25+ years of Tang Soo Do instruction · Royersford & Birdsboro, PA
Student handbook
Rules & regulations
Clear expectations make a safe, respectful training floor. Every student and parent is asked to read this once and refer back to it as needed.
01
Membership dues
- Dues are payable at the first class of each month.
- Payments after the 10th are subject to a $10 late fee.
- Dues are not prorated for missed classes or vacations — classes can be made up instead.
- Extended illness or financial hardship is handled case by case. Talk to us.
02
Attendance
- Attendance is recorded at every class.
- Eight classes a month is the requirement for testing eligibility.
- Missed classes may be made up during any regular gym hours.
- Instructors will recommend the make-up classes best suited to each student.
03
Holidays and closings
- Classes on major holidays are cancelled and do not need to be made up.
- The Royersford gym closes for two vacation weeks a year: the week of the 4th of July and the week of Christmas.
- Snow closings generally follow Spring-Ford Area School District closings or early dismissals.
- All cancellations are posted in the gym and on the front doors.
04
Testing
- Colour belt gradings are held four times a year; black belt testing twice a year.
- Eligibility is at the instructors' discretion and is never assumed.
- Eligibility factors: attendance, competent performance of all material, and payment of the test fee beforehand.
- Candidates should be dressed and on the floor at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start.
- Uniforms must be clean and neat with the association patch correctly placed.
05
Dojang etiquette
- Salute the flags on entering and leaving the training floor.
- Address instructors and black belts by their proper titles.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before class starts.
- No jewellery while training — it is a hazard to you and your partner.
- Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed.
- No horseplay or running on the training floor, before or after class.
- Report any injury that affects your training to an instructor immediately.
06
Sparring safety
- No free sparring without permission and supervision by an adult black belt or instructor.
- Head, hand, foot, groin and mouth protection is mandatory.
- Absolutely no intentional contact above the shoulders or to the groin.
- No techniques to the back, spine or groin; no sweeping against the joint.
- Senior students must exercise control against juniors and less experienced partners.
- No free sparring in any class Grand Master Versland is not present for.
07
The gym
- Shoes and socks come off at the entrance and go in the shoe cubes.
- Coats go in the locker rooms; bags around the perimeter.
- Keeping the bathrooms and locker rooms tidy is everyone's job.
- Instructors are not responsible for lost clothing or equipment.
- All actively training students must be covered by health or medical insurance.