To Code of Ethics of the AJJF
Responsible conduct on the part of our membership maintains the integrity of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF).
This Code of Ethics represents a method by which the members of the AJJF can govern and discipline themselves.
The Code is applicable to all members of the AJJF.
Compliance with these standards exemplifies respect for the Esoteric Principles.
For instructors, Sensei, and Professors, respect for these rules is of the utmost importance. An instructor of any Dan rank assumes unique ethical responsibilities: to encourage respect for the AJJF ; to observe this Code and the Esoteric Principles; to conduct him/herself so as to reflect credit on the organization, and to inspire the confidence, respect and trust of the members.
While no general statement of these duties and responsibilities can encompass all the situations in which an instructor may be placed, because of his / her position in this organization, even minor violations of the rules herein tend to lessen public confidence in her/him.
This Code sets minimum standards, the violation of which may subject an individual to sanctions pursuant to the rules herein.
The terms found in the Code of Ethics and Procedures for implementation Of the Code shall have the following meanings:
AJJF means American Judo and Jujitsu Federation, a corporation duly authorized by the Civil Code of California.
Board shall mean Board of Professors of the AJJF or Board member as designated.
Code shall mean Code of Ethics.
Complaint shall be a writing sufficient to apprise a Respondent of the charge of misconduct.
Complainant shall mean any current member of the AJJF who files a Complaint, and, in the case of a minor, a parent or guardian, and the Board of Directors on behalf of the AJJF.
Director shall be that member who holds the position of Director of Internal Relations on the Executive Board.
Ethics Panel is a three member panel composed of black belts designated by the Board of Professors.
Member shall mean any person who holds a valid, current membership in the AJJF.
Organization shall be defined as the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation.
Professor shall mean a Board of Director member who is recognized as holding the rank and title of Professor of Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu.
Response shall mean a writing sufficient to answer the charges in the Complaint.
Respondent shall mean any current member of the AJJF who is the subject of a complaint.
Sensei is a current Dan-ranked member of the AJJF that is a recognized instructor or school head in an accredited school of the AJJF.
Sexual Harassment is defined as deliberate or, repeated comments, gestures or physical contact of a sexual nature that are not consented to.
Student shall mean a registered member of a club or school of which Respondent is Sensei or school head or otherwise a recognized instructor.
From time to time members may be requested to make public statements or provide information about the martial arts. Persons who have no experience or are new to an are a may not possess the degree of sophistication required to evaluate training and competence of a martial arts school or instructor. Selection of a school or instructor should be on an informed basis and advertisements and public communications should be formulated to convey the information necessary to make a choice.
3.1 A member shall not knowingly make a representation about his/her ability, background or experience that is-false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive and which is reasonably expected to induce reliance by the public. Such a statement includes, but is not limited to, a statement which:
a contains material misrepresentation of fact(s);
b omits a material fact necessary to understand the statement; or,
c is intended to or is likely to create unjustified expectation in the public or audience to whom its directed.
3.2 A member shall not use a professional or business card, sign, letterhead, telephone directory listing, association directory or similar notice if it contains a false, fraudulent misleading or deceptive statement.
3.3 A member shall represent accurately and objectively his/her qualifications, affiliations and functions as well as those of the organizations with which s/he associates.
3.4 A member associated with the development or promotion of devices, books, television, videos or other products offered for commercial use or sale must make reasonable efforts to ensure that information is presented to the public in an acceptable and factually in formative manner and shall not suggest authorization by the organization unless procured in advance from the Board.
3.5 As an instructor, a member ensures that statements in catalogs and course out lines are accurate. Announcements, brochures or advertisements describing classes, camps or courses shall accurately describe the audience for which the program is intended as well as eligibility requirements ( if any), objectives and nature of the course or seminar coverage. Further, the statement shall accurately represent the training, certification or rank and experience of those presenting the programs.
3.6 The American Judo and Jujitsu Federation is the sole owner of its name, its logo and the abbreviated initials AJJF. Use of the name, logo and initials is restricted to the following conditions:
a only individual members or member schools may identify their membership in the AJJF in public information or advertising materials.
B use of the name and/or logo is limited to the organization, its directors and officers and members engaged in activities which are officially sanctioned or under the control and supervision of the AJJF.
C the Board of Professors has sanctioned or otherwise authorized such public statement, information or advertising.
3.7 In announcing classes or seminars, a member does not present his/her affiliation with any organization in such a manner that falsely implies sponsorship or certification by that organization.
3.8 A member accepts the obligation to correct others who represent themselves or their products or services in a manner incompatible with this Code.
While moral and ethical standards of behavior are a personal matter of growth and development, members must be sensitive to prevailing community standards and to the impact of their public behavior on the art as a whole.
