ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION: At Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Fort Worth / Team Marra, we are dedicated to fostering a community where participants can learn and train in an environment free from emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct or abuse. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our community by carefully selecting and retaining the best staff members and volunteers.

2. BACKGROUND CHECK: To ensure the safety of our participants, we conduct thorough background checks during the initial selection process and on an ongoing basis, following these guidelines:

2.1. Scope: Background checks are mandatory for all employees and volunteers, including minors, who have direct, repetitive contact with children.

2.2. Method: We may use name-based or fingerprint-based record searches, which will, at a minimum: (a) Verify the individual’s identity and legal aliases, (b) Include a national Sex Offender Registry search, (c) Include a national criminal record search.

2.3. Frequency: Background checks are conducted during the initial selection process and repeated at intervals not exceeding 12 months.

2.4. Eligibility Criteria: An individual will be automatically disqualified from employment or volunteer service if they:

• • • • Refuse to consent to a background check.
      • Provide false information during the background check process.
      • Are registered or required to register as a sex offender.
      • Have been convicted of a felony, including: Murder, Child abuse or any crime against children (including child pornography), Spousal abuse, Rape or sexual assault, Arson, physical assault, or battery, Drug-related offenses committed within the last five years.

3. ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS POLICY: This policy aims to prevent abuse by limiting one-on-one interactions between Adult Participants and Minor Athletes.

3.1 Definitions:

• • • • Minor Athlete: Any participant under 18 years of age.
      • Adult Participant: Any staff member, employee, coach, sponsored athlete, or volunteer aged 18 or older.
      • Dual Relationship: A pre-existing relationship between an Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete that is outside the scope of the jiu-jitsu program. This might include relationships such as family members, close family friends, or neighbors.
      • Close-in-Age Exception: A situation where the age difference between an Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete is small enough that the interaction is deemed appropriate and does not pose a risk. Typically, this applies when the Adult Participant is not more than four years older than the Minor Athlete.

3.2. Monitoring: Parents or guardians are encouraged to observe all individual training sessions. If a Minor Athlete is meeting with an Adult Participant, another adult (preferably the Minor’s parent) must monitor the session. Monitoring includes being aware of the session, its duration, and having the ability to drop in at any time.

3.3. Observable and Interruptible: All one-on-one interactions between an Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete must be observable and interruptible at any time.

3.4. Transportation: An Adult Participant may not transport a Minor Athlete alone during program-related travel unless:

• • • • • A Dual Relationship exists.
        • The Close-in-Age Exception applies.
        • The Minor Athlete’s parent/guardian has given prior written consent, and the Adult Participant is accompanied by another Adult Participant.

3.5. Out-of-Program Contact: Adult Participants who do not meet the Close-in-Age Exception or have a Dual Relationship should not engage in out-of-program contact with Minor Athletes without parental consent, even if the contact is not one-on-one.

3.6. Gifting: Personal gifts from Adult Participants to Minor Athletes are prohibited unless a Close-in-Age Exception or Dual Relationship exists. Gifts that are distributed equally to all athletes and have a motivational or educational purpose are allowed.

3.7. Photography/Video: Photos or videos of athletes must be taken in public settings and adhere to accepted standards of decency.

3.8. Exceptions: Exceptions to the one-on-one contact policy include:

• • • • • When a Dual Relationship exists.
        • When the Close-in-Age Exception applies.
        • In emergencies or other situations where one-on-one interactions are unavoidable.

4. REPORTING:  All known or suspected incidents of abuse must be reported immediately.
5. POLICY UPDATES: This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legal and best practice standards. We are committed to continuously improving our procedures and responding to any changes in regulations or community needs. Any updates to this policy will be communicated to all staff members, volunteers, and participants, and can be accessed at www.jiujitsufortworth.com/prevention. Your cooperation in adhering to these policies and contributing to a safe environment is greatly appreciated.