Child Protection courses are run regularly throughout the year and are a must for all Instructors or Coaches, again this course is a compulsory requirement for all ICO coaching qualifications. To book yourself on the next available course please contact us.

The ICO have five levels of coaching awards from Cadet Leader level 1 to Masters Diploma in coaching for level 5.

Samples of criteria are:

HEALTH & SAFETY
RISK ASSESSMENTS
COACHING PRACTICES AND METHODS
PLANNING
IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
FIRST AID
CHILD PROTECTION
DBS AND MUCH MORE.

These are credible qualifications that show progressive improvement in an individual with the help of the ICO to produce competent professional Coaches of the future.

Our coaching programme has been produced by Mr Andrew Brownbridge 6th Dan who has nearly 30 yrs experience in Martial Arts with black belts in multi styles and who has also studied a Degree in Sports Coaching.

To get yourself booked on the next Introductory course hit the **CONTACT US** tab on the main menu to sign up.

Small club or large Association? Whatever your size, the ICO can offer competitive rates to you on your member to member licences or your Professional Indemnity, Third Party Liability and one day event insurance. Contact us now and see what we have to offer, we are here to help.

The ICO has a technical committee consisting of six members, each being 5th Dan and above with a wide cross reference of styles and disciplines. Its job is to award and ratify Dan grades set and uphold standards and create and implement ICO syllabus. Dan Grades will be held

Dan Grades will be held annually , each grading being preceded by an ICO technical course, anyone interested in attaining their next level should request an application form.

ICO also award honorary Grades which are ratified by the technical committee and awarded on the merit of the evidence provided.

ICO also currently have grading officers available for club gradings for those people who like to bring in an outside assessor for their students, this is a popular choice and a great way of keeping your students on their toes, please contact us if you are interested in this facility.

Basic ICO grading certificates are available either blank or printed on request.

Fantastic Dan Grade certificates will also be available shortly, all you will require is evidence of your current grade to apply.

Sanctioning Fees contact us via [email protected] please

ICO Sanction title fights in all disciplines both Nationally and Internationally.
We also offer a full Officials package of Referee Supervisors and Judges on request.
Our title belts are some of the best out there rewarding fighters for their efforts.

Ringsports/ MMA | Gala Night Shows

Area Title 5 rounds
English Title 7 rounds
British Title 9 rounds
European Title 10 rounds
World Title 12 rounds

K1
ALL Titles 5 x 3 min rounds
Amt Light-con-light-con with low kick | 1 fight Day Gala/Night Gala

Area 5 rounds
English 5 rounds
British 5 rounds
European 5 rounds
World 5 rounds

ICO Title Belts are also available on request.

The ICO has a full training programme in place to ensure high standards what ever the event.

National and International Qualifications are available in all disciplines for anyone who aspires to become an Official.

To become a trained Official please contact us and we will inform you of the next available course date.

ICO promote Regional, National & International Competition in elimination style Tournaments and Gala style Fightnights Pro & Amt.

See our Events Page for upcoming dates.

The ICO offers membership to credible Martial artists who can provide evidence of their background and history.

ICO also only wish to offer membership to those people who sign to say that they will conduct their activities in a correct and responsible manner.

ICO reserve the right without disclosure, to refuse membership to the ICO to any individual, group or association.

INTERNATIONAL COMBAT ORGANISATION
CONSTITUTION

TITLE. The title of the organisation shall be the
hereinafter called the (ICO)
OBJECTS. The objects shall be:-
1. To promote the sport and practice of martial arts.
2. To promote codes of safety in the sport and practice of martial arts.
3. To promote the moral, mental, physical and social well-being of the members.
4. To obtain, collect, receive and administer money and funds for these purposes.
5. To provide members with such services and support as may be available through
their membership of the ICO
6. To operate and maintain a register of current membership
7. To raise, administer and expend funds in its discretion according to this Constitution.
8. To arrange for the supply, purchase, sale and hire of all materials, goods and services
as may be required.
9. To act as an advisory body on matters appertaining to martial arts.
10. To co-operate with other bodies having similar aims and generally to do all such
things as are conducive to these objects or any of them for purposes recognized by law
as charitable.
11. MEMBERSHIP shall be open to all persons and clubs who subscribe to the
“Purposes” above and who shall abide by the constitution and bye-laws in force from
time-to-time under the direction of the Executive Committee.

