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Australian Medieval Combat Federation Inc. (AMCF)

Code of Conduct

Version 1.0 – April 2025

1 . Purpose

 

This Code sets clear, common‑sense standards of behaviour for every AMCF member—whether competing at an AMCF‑sanctioned tournament, running a club training session, or representing the sport in the wider community.

 

 

2 . Scope & Membership Eligibility

 

1. Where it applies

 

  • AMCF‑sanctioned events (tournaments, demonstrations, seminars)

  • Club activities (training, fund‑raisers, social gatherings)

  • Public representation (media, social media, sponsor activations)

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2. Who it covers

 

  • Every current AMCF member, club officer, coach and official.

  • A non‑member may attend one supervised trial session after signing the club’s liability waiver. To take part in any further training or events, they must join the AMCF.

 

3. Age limit – 18 + only

 

  • AMCF membership is open only to individuals aged 18 years or older on the date of application or renewal.

  • AMCF insurance, safety policies and event sanctions do not apply to any activity that involves participants under 18.

  • Any club, coach or organiser who admits minors to armoured‑combat or weapons sessions does so entirely outside the auspices of AMCF and must not represent, brand or advertise such activity as AMCF‑sanctioned or insured.

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3 . Guiding Principles

4 . Standards of Behaviour

 

  1. Legal compliance – Follow Australian law (WHS, Anti‑Discrimination, Child‑Safe standards).

  2. Alcohol & drugs – No alcohol or illicit drugs while training, competing or on armour duty.

  3. Language & conduct – Keep banter friendly; profanity, slurs or harassment trigger sanctions.

  4. Media & social media – Promote the sport positively; no violent or confidential footage without consent.

  5. Child‑safety interface – If your club runs a separate junior class (HEMA, stage‑combat, etc.) it must be under its own insurance with clear branding that it is not an AMCF program.

 

 

5 . Weapons & Equipment Handling

 

  • Members‑only rule – Only current AMCF members may handle armour, weapons or training devices except:

    • One supervised trial session – A prospective member who has signed the club liability waiver may handle basic training equipment during a single introductory session, under direct coach supervision.

  • No unsupervised hand‑offs – Outside that single trial session, never give or loan a weapon, shield or training device to a non‑member.

  • Checks & maintenance – Fighters present gear for safety inspection; damaged kit is pulled immediately.

  • Transport & storage – Weapons are sheathed or otherwise secured and stored out of public reach when not in use.

 

 

6 . Duty of Care at Training

 

Coach‑to‑participant ratio – Each club conducts a risk assessment to set a safe maximum.


As a guide:

  • Foundational or mixed‑ability sessions: 1 : 12 is recommended.

  • Advanced adult sessions with qualified assistant coaches and an on‑site first‑aider may extend up to 1 : 25.

    The head coach remains responsible for supervision and may cap numbers at any time.

  • A qualified first‑aid officer (or higher) must be present at every session.

  • New athletes receive a safety brief and must demonstrate control before sparring.

 

 

7 . Reporting & Whistle‑Blowing

 

  • Report concerns to a club officer, Event Safety Officer, or battle@buhurt.org.au.

  • Good‑faith reporters are protected from retaliation.

 

 

8 . Breaches & Sanctions

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Members have 48 hours to appeal any sanction to the AMCF Disciplinary Panel.

 

 

9 . Review & Amendment

 

Reviewed annually by the AMCF Board or sooner if legislation or sporting standards change.

 

 

10 . Acknowledgement

 

I confirm I am 18 years of age or older, have read and understood the AMCF Member Code of Conduct, and agree to comply with it at all AMCF‑sanctioned events and club activities.

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Digital acknowledgement is captured when a member first signs up and each time they renew, covering the Code of Conduct, Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Liability Waiver.

Change Log

Digital Document Compliance for AMCF Code of Conduct

April 2025 - Current

Code of Conduct Created

AMCF Member Code of Conduct – Version 1.0 (April 2025)

 

Version 1.0 is the foundation document that sets out the standards every AMCF member must follow—whether they are competing at an AMCF‑sanctioned tournament, running a club training session, or representing the sport in public.  It creates a safe, inclusive and professionally run environment by:

 

  • establishing minimum eligibility (18 +), a one‑session trial limit for non‑members, and compulsory AMCF membership thereafter

  • mandating respect, zero‑tolerance for discrimination, and strict, members‑only weapons handling

  • spelling out duty‑of‑care expectations, coach‑to‑participant ratios, and on‑site first‑aid requirements

  • providing a clear breach‑and‑appeal process that protects athletes, volunteers and organisers alike

 

Every member agrees to the Code when they first join and each time they renew, ensuring a consistent standard across all AMCF‑affiliated clubs and events.

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