Highlander BJJ Membership Agreement, Assumption of Risk and Participation Agreement

Highlander BJJ
4 Lossie Wynd
Elgin
IV30 1PU

This agreement applies to all participants training at Highlander BJJ. Participants under the age of 18 must have this agreement completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.

1. Acknowledgement of Risk

I understand that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and related martial arts are contact sports involving physical exertion and close physical contact.

I acknowledge that participation carries inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• cuts, bruises and sprains;

• fractures and joint injuries;

• concussion;

• transmission of infectious skin conditions despite reasonable hygiene measures;

• permanent injury; and

• in rare cases, serious injury or death.

I voluntarily choose to participate with full knowledge of these risks.

2. Fitness to Participate

I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, I am medically fit to participate.

I agree that I will not attend training if I:

• have an infectious illness;

• have a contagious skin condition;

• am under the influence of alcohol or drugs that may impair my judgement or ability to train safely; or

• have been advised by a medical professional not to participate.

I agree to inform an instructor of any medical condition or injury that could affect my safety or the safety of others.

3. Following Instructions

I agree to:

• follow all instructions given by Highlander BJJ coaches;

• train responsibly and with due care for my training partners;

• stop immediately if my training partner taps or verbally submits;

• immediately stop training if instructed by a coach;

• notify an instructor immediately of any injury or unsafe condition.

4. Club Rules

I confirm that I have read and agree to comply with the Highlander BJJ Club Rules, including all hygiene and safety requirements.

I understand that failure to comply with the Club Rules may result in suspension or termination of my membership without refund where appropriate.

5. Hygiene

I understand that maintaining good hygiene is essential to everyone's safety.

I agree that I will:

• wear a clean Gi or approved training clothing;

• maintain good personal hygiene;

• keep fingernails and toenails trimmed;

• remove jewellery before training;

• keep long hair securely tied back;

• not train with any suspected contagious skin infection;

• immediately report any bleeding or injury occurring during training.

6. Assumption of Risk

I understand that injuries can occur even where coaches, staff and other participants exercise reasonable care.

I voluntarily accept the inherent risks associated with participating in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Nothing in this agreement excludes or limits any liability which cannot legally be excluded under the laws of Scotland or the United Kingdom, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

7. Emergency Medical Treatment

If I become injured or ill during training and I am unable to make decisions for myself, I authorise Highlander BJJ to obtain appropriate emergency medical assistance on my behalf.

I understand that any medical costs remain my responsibility.

8. UKBJJA Membership

I understand that membership of the UK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association (UKBJJA) is mandatory for anyone training at Highlander BJJ.

UKBJJA membership provides member-to-member liability insurance and is a condition of participation.

If I have not obtained UKBJJA membership within 30 days of joining Highlander BJJ, I authorise Highlander BJJ to process payment through Gymdesk for:

• the applicable UKBJJA membership fee; and

• a Highlander BJJ administration fee of £5.

I understand that this charge will be made using my saved payment method held within Gymdesk where applicable.

9. CCTV

I understand that CCTV operates within Highlander BJJ premises for the purposes of security, crime prevention, safeguarding and health and safety.

I acknowledge that images may be recorded and processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and Highlander BJJ's Privacy Policy.

10. Photography and Video

From time to time Highlander BJJ may take photographs or videos for coaching, promotional or social media purposes.

I understand that I may withdraw consent for promotional use by notifying Highlander BJJ in writing. This does not affect CCTV recordings or images required for safeguarding or legal purposes.

11. Personal Data

I understand that Highlander BJJ will process my personal information for the administration of my membership, classes, payments, safeguarding obligations and legal responsibilities in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation.

12. Limitation of Liability

I understand that Highlander BJJ is responsible for taking reasonable care in providing its services.

Except where liability cannot legally be excluded, I accept responsibility for the ordinary risks inherent in participating in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and for my own actions while training.

13. Declaration

I confirm that:

• I have read this agreement carefully.

• I understand its contents.

• I have had the opportunity to ask questions.

• I agree to be bound by its terms.

• I understand the physical risks associated with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

• I participate voluntarily.