Membership shall consist
of:-Individual Members who shall be in current membership of a member-club, and
who shall hold a current registration/licence issued by the ICO.
12. Honorary Members shall be elected by two-thirds majority of the Executive
Committee present and voting.
13. Member Clubs shall have paid due fees and who meet the technical and other
requirements of the ICO.
14. Provisional Clubs shall have paid due fees and await acceptance of their technical
and other requirements of the ICO.
15. The Executive Committee may impose such restrictions or conditions as it deems
necessary.
16. FEES : Members and Member Clubs shall pay such fees and be subject to such
rights and conditions as are determined by the ICO.
17. INSURANCE: Members and Clubs shall be covered by insurance, which shall be
determined by the Executive Committee.
18. DISCIPLINE. A member or club or group of members may be asked to resign or
have application or renewal of membership refused or be suspended or dealt with in
such a manner as may be determined by the Executive Committee. Disciplined member/

shall have the right to appeal and such shall be placed on the agenda of the next
Executive Committee meeting.
19. LICENCES: Annual Licence/insurance/receipt/and Record Book shall be issued on
approved application and payment and the Licence renewed annually.
20. GENERAL MEETINGS: Shall be called by the Executive Committee at its
discretion or following a written request in the form of a resolution signed by not less
than ten club representatives. Shall require not less than twenty-eight days notice and
shall specify the business of the meeting. No other business may be transacted at such
meeting except by leave of the Chair. Notices sent to Club Secretaries at their last known
address for communication to their members or representative shall be deemed to have
been properly served.
21. A General Meeting shall be the highest authority of the ICO.
22. VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS. Every individual member may attend a
general meeting and may exercise one vote. Except as otherwise herein provided, any
motion or resolution moved and seconded shall be decided by a simple majority of votes
of those present and entitled to vote.
23. The Chair may exercise a second or casting vote in the case of an equality of votes.

24. Only members or Executive Officers may propose or second motions. No person may address the meeting except by leave of the Chair.
25. THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING shall be held once in each calendar year to
transact the following business:
26. To receive and consider the adoption of the Annual Reports.
27. To receive and consider the adoption of the certified accounts for the preceding year.
28. To elect the financial accountant for the coming year. The said accountant shall be a
certified accountant who is independent of the Executive Committee.
29. To elect the members of Executive Committee who shall hold office until the next
Annual General Meeting.
30. No other business may be conducted at an Annual General Meeting. Other notified
business shall be referred to the Officers and the Executive Committee or dealt with
under article #20 of this Constitution.
31. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The business of the ICO shall be managed by the
Executive Committee elected at the Annual General Meeting to hold office until the next A.G.M.
32. The Executive Committee shall consist of not less than eight and not more than twelve voting members.
33. Nominations for the Executive Committee must be received not less than 28 days
prior to the date of the A.G.M. except for retiring members, or by leave of the Chair in
the absence of sufficient nominations.

34. The Executive Committee shall appoint the Honorary Officers from
35. The Executive Committee may fill vacancies arising between A.G.M’s. These by
persons to hold office until the next A.G.M. Such co-options shall not exceed 50% of the
total number of elected members of the Committee.
36. Quorum for a meeting of the Executive shall be half plus one of the total
membership of the Committee.
37. The Executive Committee shall meet from time-to-time as it deems necessary.
38. The Executive Committee may delegate powers of interim action.
39.The Executive Committee may appoint Technical Officers and/or Committees and
other Sub-Committees and Chairs/Conveners of same -determining such duties and
duration as it deems necessary.
40. The Executive Committee may appoint salaried or paid officers, servants or
employees of the ICO; determining such payment, duties and duration as it deems
necessary.
41. The Executive Committee may present By-Laws to the next following General
Meeting for ratification.
42. Voting members of the Executive Committee shall not receive any pecuniary
advantage by reason of controlling interest in the ICO.
43. ALTERATIONS: These rules of the Constitution and order of reference may not be
altered in effect except – by a majority of two-thirds of the members present and entitled
to vote at a General Meeting called for the purpose. Any alterations shall be notified to
any relevant approving authority or governing body concerned.

