St. Paul Freifechter: Code of Conduct

“The way of the sword doesn’t belong to any one nation; Knowledge of the arts belongs to us all.” -Master Piandao, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Preface

At St. Paul Freifechter, our goal is to further the study of historical martial arts, as well as to support the community of people who do so. We believe that we do this best when people in our group look out for each other’s wellbeing, whether or not they are holding a sword. To this end, we have certain expectations of behavior for: our members, participants in events we host, and guests or spectators at any of our gatherings.  

I – Safety

We expect that any person to whom this code applies will:

1. 1. Participate in martial arts activities with practiced restraint. They will not exert excessive force in their blows, use techniques that other participants have said make them feel unsafe, or otherwise act in a reckless manner that endangers others.
   2. Respect the parameters of any engagement as agreed to by the people involved prior to said engagement, or modified during said engagement. 
   3. Will participate with respect to the level of protective gear worn by any of their opponents or training partners.
   4. Will modify their behavior if other participants, instructors, or members of the Board of Directors request as much on the grounds of safety. 
   5. Will remain unimpaired by substances they may have consumed either before or during any event or gathering. They will not participate if they are so impaired, such as by alcohol, THC products, medications affecting coordination or impairing judgment, etc. 

II – Community

We expect that any person to whom this code applies will:

1. 1. Deal with others honestly, with goodwill, and give the benefit of the doubt when difficulty initially arises. 
   2. Ensure that others feel welcome in their presence. They will not intentionally make a person feel unwelcome or unsafe on the basis of any of the following:
      1. Race, ethnicity, or nationality
      2. Sexual orientation
      3. Gender identity or gender presentation
      4. Religion or spiritual beliefs
      5. Neurodivergence
      6. Mental health diagnoses
      7. Wealth or poverty
      8. Physical or mental disability
   3. Where any factors listed in Community section [2] conflict with each other (e.g. a person’s religion and another’s gender identity/presentation), these conflicts are to be set aside if possible. When not possible, or when an involved party is made to feel genuinely unwelcome or unsafe in the presence of another, the conflict should be brought to the attention of a present instructor or Member of the Board. Said instructor or Board Member’s proposed resolution is to be followed in the moment. Complaints or appeals can be made to the Board of Directors after the fact.
   4. Be willing to receive feedback on behaviors or statements they have made that have caused another person to feel unsafe or unwelcome. This feedback may be provided by the person affected, a concerned third person/party, or by an instructor or Board Member.
   5. Treat any gear loaned to them with greater care then they would show if it were their own. 

III – Civic Responsibility

We expect that any person to whom this code applies will:

1. 1. Respect the space in which the event or gathering takes place. In our organization, this could range from a space we own, to a space we rent, a public space such as a park or restaurant, or even to a member’s private residence. 
   2. Extend behavioral expectations outlined in this code toward members of other communities with whom our group may be interacting at the time. Examples include another HEMA group, a sponsoring organization, etc.
   3. Within reasonable or physical limitation, be willing to assist others when requested in ways that may include: 
      1. Carrying gear or other objects.
      2. Offering feedback, perspective, or hints on training.
      3. Setting up or tearing down event equipment.
   4. Do their utmost to follow through on tasks they have volunteered to do for the group. 
   5. Make reasonable accommodation for others where necessary. Examples may include:
      1. Staying home when sick with an infectious illness, or taking reasonable steps to avoid contaminating others such as wearing a mask and sanitizing surfaces.
      2. Avoid intentionally bringing allergens known to cause reaction in another member(s) of the group into a space where said member(s) is present.
      3. Be reasonably conscious and cautious of psychological triggers that are known to cause reaction in other members who may have mental health complications.

Summary

We at St. Paul Freifechter believe that people learn best when they are respected, cared for, and nurtured by their community. To create a community where all members can fulfill their potential without the sacrifice of their own wellbeing, we expect these behavioral guidelines to be followed to the best of a given person’s ability. We stress again that this applies not just to members, but also to any guests, spectators, participants, instructors, or sponsor representatives. As we grow and improve as a community, this code will be updated to address concerns brought to the attention of the organization, and the newly updated code will be made available to relevant parties. 

Be kind, look out for one another, stay safe, and have fun.