach should also show responsible behaviour towards natural resources and the environment and should motivate the athletes to take the same care. Coaches refrain from the use of performance enhancing drugs, illegal drugs, smoking and alcohol. Coaches do not start sexual relationships with their students and also strongly discourage attempts from the athletes to initiate sexual relationships with them.

As a responsible coach for Extreme Academy of Wrestling you will:

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every trainee, and others involved in wrestling, and treat everyone equally

2. Place the welfare and safety of the trainee above the development of performance

3. Treat all individuals with respect at all times. Do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, disability, sexual identity, age, occupation, religious beliefs or political opinion. Do not allow any form of discrimination to go unchallenged

4. Be appropriately qualified including obtaining DBS/Disclosure Scotland/Access NI clearance, first aid certification, insurance etc including studying the EWW Codes of Conduct for the Extreme Academy of Wrestling, Coaching Conduct, and Event Codes of Conduct. You will also be expected to know and apply our safeguarding & equality policies

5. Declare any previous criminal record. Persons unable to work around children, youth, or vunerable adults or anyone who has been on a sex offenders register is not able to work with EWW in any capacity

6. Ensure 100% compliance in all areas of the Extreme Academy of Wrestling Code of Conduct

7. Ensure that activities you direct or guide are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual & suggest modifications if not

8. At the outset, clarify with trainees exactly what it is that is expected of them and what athletes are entitled to expect from you

9. Never try to recruit, either overtly or covertly, trainees who are already receiving 1-1 coaching or any other fitness & conditioning training from other coaches in the team.

10. If approached by an athlete receiving coaching refer immediately to the coach currently providing coaching support.

11. Try to observe a recommended maximum ratio of 1 coach to 12 students minimum at a training session & always work in partnership with another coach/coaching assistant

12. Cooperate fully with others involved in the sport such as technical officials, team managers, other coaches, doctors, physiotherapists etc in the best interests of the trainees

13. Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play & teamwork

14. Never encourage trainees to use performance enhancing drugs, or glamourise their use

15. Do not encourage the trainees to drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs

16. Encourage and guide trainees to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour

17. Develop appropriate working relationships with trainees based on mutual trust and respect, especially those under 18 years or vulnerable adults

18. Do not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward

19. The coach MUST strictly maintain a clear boundary between friendship and intimacy with trainees and do not conduct inappropriate relationships with trainees. Relationships with trainees can cause significant problems for other team members, raising concerns of favouritism and/or victimisation should the relationship later end and are strictly FORBIDDEN

20. In particular, you MUST NOT allow an intimate personal relationship to develop between yourself and any trainee aged under 18 years, and any vulnerable adult. Any violation of this could result in IMMEDIATE termination and criminal charges being brought against you

21. It is strongly recommended that you do not allow intimate relationships to develop between yourself and trainees coached by you aged over 18 years. EWW discourages intimate relationships between any Academy members

22. As a responsible coach, when participating in or attending any activities including training/coaching sessions and events, you will:

● Act with dignity and display courtesy and good manners towards others

● Avoid swearing and abusive language and irresponsible behaviour including behaviour that is dangerous to yourself or others

● Never enact acts of violence, bullying, harassment and physical and sexual abuse

● Always challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others

● Be aware that your attitude and behaviour directly affects the behaviour of trainees under your supervision.

● Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour

● Avoid destructive behaviour and leave venues as you find them

● Not carry or consume alcohol to excess and/or illegal substances

● Avoid critical language or actions, such as sarcasm which could undermine self esteem

● Communicate with and provide feedback to participants in a way that reflects respect and care

● Be discreet in any conversations about participants, coaches or any other individuals

● Avoid spending time alone with young trainees (under 18) unless clearly in the view of others to protect both yourself and the young trainee. In special circumstances, for example when coaching in one to one coaching sessions please always defer to the head coaches and remind trainees that CCTV is always operational in the Academy

● Avoid taking young students (under 18) alone in your car

● Never invite a young student (under 18) alone into your home

● Never share a bedroom with a young student (under 18)

● Always explain why and ask for consent before touching a trainee

● Work in same-sex pairs if supervising changing areas

● Report any accidental injury, distress, misunderstanding or misinterpretation to the Head Coach, management, Safeguarding Officer or Equalities Officers as soon as possible

● Report any suspected misconduct by other coaches or other people to the Head Coach, management, Safeguarding Officer or Equalities Officer as soon as possible

● Be mindful of the safety and privacy of the Academy and its trainees when allowing training material to be posted online

● Check in with trainees regarding their mental health and well being

● Keep social media interactions with trainees appropriate and professional at all times

● Represent EWW at all times on all platforms as an ambassador for its teachings, its ethics and its morals, as well as the talent it produces.