44. INTERPRETATION. The rules of debate shall follow the rules laid down for
Parliamentary Committees.
45. Any matter not provided for in these rules shall be referred to the Executive
Committee whose decisions shall be final and binding.
46. DISSOLUTION. A motion to dissolve the ICO. may be made only at a General
Meeting called for the purpose, with due and proper notice, and to succeed shall
require the approval of not less than two-thirds of the members present and entitled
to vote.
47. On dissolution, any property or assets shall be disposed of for similar or charitable
purposes subject to the approval of any grant-aiding authorities concerned. Such
property or assets shall not be distributed among the remaining members.
Translation:Transpose for different arts and styles to -fit the requirement: Dan/Degree/
Master/Sifu Kyu/Kup/Pupil/Student.

BYE-LAWS
6/7/75/a TECHNICAL OFFICERS shall be responsible for the promotion of their own
art/discipline/style of martial art. Assessments and discipline of a technical nature shall –
in the first instance- be referred to the nearest officer or instructor of sufficient Dan
grade of the style who shall report to the Executive Committee.
6/7/75/b: GRADINGS: Examiners may not enter or update a grade on a Record Book
which has an out-of-date annual licence.
6/7/75/c: Kyu gradings shall require a minimum of three months between gradings.
6/7/75/d: Only licenced Dan grade instructors may examine Kyu levels.
6/7/75/e: Dan gradings shall be conducted by a panel of 3 Dan graded persons led by a
Senior Dan Grade of the same style and at least three grades higher than that of the
person being examined.
6/7/75/f: Gradings to first Dan shall require a minimum – of three years continuous
training through the Kyu grades. Gradings to second Dan shall require minimum of
two further years from first Dan. The progression is then: Three further years for
second to third Dan; four further years to fourth Dan; five further years to fifth and so
on. Note that these are MINIMUM times and not to be taken as automatic times.

6/7/75/g Statement of Equality, Equal Opportunity and Anti Racism Policy adopted.
30/6/77/a In very exceptional circumstances an Honorary Dan grade made be awarded
for services rendered to the ICO and the Martial Art. Such honorary Dan grade shall
have no technical standing unless so defined.
30/6/77/b Gradings to 3rd Dan and above require the permission and examination by a
panel approved by the appropriate Technical Committee.
30/6/77/c All Dan Gradings must be reported to Executive Committee for registration.
30/6/77/d Instructors must be of contractual age, i.e. over 18 years of age. the term cadet leader will be used for those under 18
8/6/98/a A Dan under 16 years of age must be marked as a “Cadet “1st Dan and must
take a senior 1st Dan grade at or after 16years of age.
16/7/99/a “Health & Safety” Policy adopted.
10/7/04/a Child Protection Policy adopted.
10/7/04/b Coaching qualifications required by all instructors.
10/7/04/c First-Aid certificates required by all instructors.
10/7/04/d CRB-Criminal Records Bureau clearance required by all instructors teaching
children.

International Combat Organisation

This policy refers to and is for the use of the members of the International Combat Organisation (I.C.O).

Safeguarding and Protecting Children

Child Protection Policy

Policy statement (updated 27.11.2009)

I.C.O. has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in its activities and clubs from harm. All children have a right to protection, and the needs of the disabled and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account.

