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Post by fujicolt on Jul 4, 2011 19:20:36 GMT
Had a long and interesting conversation today with a Karate Instructor (whom shall remain nameless cos he is making decisions and hasn't yet decided how to approach his members about it).. basically he was called into the Manager's office at the sports centre were he has succesfully run a strong club for nearly 15 yrs. the Manager - whom he has a very good relationship with - was very apologetic but basically told him that the centre had recieved a 'walk in' visit from Local Authority H + S Inspectors whom had watched his Black and Brown Belt Class from the balcony above the Gym he uses. They Basically told the Manager that the Karate class must either 'change it's class content or be told to leave - because it was 'Too Violent and left the LA open to litigation for allowing it at a Public venue!' The Guy is gutted - he runs a good well disciplined club and has never had a Major injury but on the night in question his Senior Dan Grade got a split lip and carried on for a while (bleeding) until he noticed it and sent him out to get cleans up - cleaned the blood of the floor and then carried on. What do you think he should do - the Sports Hall keeps his membership up cos thousands of people attend there every year! He asked me for advice and I have given it - what would you advise him to do?
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Post by genkaimade on Jul 4, 2011 22:01:10 GMT
Ask for an audience with the local authority, and explain to them calmly and properly that they have no idea what they're talking about. I'm sure that in doing this they're breaking some kind of rule - upon what legal grounds is "too violent and open to litigation" based on? I seriously doubt that it is anything concrete. Unless martial arts themselves are made illegal, how on Earth can they have any kind of standing?
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Post by fujicolt on Jul 5, 2011 0:53:57 GMT
Sadly - with modern laws = many! not saying it is right but IT IS!
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Post by superjock on Jul 5, 2011 6:58:06 GMT
Usually H&S inspectors are looking for systems and procedures in place to prevent harm as well as evidence of proper supervision to ensure that they are being followed. Basically he need to come up with a basic Health & Safety policy with some procedures around it. = Assess the hazards of each activity. = Assess the risks associated with these hazards. Then one by one eliminate, isolate and minimise these hazards. This may be by clear rules around sparring i.e. blood means stop and clean there is a real danger of hepatitis C from contact with blood and most people don't know they have it. Hate to say it but gloves and headgear may have to be considered. First aid coverage should go without saying. Armed with this he should ask for an appeal, stating the case that he is managing all the hazards involved and that he is taking all practicable steps to prevent harm. That will suffice for normal class, for the advanced rip ur eyeballs stuff he should consider holding these out of site of prying eyes. P.S. I'm a Health & Safety Advisor in civilian life
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Post by jimlukelkc on Jul 5, 2011 10:37:58 GMT
Sigh!
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Post by superjock on Jul 5, 2011 13:43:18 GMT
Bloody palaver eh?
These 2 idiots (inspectors) are the kind of guys that keep me employed :-)
I remember back in the day Health & Safety was nought but a flat cap and a cigarette.
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Post by kensei on Jul 5, 2011 18:15:57 GMT
my suggestion is to work with the guy a bit more instead of against him. Let him see the measures you have in place and suggest some if you dont. Also...I would seriously look at keeping the junior class at the club that helps it grow, and then move the seniors to a "private club" or one not run by the community.
Also let the class may need to show the guy that you have proper safty and waivers. Then get him to sign off on it as the next guy may not be as forward thinking.
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Post by tomobrien on Jul 6, 2011 1:18:50 GMT
This is why I don't teach in the public systems. I once taught in 'adult education'. All they did was fool around & I couldn't kick em out Convert your garage into a dojo & do whatever you wanna do Thanks, Tom
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Post by malk103 on Sept 24, 2011 23:47:29 GMT
Maybe he should direct the H&S people towards the local Town/City on a Friday/Saturday night or to watch the news/crimewatch now and again to decide exactly what is "too violent". Then consider allowing their friends/family/students out amongst these people...... At Black/Brown belt level surely you are training to include violent action - and testing your reaction - in full consent and to prepare your mind and body for what could lay ahead. All whilst trying to perfect your self and character along the way....
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