Competition Code of Conduct
Martial Arts Competition should be enjoyable for everyone. To ensure we all play fairly here are tip and hints on etiquette
Remember, Aikido competition is foremost about respect and not adversity.
- Respect for yourself
- Respect for your fellow players (opponents)
- Respect for referees
Aikido competition begins with a bow, and ends with a bow.
Respect is shown through the players actions.
On Competition Day
- Toenails and fingernails must be clean and short to avoid injury to others.
- Long hair should be tied up.
- Mobile phones should be put in silent mode and put away safely.
- Remove all jewellery, rings, watches, earrings, necklaces etc.
- Please bring drinking water only into competition arena.
No sports, fizzy sugary or fruit drinks allowed. No Food allowed on or near the mats
- Be ready to run onto your designated competition mat when your name is called
- Players must always bow before to an opponent and referrees when directed to do so.
- Flip-Flops or Zori should be left neatly at the edge of the mat. All shoes and socks must be removed before entering the arena.
- Uniforms must be tidy and belt tied securely before stepping onto the mat for competition.
Parents are not allowed onto the competition area for security and saftety reasons.
Players should undertake to:
- play fairly, do their best and have fun
- shake hands before and after the event, whoever wins - and mean it
- respect officials and accept their decisions with grace, not a grudge
- respect fellow team members; give them full support both when they do well and when things go wrong
- respect opponents, they are not enemies, they are partners in a sporting event
- give opponents a hand if they are injured or have problems with equipment
- accept apologies from opponents when they are offered
- exercise self-control and tolerance for others, even if others do not
- be modest in victory and be gracious in defeat
- show appropriate loyalty to their sport and all its participants
- make high standards of fair play the example others want to follow
Players should not:
- cheat
- use violence, using physical contact only when it is allowed within the rules
- shout at, or argue with, the referee, officials, team mates or opponents
- take banned substances to improve performance
- bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another player
- use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage
- harm team mates, opponents or their property