Participant

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Parent or Legal Guardian (Participants under 18)

I confirm that I am the parent or legal guardian of the participant named above.

I have read and understood this agreement and consent to the participant taking part in activities at Highlander BJJ.

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Highlander BJJ Club Rules

Welcome

Highlander BJJ is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and respectful environment where everyone can learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, improve their skills and enjoy training.

We ask all members and visitors to follow these simple rules to help keep the academy safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Membership

• Everyone training at Highlander BJJ must complete the Membership Agreement and Participation Waiver before taking part in any class.

• All members must hold a valid UK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association (UKBJJA) membership. UKBJJA membership provides member-to-member liability insurance and is a mandatory condition of training at Highlander BJJ.

• Members who have not arranged their own UKBJJA membership within 30 days of joining authorise Highlander BJJ to process the UKBJJA membership fee together with a £5 administration fee through Gymdesk, as outlined in the Membership Terms and Conditions.

Safety First

Your safety and the safety of your training partners is everyone's responsibility.

• Tap early and release immediately when your partner taps or verbally submits. The tap is sacred.

• Never intentionally attempt to injure another person.

• Train in a controlled manner appropriate to your partner's age, size, experience and ability.

• Follow the instructions of coaches at all times.

• If a coach tells you to stop training, stop immediately.

• Inform a coach immediately if you are injured or notice anything unsafe.

• Mouthguards are strongly recommended during sparring sessions.

Respect

Everyone deserves to feel welcome at Highlander BJJ.

Members are expected to:

• Treat coaches, teammates, visitors and spectators with courtesy and respect.

• Support training partners and help create a positive learning environment.

• Respect the academy, its equipment and facilities.

• Respect differences in age, experience, gender, race, religion, disability and sexual orientation.

• Follow the decisions of coaches and staff.

Bullying, harassment, intimidation, discrimination or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or termination of membership.

Hygiene

Good hygiene protects everyone.

Before training:

• Arrive clean and maintain good personal hygiene.

• Wear a clean Gi or approved training clothing.

• Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.

• Remove all jewellery, including watches.

• Remove or securely cover any piercings where appropriate.

• Tie back long hair.

During training:

• If you begin bleeding, stop immediately and inform a coach.

• Cover any minor cuts with an appropriate dressing before returning to training.

• Do not train with any contagious illness or suspected skin infection. If in doubt, seek medical advice and speak with a coach before returning.

• Wash yourself and your training equipment after every session.

Mat Etiquette

• Outdoor footwear is not permitted on the mats.

• Wear footwear whenever leaving the mat area, including when using the toilets.

• Wipe or clean your feet before returning to the mats after leaving the training area.

• No food is permitted on the mats.

• Drinks must be kept in suitable containers with secure lids.

• Help keep the academy clean by disposing of rubbish and cleaning up after yourself.

Coaching

• Only coaches may instruct classes unless specifically authorised.

• Please avoid coaching other students during class unless asked to do so by an instructor.

• Respect coaching decisions regarding class structure, sparring and safety.

Children

• Parents and guardians remain responsible for supervising children before and after classes unless they are participating in a supervised session.

• Children should remain within designated waiting areas unless invited onto the training area by a coach.

Mobile Phones and Recording

• Mobile phones should not be used on the mats except with the permission of a coach.

• Photography or video recording of classes should only take place with the permission of Highlander BJJ and with consideration for the privacy of other members.

CCTV

For the safety and security of members, visitors and staff, CCTV operates within Highlander BJJ premises.

Visitors

Visitors are welcome with the permission of Highlander BJJ.

All visitors must complete the required participation paperwork before training and comply with these Club Rules.

Breaches of Club Rules

Failure to follow these rules may result in one or more of the following:

• A verbal reminder.

• A formal warning.

• Temporary suspension from training.

• Termination of membership where appropriate.

Highlander BJJ reserves the right to refuse or withdraw membership where a person's behaviour places the safety, wellbeing or enjoyment of others at risk.

Our Philosophy

Train safely.

Train respectfully.

Look after your training partners.

Leave your ego at the door.

Enjoy your Jiu-Jitsu.