I.C.O. will ensure that the safety and protection of all children involved in its activities and clubs through adherence to the Child Protection guidelines adopted by I.C.O. as advised by The Child Protection in Sport Unit.
This Policy will be reviewed at 1-year intervals. The review and modification dates will be posted at the end of this document’
A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 in accordance with the Children Act 1989.

All Instructors either newly qualifying or joining the I.C.O. will be required to:

1. Be no less than 18 years of age and of grade no less than 1st Dan / Degree.
2. Go through an Enhanced Disclosure every 2 years to ensure they are of suitable character to be near the young and / or vulnerable Adults. Any person refusing this check will not be permitted to Instruct within the I.C.O.
3. Undergo Instructor Training via the I.C.O. coaching programme OR produce evidence of training elsewhere.
4. Be fully Insured for Civil Liability via the I.C.O. Group Policy.
5. Hold a current First Aid Certificate issued by a Health & Safety Executive approved provider
6. Keep their own Continued Professional Development (CPD) up to date by attending courses both within and outside of the I.C.O.

The policy and its content are a standard subject covered in the I.C.O. coaching Programme, which is open to all including Parents and Cadets (under 18’s). All new Instructors joining the I.C.O. made aware of the Policy and how to access it.
As well as the training the I.C.O. offers Instructors are advised to familiarise themselves with their own Local Area Child Protection Committee.
If any member has any comments regarding the content of this Policy please contact Andrew Brownbridge.

Section 1 – Defining Child Abuse

Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm. It commonly occurs within a relationship of trust or responsibility and is an abuse of power or a breach of trust. Abuse can happen to a child regardless of their age, gender, race or ability.

The abuser may be a family member, or they may be someone the child encounters in residential care or in the community, including during sports and leisure activities. An individual may abuse or neglect a child directly, or may be responsible for abuse because they fail to prevent another person harming a child.

There are five main types of child abuse:

• Physical abuse: where adults physically hurt or injury children, including by hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, biting, scalding, suffocating or drowning. This category of abuse can also include when a parent of carer reports non-existent symptoms of illness or deliberately causes ill health in a child they are looking after. Examples of physical abuse in sport may be when a child is forced into training and competition that exceeds the capacity of his or her immature and growing body, or where the child is given drugs to enhance performance or delay puberty

• Sexual abuse: when adults (male or female) use the child to meet their own sexual needs including talking to them in an explicit nature and showing them illicit photographs.

• Emotional abuse: the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child, likely to cause severe and lasting adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve communicating to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in terms or meeting the needs of another person. It may feature expectations of children that are not appropriate to their age or development. It may involve causing children to feel frightened or in danger by being constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted which may make the child very nervous and withdrawn. Ill-treatment of children, whatever form it takes, will always feature a degree of emotional abuse. Examples of emotional abuse in sport include subjecting children to constant criticism, name-calling and sarcasm or bullying. Putting the under pressure to perform to unrealistic high standards is also a form of emotional abuse.

• Neglect: this is when adults fail to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, to an extent that is likely to result in serious impairment of the child’s health and development. For example, failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger or failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. Examples of neglect in sport could include not ensuring children are safe, exposing them to undue cold or heat or exposing them to unnecessary risk of injury, during sparring for example.

• Bullying: this is racism and other types of discrimination are forms of child abuse, even though those responsible are often young people themselves. It is important to recognise the impact and extent of bullying and discrimination in the lives of young people. I.C.O. and all of our Instructors, at whatever the level, have a duty of care to safeguard children and others who may be particularly vulnerable.

Define Bullying

Bullying can be psychological, verbal or physical in nature. It involves an imbalance of power in which the powerful attack the powerless, and occurs over time rather then being a single act. Examples of bullying behaviour include:

• Being called names, insulted or verbally abused
• Being deliberately embarrassed and humiliated by other children
• Being made to feel different or like an outsider
• Being lied about
• Being physically assaulted or threatened with violence
• Being ignored

Boys are most likely to experience physical bullying or threats, or have property stolen or damaged.
Girls are more likely to be ignored or not spoken to.

