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1. Students and instructors must bow to the flags each time they enter and/or leave the workout area even if there is no class currently in session.
2. If a student is in the room when the group is bowing in or out, he/she must stand at attention and recite the "Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo" with the rest of the group, even if they are not in uniform nor participating in that class.
3. Any student who is late for class should stand at the edge of the workout floor and raise their right hand (supported by their left hand) and wait to be recognized by an instructor. They must then say, "Permission to enter class, Sir/Ma'am." When accepted, they should put their attendance card with the others and take a position at the back of the class.
4. Students, parents and guests must raise their right hand (supported by their left hand) at the edge of the mat to ask permission before speaking with any person involved in a class session.
5. All students should use the restroom before class begins. In the case of an emergency, the student must raise their right hand (supported by their left hand) to ask permission to be excused from an instructor.
6. Students will respond with "Yes Sir/Ma'am" or "No Sir/Ma'am" as appropriate when speaking with instructors and parents. Students should stand respectfully and bow whenever greeting an instructor, in or out of the dojang.
7. Students will address all Black Belts and instructors by their appropriate title and last name only, regardless of their personal or family relationship with that person. All color belts will be addressed by their first name only.
8. All students must maintain respectful behavior during class by not talking when the instructor is talking and by standing at attention or placing their right knee on the floor during demonstrations. If the student does not understand a direction, they should raise their right hand (supported by their left hand) and wait until recognized to ask a question.
9. "Senior Ranking Student" refers to the student who achieved the highest rank first. If more than one student achieved the same rank at the same testing date, then seniority may be determined first by the total length of time in Songahm Taekwondo, then by their chronological age. Occasionally, the instructor may choose to rotate the "Senior Ranking Student" position.
10. High ranking visitors or other instructors should be greeted with appropriate respect by bowing and offering a handshake. If class is in session, it should be immediately interrupted for this salutation ("Face (title - Last Name) - Charyut - Kungyee").
11. All students must come to class with a clean body and uniform. If you smell bad or look like you've been rolling around in the street, you may be asked to remedy the situation before you are permitted to enter class. If you know you have a problem with body odor, it is advisable that you keep a spare deodorant in your gear bag. You may also request that a spare be held at the front counter with your name on it.
12. When in full dress uniform, all female students and instructors are to allowed to wear only a white t-shirt, tank top or full length sport bra under their dobok top. No other color will be acceptable. All male students may wear a white t-shirt or tank top under their dobok top if they so choose. However, this is not a requirement and it is preferred that they do not wear anything underneath. The only exception to this rule is when the student is participating in an outdoor function during cold weather (such as a parade or demonstration). In this instance, a white long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt or "hoodie" may be worn under the dobok by either males or females.
13. If you need to adjust your uniform or belt in any way, always turn to the right, away from the instructor or front of the class to make adjustments then turn to the right again when you are done. Never tug or pull on your dobok or belt without first turning around.
14. All students with hair longer than their shoulders should keep it pulled back during class. Only an ATA approved headband/sweatband may be worn during classes. All jewelry should be removed before class begins. This includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, wristbands and watches! The only exceptions to this are a wedding band and/or engagement ring. However, if the ring has a protruding stone, it must be turned toward the palm or taped to avoid accidental injury.
15. Absolutely no shoes will be worn on the workout floor during class. The only shoes allowed on the floor before or after class are approved Taekwondo shoes (see your instructor if you aren't sure). All parents and guests may walk on the black mats only while they have their shoes on. However, it is preferred that all shoes be removed out of respect prior to walking on any mats.
16. Absolutely no free sparring will be tolerated outside of the classroom setting. This includes rough-housing and horse-play before or after your class time. The first offense will receive a verbal warning. If the misappropriations continue, the student(s) may not be permitted to return to class without a formal apology to the instructor, their parents and all involved students.
17. There is to be no alcohol or tobacco use of any kind in the school or while in uniform at any school function, class or activity. There will also be no use of profanity on the school premises or at any school function, class or activity.
18. Students wishing to attend another ATA or other Martial Arts school must ask for approval from their instructor. This includes while on vacation, during a temporary relocation or simply wanting to see what another school is like. This is out of loyalty and respect to your instructors.
19. All concerns or complaints should be brought to the attention of an instructor in private and as soon as possible. Students should not complain or raise concerns in front of other students or parents. All instructors should discuss student concerns with the Chief Instructor as soon as possible.
20. Please remember that you represent your instructor and school every time you put on your uniform. Demonstrate your Black Belt attributes at all times and you will go far in life!