Drop-off & pick-up

• All students are left at reception with a coach at the start of class, and picked up from reception once class has finished.
• Youth members are signed in at reception when they arrive.
• Please arrive to collect your child promptly at the end of class. If you're running late, let a coach know.

Waiting during class

• Regular classes and gradings don't have space for parents to sit in — parents wait in reception until class finishes.
• On occasion, we may invite parents in to watch a particular class or grading — we'll let you know in advance if this applies.
• At competitions, we ask parents to support all competitors positively and to follow the guidance of coaches and event officials.

Communication

• The club will contact you through official channels only — email, the club's group chat, or in person at the club.
• If your child is ever contacted one-to-one by a coach on personal social media or a personal number, please tell the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) — this should never happen.

Injuries & wellbeing

• You will be told the same day about any injury, however minor.
• Please let us know about any medical condition, allergy, or change in circumstances that could affect your child's training.

Photography

• A consent form is provided when your child joins the club, covering use of photos and video on our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok channels. You can update or withdraw this consent at any time by contacting the DSO.

Simple things we ask of everyone training at New Ground:

• Listen to your coach and follow the mat rules — they're there to keep training safe.
• Treat everyone you train with — of any age, size, or belt — with respect. No bullying, on the mats or online.
• If a coach, another student, or anyone else makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or confused about something, tell a coach, your parent, or Martin (our Welfare Officer). You won't be in trouble for speaking up.
• Changing areas are for changing only — no phones or cameras.
• If you're hurt, even a little, tell your coach straight away.

Any concern — from a parent or a young person — can go to our Designated Safeguarding Officer directly. You don't need proof, and you won't be dismissed for raising something that turns out to be a misunderstanding.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency police matters, PSNI can be reached on 101. Childline (0800 1111) and the NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000) are also available to any child or adult with a concern.