Bullying by adults is less common, but the most common forms are:

• Deliberately embarrassing or humiliating a child
• Treating them unfairly
• Verbally abusing them
• Ignoring them or not speaking to them at all

Action if Bullying is suspected

The I.C.O. Executive operates a “Penalty Points” system, which awards points for breaking club rules. Bullying is one of these rules. Students achieving a total of 6 points are suspended for a given period. Repeat offenders are usually expelled from the club.

If bullying is suspected you may simply expel the student responsible if you wish to do so, but you should also consider the following points:

• Take all signs of bullying very seriously
• Encourage all children to speak and share their concerns
• Investigate all allegations and take action to ensure the victim is safe. Speak to the victim and the bully separately
• Reassure the victim that you can be trusted and will help them, although you cannot promise to keep it to yourself

If you decide to expel the bully from your club after the allegation has been proven then please advise the I.C.O. President who will then inform other I.C.O. clubs within the area. But firstly you should consider doing the following:

• Talk with the bully and explain the situation. Get them to understand the consequences of their behaviour. Ask them to apologise to the victim
• Inform the bullies parents
• Encourage and support the bully to change behaviour

Section 2 – Promoting Good Practice

Abuse can arouse strong emotions in those directly involved or having to face or deal with the situation. It is important to understand these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your judgement about the appropriate action to take.

Abuse can occur within many situations including the home, school and the sporting environment.

Some individuals will actually enter into a group involved with children in order to carry out abuse. With this in mind all new Instructors qualifying or joining I.C.O. will under go an Enhanced Disclosure through the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). This check will go towards showing the good character of all of our Instructors. I.C.O. is a Registered Body with the CRB for that reason. Any person objecting to, or refusing to, go through an Enhanced Disclosure will not be permitted to Instruct in any capacity within the I.C.O

It should be noted that it is a criminal offence for any person who has a previous conviction for offences related to abuse to work with children. This is reinforced by the details of the Child Protection Act 1999.

When a child enters one of your club(s) having been subjected to abuse outside, and you are made aware of this, it is important that you work closely with appropriate local agencies. Sport can play a crucial part in improving an abused child’s self esteem.

Good Practice Guidelines

All “Personnel” should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to protect themselves from false allegations. Both Adults and Children have a responsibility to treat each other with respect, dignity, sensitivity and fairness irregardless of age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation / background or culture.

The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate.

• Always work in an open environment, avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage open communication with no secrets
• Treat all young people the same, this includes the disabled should any of you teach them
• Put the welfare of the young person first above all else, such as competition and achieving set goals such as activities involved in grading
• Maintain an appropriate distance with as least physical contact as possible especially when the child is moving through a technique. Avoid physically “guiding” them
• Build a balanced relation ship with your Cadet Leaders and involve them in the decision making process within your club. Remember a Cadet Leader is a child and therefore thinks like one
• Make your classes fun and promote fair play at all times
• If your club has changing facilities encourage the parent to remain whilst their child gets ready for the class. Failing this always enter accompanied, never alone especially if there is only one child present
• Be an excellent role model, your students will do as you do
• Keep an accident book in your club to record any injury and the treatment given. In the event of an accidents the parent should sign the book
• If you are to transport children in your car get the consent of the parent, preferably written. Ideally get the parent to go as well, especially of you are going to be away for a day or so.
• Any disciplinary measures / sanctions that you use must be non violent and must not be humiliating to children and young people.

Incidents that must be reported / recorded

If any of the following occur please report them to the club Senior Most Instructor or the I.C.O. President as well as the parents

• If you accidentally hurt a child
• If he / she seems overly distressed
• If a student misunderstands or misinterprets something you have said or done that could lead to and allegation

Use of photographic / filming equipment during training

There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or recordings of children in vulnerable positions, gymnastics for example.
All clubs should be vigilant and whilst there is no intention to prevent Instructors from using video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid parents should be asked for permission first stating the reasons. Any tapes / photographs should be stored safely.

