Code of Conduct

 
 
 
 

Introduction

Atlanta Historical Fencing Academy (AHFA) is first and foremost a club that teaches Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) whose primary goal is to train fencers in a safe and inclusive environment. It is also home to a diverse set of students. We are committed to making our club’s culture one where people can feel welcome to be who they are and learn fencing in a safe environment.

This Code of Conduct ensures that people who elect to be a part of our club understand what’s expected of them. Our main goal at AHFA is to empower students to grow as fencers and to do that we must create an environment and culture where that is possible for everyone. We are a caring, thoughtful, hardworking club, who accepts people for who they are as long as they are willing to do the same for others.

Scope of this Document

This code of conduct primarily covers conduct at club training and events. We expect people who elect to be a part of AHFA to follow this Code of Conduct whenever they are representing the club as a whole. This is including but not limited to: tournaments, events (internal or external), and when interacting with others in the HEMA community. 

To be a part of and train at AHFA, you must abide by these codes of conduct. Infractions (covered in a later section) will be dealt with swiftly by AHFA leadership.

Inclusion Statement

AHFA is an inclusive space for all people; Specifically including LGBTQ+, people of all gender identities, and of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

We are devoted to the cause of treating all human beings equitably, kindly, and fairly - not just within the walls of our organization, but outside as well.

Conduct with other members

The relationships we build at AHFA are not intended to be solely during class or sparring time. Not only do we build friendships, constructive rivalries, and mentor/mentee relationships, but we also find D&D party members, game night hosts, hiking buddies, and more.

Conduct with other members therefore is not confined to club hours, but with any interaction with another member of the club, in person or on social media.

  • Everyone comes from a different place, and we treat that with respect and kindness.

  • We never mock, belittle, or berate another member. Perceptions of a person's political ideology, knowledge, skill, identity, etc. will not be used to abuse each other in any way.

  • We will be constructive with our feedback, and not be defensive when receiving it. Feedback is a gift and should be treated as such -- not given with a nasty intent and not taken as a slight.

  • We avoid discriminatory, ableist, or bigoted language, even in jest.

  • We treat people as equals and partners regardless of age, background, religion or how they identify in terms of gender, race, etc.

  • We respect requests to use the pronouns someone has expressed as their own.

  • Even in a heated discussion, we never threaten or challenge someone to fight  as a means to resolve the dispute.

  • We have a no tolerance policy for any discriminatory, hateful, bigoted, (etc.) comments/content both in and out of the club.

Behavior at HEMA Events

If you are at an event representing the club in any fashion then you are expected to treat other attendees as if they are a member of AHFA and you are subject to the same code of conduct.

Romantic Relationships With Other Students

AHFA is a club for teaching and training in martial arts, namely HEMA. It is not an opportunity to date other students. However, we do understand that such relationships occur and are to be expected.

  • Treat other club members as friends first - they are not your dating pool. Routinely asking fellow members to go on dates will lead to us asking you to leave AHFA.

  • AHFA is not a dating club. Serial Dating (when you attempt to date or pursue multiple people in a row and/or at the same time) is not permitted at any time.

  • AHFA has members of all ages - be sure to be aware of the people you’re interacting with. There is a zero-tolerance policy for dating or attempting to date underage members.

Free Fencing Requirements

First and foremost, be safe when fencing. Please check the Free Fencing section for requirements there. link

Remediation for breaking the code of conduct

It is up to AHFA Leadership’s discretion how quickly a remedy must be escalated, and will consider the safety of the class when taking action. Any breakages of the code of conduct will be handled by AHFA leadership's discretion and can include:

  • Ask members to remove themselves from class, to await contact about when they can return.

  • Written or in person apology to other students harmed by their actions.

  • Suspension of class privileges for any length of time.

  • Suspension of sparring privileges for any length of time.

  • Cancellation of membership for any length of time.

  • Permanent ban from the club and all of its properties, online and in person.

These can apply to any member of the club.