At all of our Tang Soo Do clubs in Malta, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. Tang Soo Do is not just about physical skill , it is about character, respect, discipline, and trust. We recognise the responsibility placed on us by parents, guardians, and the wider community, and we take that responsibility seriously.
This page explains how we safeguard children, what standards we expect from our instructors, and how we take action when concerns arise. Our approach is grounded in our Instructors’ Code of Conduct, best practice in safeguarding, and Maltese legislation, including Cap. 569 – Protection of Minors.
This page explains how we safeguard children, what standards we expect from our instructors, and how we take action when concerns arise. Our approach is grounded in our Instructors’ Code of Conduct, best practice in safeguarding, and Maltese legislation, including Cap. 569 – Protection of Minors.
Our Safeguarding Principles
We are committed to providing an environment where children:
- Feel safe, respected, and supported
- Are treated with dignity and fairness at all times
- Can train and develop free from abuse, intimidation, discrimination, or exploitation
Instructor Standards and Vettin
All instructors and assistant instructors are expected to meet strict professional and ethical standards:
- All instructors are appropriately qualified and trained to teach Tang Soo Do
- Instructors teach only within their level of competence and authority
- Valid police conduct certificates are required for instructors and assistant instructors
- Instructor trainees are closely supervised and are not given responsibilities beyond their competence
Code of Conduct – How We Protect Children
Our Malta Tang Soo Do Association Instructors’ Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for behaviour and practice:
Respect and Dignity
Appropriate Physical Contact
Professional Boundaries
Zero Tolerance for Abuse or Harassment
Respect and Dignity
- Every child is treated with respect, fairness, and equality
- Discrimination, bullying, humiliation, or degrading behaviour is not tolerated
- Cultural, personal, and individual differences are respected at all times
Appropriate Physical Contact
- Tang Soo Do is a physical martial art; however, all physical contact must be appropriate, necessary, and instructional
- Physical guidance is used only where required for safety or skill development
- Any contact that could be misinterpreted is avoided
Professional Boundaries
- Instructors recognise the power imbalance between adults and children
- Instructors do not exploit trust, authority, or influence
- Inappropriate relationships, conduct, or communication are strictly prohibited
Zero Tolerance for Abuse or Harassment
- Sexual, physical, emotional abuse or harassment is strictly forbidden
- Sexual harassment – verbal, non-verbal, or physical – is not tolerated under any circumstances
- Any behaviour that creates fear, discomfort, or a hostile environment is unacceptable
Safe Training Environmentttt
We actively maintain a safe and healthy training environment by:
- Ensuring training spaces and equipment are fit for purpose and regularly checked
- Adapting training methods to suit the age, maturity, and ability of the child
- Taking extra care with injured or unwell students and advising medical attention when necessary
- Prohibiting the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or performance-enhancing substances during instruction
Reporting Concerns and Taking Action
Safeguarding is not passive , it requires action.
This approach reflects the spirit and requirements of Cap. 569, which places clear duties on adults and organisations to protect minors and to act when a child may be at risk.
- All instructors are required to be familiar with safeguarding responsibilities and this Code of Conduct
- Any concern regarding a child’s welfare is taken seriously and acted upon promptly
- Concerns are escalated to the Chief Instructor and, where required, to the relevant authorities
- Failure to report concerns, or ignoring warning signs, is not acceptable
This approach reflects the spirit and requirements of Cap. 569, which places clear duties on adults and organisations to protect minors and to act when a child may be at risk.
Transparency With Parents and Guardians
We believe safeguarding works best when there is openness and trust:
- Parents are encouraged to ask questions and raise concerns at any time
- We are transparent about our rules, standards, and procedures
- We will cooperate fully with parents, professionals, and authorities when safeguarding issues arise
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
Safeguarding is not a formality for us. It is a responsibility we accept fully and take seriously. If you have any questions about our safeguarding approach, please speak directly to the Chief Instructor.
- Upholding the highest ethical and professional standards
- Continually reviewing and improving our safeguarding practices
- Taking decisive action where standards are breached
- Putting the welfare of children first – always
Safeguarding is not a formality for us. It is a responsibility we accept fully and take seriously. If you have any questions about our safeguarding approach, please speak directly to the Chief Instructor.
