Please read our Terms & Conditions of Membership Inclusive of our Legal Policy in conjunction with this policy.
BMABA Disciplinary Process & Complaints Policy
Overview
The British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA CIC) is a community interest company committed to safeguarding, professional standards, and public trust. As part of our wider role within the sector, we have a responsibility to investigate concerns raised about members, clubs, or instructors that may impact on compliance, safeguarding, public safety, or professional standards.
Complaints or concerns may arise from members of the public, other instructors, parents, or external organisations. These may relate to safeguarding, professional standards, compliance issues, poor practice, or inappropriate conduct — either online or in public.
We do not assume any guilt when opening an investigation. Whether a standard (Category B) or safeguarding (Category A) enquiry, our process is impartial and fair. All investigations are opened to ensure we meet our duty of care and our legal obligations.
Investigation Categories
Category A – Safeguarding Concerns
These are serious concerns that raise potential safeguarding issues, including allegations of:
Abuse or harm to children or vulnerable adults
Grooming, exploitation, or inappropriate conduct
Failure to protect a student from foreseeable risk
We are legally and ethically obligated to escalate Category A concerns to relevant authorities:
Police: Where immediate risk or potential criminality is present.
LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer): For any allegation against someone in a position of trust involving children.
MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub): Where there is a broader safeguarding or family-based concern.
Depending on the nature of the allegation, we may not be able to share details with the instructor or club during the investigation. We must follow any direction from competent authorities such as Police, LADO, MASH, DBS, or other statutory bodies.
It is not for BMABA CIC to determine if a case meets the threshold for criminal prosecution — our role is to follow national safeguarding protocols and to take proportionate risk mitigation action. This may include the temporary suspension of a licence or membership to protect the public, pending further instruction.
Please see:
Category B – Compliance & Standards Concerns
These concerns do not meet the threshold for safeguarding referral but still merit investigation. This may include:
Non-disclosure of criminal history
Missing or expired qualifications (e.g. safeguarding, first aid)
Poor professional standards or public conduct
Business ethics concerns
BMABA CIC takes these issues very seriously, and a robust investigation will follow.
Our first action will be an account audit (standard enquiry). This includes:
Reviewing the instructor or club’s IVY Risk Management Score
Verifying account history, supporting documents, and compliance logs
Checking whether adequate vetting information has been supplied
If we do not hold sufficient evidence, we will issue a formal request for all outstanding documentation, with a 28-day deadline to respond. This may include club policies, safeguarding records, DBS checks, insurance, etc.
Once a club or instructor has responded, we will assess the complaint in full. They will always be given a chance to respond in writing, but must do so within 14 days.
Where additional clarification is needed, we may extend this timeframe and request further information.
Please note:
Identities of complainants may not be shared to protect anonymity.
You must not attempt to contact any individual you suspect has raised a concern.
Investigations, Outcomes & Disciplinary Action
We will always prioritise the safety of students and uphold safeguarding as our core principle. Where a formal complaint is raised, we are legally required to report it through the appropriate channels.
Where no external statutory referral is necessary, we will always seek a constructive and proportionate resolution, such as:
Providing feedback to the instructor or club
Ensuring the complainant is assured the matter has been reviewed
Offering guidance or support to improve standards
Where there is no case to answer, we will find in the instructor’s or club’s favour.
For full details, see: Membership Suspensions, Terminations & Investigations
Outcomes
GREEN CARD – No Case To Answer
No breach or fault is found. The club or instructor is cleared, with no impact to their record.
YELLOW CARD - Conditional Continuation of Membership
The BMABA Yellow Card Scheme is designed to provide an alternative to immediate suspension or termination of membership where a substantiated concern has been identified, but where BMABA believes there is an opportunity for positive remediation.
A Yellow Card may be issued when there is credible evidence, or a higher-than-average likelihood, of a failure to uphold expected ethical or professional standards, safeguarding responsibilities, or compliance obligations. In such cases, BMABA CIC has a duty to protect the public and the wider martial arts community, while still offering the member or club one final opportunity to correct the issues identified.
When a Yellow Card is issued, it will always be confirmed in writing by the
Safeguarding Unit.
The notice will include the following details:
A. Duration of the Yellow Card
Yellow Cards are typically issued for a period of twelve months for lead instructors. In circumstances where the concern relates to an assistant instructor, volunteer, or non-lead role, the period may be shorter, provided the lead instructor or club DSL can offer adequate oversight. No Yellow Card shall exceed a duration of twelve months.
B. Conditions of the Yellow Card
Specific conditions will be attached to the Yellow Card and will normally relate directly to the issue or complaint that led to its issue. These conditions may apply to professional conduct within the training environment or to behaviour outside of the dojo that has given rise to a safeguarding or compliance concern.
In addition to meeting any individual conditions set out in Schedule B, the member must maintain a clear record throughout the Yellow Card period. This means full compliance with the stated conditions and the absence of any further complaints, investigations, or incidents that could bring their conduct into question.
If, during the Yellow Card period, further complaints arise, any conditions are breached, or any new police, LADO, or statutory investigations commence, the Yellow Card will be considered breached. In such cases, BMABA will immediately suspend or terminate the member’s registration.
The purpose of the Yellow Card Scheme is to uphold high professional and safeguarding standards across the association, while also recognising the value of rehabilitation and the opportunity for members to demonstrate improvement and accountability.
RED CARD – Dismissal
A serious finding (usually safeguarding-related, or involving gross misconduct). The instructor and/or club is immediately dismissed, with all membership and insurance cancelled. No refunds apply. Clubs employing or associated with the dismissed party may be reviewed separately to determine accountability for onward membership however they shall typically be terminated along with the lead account holder or club entity.
Right To Review & Appeal
All clubs and instructors (excluding Category A – safeguarding dismissals) have a right to appeal any decision within 28 days of the verdict.
To appeal:
Submit your appeal in writing
Clearly state why you believe the outcome was incorrect
Provide any additional evidence you feel was overlooked
Appeals are reviewed by BMABA’s executive committee or BMABA Senior Management Team; whichever is most appropriate. If no unanimous verdict can be reached, the matter will be escalated to the CEO, who may seek external legal counsel.
If the RED CARD is issued in response to a Category A concern, there is no appeals process as the decision will have been made by another competent authority and not internally within BMABA.
Please see our policy on LADO Investigations, Responses & Actions and Membership Suspensions, Terminations, And Investigations as this will help you to remain informed on the process and possible outcomes.
IMPORTANT READING