Protocol on inappropriate behaviour

1. Aim

The purpose of this protocol is to prevent, detect and properly address boundary-crossing behaviour within the dojo. It contributes to a safe and respectful training environment for all members.

2. What boundary-crossing behaviour means

Boundary-crossing behaviour covers all forms of unwanted behaviour that violate another person’s boundaries. Among other things this may be:

• Physical: unwanted touching, violence or intimidation.
• Verbal: insults, name-calling, sexual remarks or threats.
• Psychological: manipulation, blackmail, humiliation or intimidation.
• Sexual: unwanted sexual advances, assault, or other sexually charged conduct.

3. Preventive measures

• Education and information: Regular training and information for all members and teachers about what boundary-crossing behaviour is and how to prevent it.
• Code of conduct: On joining, every member signs a code of conduct in which they undertake to behave respectfully and to avoid boundary-crossing behaviour.
• Open communication: Fostering a culture in which members feel free to raise problems or concerns with teachers or others responsible.

4. Detecting boundary-crossing behaviour

• Observation: Teachers and senior members supervise actively and watch for signs of boundary-crossing behaviour.
• Reporting: There is a low-threshold way for members and parents to report such behaviour, anonymously or openly. This can be done through a report form, the confidential counsellor, or directly to the teacher.

5. Acting on boundary-crossing behaviour

• Immediate intervention: At any sign of such behaviour the teacher intervenes at once to de-escalate the situation and prevent further harm.
• Investigation: The teacher or an appointed confidential counsellor investigates the report carefully, through conversations with those involved and with witnesses.
• Conversations with those involved: Conversations are held with both the person responsible and the person affected, to establish what happened and to look for solutions.
• Sanctions: Depending on the seriousness, sanctions may range from a warning to temporary suspension or permanent removal from the dojo.

6. Aftercare

• Support for the person affected: Emotional support and, where needed, outside help is offered to aid recovery.
• Guidance for the person responsible: Guidance and, where needed, outside help is offered to prevent recurrence and to help them develop positive behaviour.
• Follow-up: Regular follow-up conversations with those involved, to make sure the behaviour has stopped and the situation is improving.

7. Communication and review

• Regular review: This protocol is reviewed and adjusted regularly, based on feedback and experience.
• Transparency: All members and parents are informed of the existence and content of this protocol.

8. Confidential counsellor

• Appointing a counsellor: A confidential counsellor is appointed within the dojo who can handle reports independently and in confidence.
• Training: The confidential counsellor is properly trained in handling such cases and knows how to act in line with this protocol.

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This is a translation for convenience. In case of doubt the Dutch text of the protocol grensoverschrijdend gedrag applies.