4.1 A member may not engage in or condone practices which result in illegal or unjustifiable actions. Such practices include, but are not limited to, those based on race, age, handicap, gender, sexual preference, religion or national origin in training or promotion.
4.2 A member, as an instruct or, is continually aware of his/her needs and potential influence over the lives of his/her students. Accordingly, an instructor must respect a student's feelings of self worth and dignity.
4.3 A member may not engage in or condone sexual exploitation or sexual harassment.
4.4 To insure public confidence, a member shall avoid public behavior that is clearly in violation of accepted moral and legal standards, including but not limited to, dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.
4.5 A member shall make all reasonable attempts to comply with the laws of the jurisdiction in which s/he teaches or practices, however, minor offenses, such as traffic violations shall not be considered a violation of this Code.
Maintenance of high standards is a primary goal of the members of this organization. A member's dedication to competence in training and teaching reflects this responsibility.
5.1 A member, as an instructor, only teaches techniques for which s/he is qualified by certification, training and/or experience. In those areas for which certification is not available, an instructor shall make reasonable efforts to
maintain a knowledge of current, generally accepted information.
5.2 A member accurately represents his/her competence, education, training and experience and claims only that rank certified by the AJJF or other identified organization.
5.3 A member, - as an instructor, performs his/her teaching duties on the basis of careful preparation so that the instruction is accurate, knowledgeable and reflects the currently accepted information or techniques consistent with the guidelines of the AJJF.
5.4 A member, as an instructor, recognizes the need for continuing education and makes reasonable efforts to maintain his/her level of training appropriately.
5.5 A member, as an instructor, recognizes differences among people such as age, sex, and physical or emotional disability or handicap and when necessary, obtains training, experience or counsel to assure competent instruction.
5.6 A member recognizes that personal problems and conflicts may interfere with his/her duties and refrains from activity in which personal problems are likely to lead to inadequate performance or harm to another. if already engaged in an activity when s/he becomes aware of such problems, such member should seek proper advice.
Members uphold the values and ethics of this organization. Members make every effort to insure that they maintain the highest standards of integrity and impartiality.
6.1 A member, as an instructor, must have independent judgment and should exercise power on the basis of merit. A member shall not allow family, social or other relationships to influence that member's conduct in training, teaching or promotion.
6.2 A member should disqualify him/herself from officiating or acting in an official capacity in a proceeding including a proceeding under this Code in which his/her impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including, but not limited to, those instances where:
s/he has a personal bias or prejudice;
s/he has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts; or
his/her spouse or other family member is a party to the proceeding. A member disqualified by this subsection may disclose the basis and where all parties agree the disqualification may be removed and the member may continue to act.
6.3 When acting in an official capacity in any proceeding under this Code, a member shall not accept a gift or favor, except as incident to ordinary social hospitality, from:
a member whose interests are at issue in any pending proceeding under this Code; or
a member whose interests are likely to be at issue in any pending proceeding under this Code.
6.4 Information acquired by a member in his/her official capacity in a proceeding under this Code should not be used or disclosed for any purpose not related to his/her official duties.
Members are responsible for their conduct.
7.1 A member, as an instructor, shall take reasonable personal action to in form responsible authorities when a student's action indicates there is a clear and imminent danger to the student or others.
7.2 A member, as an instructor, shall endeavor to protect the health, safety and welfare of his/her students.
7.3 A member shall avoid dual relationships with students which might impair that member's objectivity and judgment. However, a member is not precluded from teaching family members or significant others.
7.4 A member, as an instructor, must make students aware of their ethical responsibilities under this Code.
Members act with due regard to the needs and feelings of their fellow members and colleagues and treat them with courtesy and good faith.
8.1 A member, as an instructor, shall take into account the traditions and practices of other legitimate martial arts.
8.2 A member, as an instructor, does not take action to impair his/her student's efforts to seek knowledge of other legitimate martial arts, except as appropriate and in the best interests of his/her students.
8.3 When a member knows a violation of this Code has been or is being committed by another member, and it seems appropriate, such member shall informally attempt to resolve such matter by bringing it to the notice of the member. Informal solution is usually appropriate and encouraged. Informal corrective efforts are made with sensitivity to any rights to confidentiality involved.
8.4 When a member knows a violation of this Code has been or is being committed by another member which is of a serious nature, or which is not otherwise amenable to informal resolution, such member shall bring it to the attention of the Director or Board of Professors.
To Code of Ethics Informal Dispute Resolution
To Code of Ethics Procedures for Implementation of the Code
To AJJF School Handbook - Homepage
To AJJF School Handbook - Table of Content
Permission to distribute this document, in full or part, via electronic means (emailed, posted or archived) or printed copy is granted providing that no charges are involved, reasonable attempt is made to use the most current version, and all credits and copyright notices are retained.
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