Responding to allegations or suspicions and the action to be taken

It is not the responsibility of our selves as Instructors of any person within I.C.O. to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However there is a responsibility to act on any concerns relating to abuse and also discrimination and offensive or violent behaviour as these are unacceptable through contact with the appropriate authorities.

I.C.O. will full support and protect all of our members who in good faith report any concerns that another member has or may be abusing a child.

When a complaint is reported there are three types of investigation:

• Criminal – carried out by the local Police
• Child Protection – carried out by the local Authority
• Disciplinary – carried out by The I.C.O. Executive Director

If the concern is clearly about poor practice only then I.C.O. will deal with it as an “internal” issue in a fair and open-minded manner. All accusations will or course be open to appeal as per the above chart.

• If the concern is about suspected abuse then it should be reported to the Clubs Senior Instructor who will then report to the I.C.O. Executive Director
.
• If the concern is in relation to the Clubs Senior Instructor it should be reported directly to the I.C.O. Executive Director
.
In both cases the will contact the local Social Services. The following information will be required:

• The child’s name, age and date of birth
• The child’s home address and telephone number
• Whether or not the person making the report is expressing their own concerns of those of someone else
• The nature of the allegation. Include dates, times and any other relevant information
• Make a clear distinction between fact, opinion or hearsay
• A description of any physical injury or bruising, also any signs such as changes in behaviour
• Details of any witnesses
• The child’s own account of events, if it can be given
• Whether or not the parents are aware and what has been said
• Has anyone else been consulted, if so record the details
• If the child was not the person who reported the incident have he or she been informed and if so what was said?
• Who is the alleged abuser?

The following chart demonstrates the general guidelines on how to respond to any concerns relating to I.C.O. members / Instructors / volunteers or any other person who may come into contact with I.C.O. members.

Confidentiality

If you are worried about sharing concerns about any alleged abuse within C.M.A.A. you can contact Social Services, Your Local Area Child Protection Committee or the Police direct. Or the NSPCC Child Protection help line on 0808 800 5000 or Child line on 0800 1111

Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the following people

• The Club Senior Instructor
• The I.C.O. Executive Director
• The parents of the person who is alleged to have been abused
• Social services
• The Police
• The alleged abuser

The alleged abuser SHOULD NOT be approached without firstly seeking the advice of the Local Social Services.

Any evidence or information should be stored in a secure place with limited access to designated people in line with data protection laws which state that information should be accurate, regularly updated, relevant and secure.

Allegations or previous abuse

Allegations may be made some time after the event e.g. by an adult who was abused as a child by an Instructor or member who is still active within the I.C.O.
Where such an allegation is made, the club should follow the procedure as detailed above. This is important as other children, both in and outside of your club, may be at risk or even be being abused by this person
First Written: Nov 2009
Next Review Date: 2010

Confidentiality

If you are worried about sharing concerns about any alleged abuse within C.M.A.A. you can contact Social Services, Your Local Area Child Protection Committee or the Police direct. Or the NSPCC Child Protection help line on 0808 800 5000 or Child line on 0800 1111

Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the following people

• The Club Senior Instructor
• The I.C.O. Executive Director
• The parents of the person who is alleged to have been abused
• Social services
• The Police
• The alleged abuser

The alleged abuser SHOULD NOT be approached without firstly seeking the advice of the Local Social Services.

Any evidence or information should be stored in a secure place with limited access to designated people in line with data protection laws which state that information should be accurate, regularly updated, relevant and secure.

Allegations or previous abuse

Allegations may be made some time after the event e.g. by an adult who was abused as a child by an Instructor or member who is still active within the I.C.O.
Where such an allegation is made, the club should follow the procedure as detailed above. This is important as other children, both in and outside of your club, may be at risk or even be being abused by this person.

POLICY WRITTEN BY:

Andrew Brownbridge
Director I.C.O.
First Written: Nov 2009
Next Review Date: 2010