CODE OF CONDUCT

At VA Academy, we believe respect, discipline, cleanliness, and professionalism are essential parts of the training environment.

The following guidelines help us maintain a safe, positive, and respectful atmosphere for all students, families, and visitors.

STUDENTS

• Always be respectful and supportive of teammates, instructors, parents, and visitors.

• Foul language, bullying, inappropriate behavior, or disrespectful conduct will not be tolerated inside the academy.

• Students should arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled class.

• Always wear shoes or sandals when stepping off the mats.

• Students and visitors must wear a clean uniform and rash guard for training.

• Shoes, food, drinks, and electronics are not allowed on the mats.

• Remove all jewelry, necklaces, watches, and piercings before training.

• Store personal belongings neatly in designated cubby or storage areas.

• Maintain proper hygiene, including clean hands and feet, along with trimmed fingernails and toenails.

• If you are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms of illness, please stay home and notify the academy ahead of time so we can gladly help reschedule your class.

CLASS ETIQUETTE

• Bow before entering and leaving the mat area.

• Greet your Professor or Coach respectfully when entering the mat for the first time.

• Black belt instructors should be addressed as “Professor.” Non-black belt instructors should be addressed as “Coach.”

• Students are expected to maintain proper attention and posture during instruction.

• Side conversations should be kept to a minimum and should relate to class instruction.

• Do not leave the mat area during class without permission from the Professor or Coach.

• If arriving late, students should wait off the mat until invited to join class.

• Training bags and personal equipment should remain in designated storage or changing areas during class.

DISCIPLINE

Students are expected to follow the guidance and instruction of Professors and Coaches at all times.

If inappropriate behavior occurs, instructors may:

• issue a verbal warning

• assign a short timeout on the training area

• ask the student to sit quietly off the mats until invited to return to class

Our goal is always to maintain a respectful, safe, structured, and positive learning environment for everyone.

PARENTS

We encourage parents to allow children the opportunity to learn in a focused and distraction-free environment.

Parents are welcome to watch classes from the designated lounge and viewing areas provided by the academy.

For the safety, structure, and focus of all students:

• Parents are not allowed inside the mat area during class.

• Parents should not coach their children during training.

• Parents should not coach or correct other students during class.

Our instructors will guide and support all students throughout training in a safe, positive, and structured environment.