Rules of Conduct

Rules of Conduct

You are required to read this every several months

Written here are the 10 Tenets of the Okanagan Combat Guild. As a member of the guild, students are a representative of the Guild both in the HEMA Community and the rest of the world. The way you conduct yourself can have a profound impact on your life in whatever you do.

The Tenets are as follows:

Tenet 1: I will treat everyone as equals *

Tenet 2: I will be true and honest to myself, my family, my friends, and fellow Guildmates

Tenet 3: I will treat others with respect, even if I believe they do not deserve it or they treat me with disrespect **

Tenet 4: I will support myself and fellow Guildmates by always staying focused, giving 100% effort, and by helping to build them up instead of tearing them down

Tenet 5: I will not do anything to bring disrespect to myself, my Guild, or my teachers

Tenet 6: I will not seek to cause harm purposefully to anyone or anything unless in immediate defense of my or another’s life.

Tenet 7: I will not attend class or events under the influence of drugs or alcohol ***

Tenet 8: I will maintain good hygiene practices for my body, clothes, and equipment ****

Tenet 9: I will refrain from using obscenities during classes or events when I am representing the club

Tenet 10: As a member of the Guild, I will do my part in supporting the club operations by paying dues on time, committing to attendance, and notifying instructors of being late (to the best of my ability)

*to be clear without a doubt, The Okanagan Combat Guild does not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations. There will be zero tolerance for discriminatory language or conduct of any kind from or towards members. We are a group here to support one another in our craft. Students are expected to hold this Tenet most high.
**this is not to say abuse in any form will be tolerated
***celebratory events ie. parties, get togethers, dinners; are obvious exceptions (legal substances only)
**** maintain social standard of hygiene, do not wear clothes with holes or rips, sanitize and wash clothes and equipment regularly

If a Guild member is found to not be acting within the terms of these tenets or the overall code of conduct, they may be reprimanded in several ways at the Guildmaster’s discretion including:

  • Physical discipline ie. Push-ups, sit-ups, etc…
  • Suspended Privileges ie. Attending special events or classes, facility use, etc…
  • Written or Verbal warning
  • Making written and/or verbal apologies
  • Temporary or permanent expulsion from the Guild (no refunds)

If the Guild Member in question refuses to abide disciplinary actions, they will be expelled from the Guild.

Guildhall and Class Conduct

Every member is equally responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of the Guildhall. Food and drink (except for water) should only be had in designated spots outside the training areas.

Responsibilities of members may include:

  • Sweeping
  • Vacuuming
  • Cleaning messes ie. garbage from class, after a celebration
  • Not performing any action that would surely or likely damage the Guildhall

For classes, note the following requirements:

  • Keeping finger and toe nails short and trimmed
  • Putting long hair into a bun or ponytail (class and sparring)
  • Removing all jewelry (class and sparring)