UAE Jiu-Jitsu code of conduct updated in federation workshop to strengthen ethics and discipline
UAE Jiu-Jitsu code of conduct updated: Federation holds workshop detailing changes that promote ethics, respect and legal clarity across clubs, athletes and families.
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation convened a workshop to present its updated UAE Jiu-Jitsu code of conduct, underlining a renewed focus on ethics, respect and discipline across the sport. The session brought together federation leaders, committee members, club representatives and athletes to review revisions designed to formalise behaviour standards and clarify responsibilities. Organisers said the updated code is intended to protect rights, reduce violations and promote a safer, more respectful sporting environment.
Federation workshop convenes leaders and stakeholders
The workshop was organised by the federation’s technical legal committee and attended by key officials including Vice President Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri and board member Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri. Yousef Al-Batran, chair of the technical legal committee, led the session alongside committee members and representatives from clubs, academies and athlete groups. The gathering provided a platform for direct dialogue between regulators and the sport’s grassroots stakeholders.
Committee members Abdullah Al Zaabi, Tariq Al Bahri, Yasser Al Qabbaisi and Noura Al Shammari presented the workshop’s agenda and explained the principal elements of the updated code. Ms Al Shammari outlined the main priorities of the revisions, highlighting the committee’s role in ensuring the code aligns with both sporting and legal standards. Attendees were invited to discuss practical implementation and raise questions about enforcement.
Key changes prioritise conduct, respect and accountability
The revised UAE Jiu-Jitsu code of conduct places stronger emphasis on personal conduct, respect for opponents, officials and coaches, and adherence to competition protocols. The federation said the update moves beyond win-loss outcomes to focus on character development and the educational role of sport. New provisions specify expected behaviours for athletes during training, competition and public events.
The code also clarifies disciplinary measures and reporting mechanisms to ensure consistent handling of breaches. By outlining clear consequences and appeal routes, the federation aims to create predictable outcomes for misconduct and reduce ambiguity for clubs and participants. These procedural updates are intended to improve transparency and fairness in disciplinary processes.
Education and values at the heart of the update
Vice President Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri stressed that the updated code aims to instil sporting and educational values, promoting responsibility and fair play among young athletes. He framed Jiu-Jitsu as a vehicle for personal development that should reflect positively on families, clubs and the nation. The federation highlighted initiatives to couple the code with educational programmes to teach athletes about ethics, respect and sportsmanship.
Officials emphasised that value-building starts early and requires coordination between coaches, clubs and parents. The federation is encouraging clubs to integrate behavioural training into regular coaching and to involve families in fostering positive conduct. This holistic approach seeks to reinforce respectful behaviour both on and off the mat.
Legal framework to standardise roles and protections
Yousef Al-Batran noted that the workshop aimed to shine a light on the legal and regulatory aspects of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu code of conduct. The updated regulations are intended to define the rights and duties of all parties — athletes, coaches, administrators, clubs, academies, parents and spectators. Clear definitions of responsibilities are expected to protect individual rights and support consistent enforcement across competitions.
The legal committee emphasised the need for unified procedures to handle disputes, complaints and disciplinary cases. By standardising mechanisms for investigation and resolution, the federation aims to limit inconsistent rulings and ensure that similar cases receive comparable treatment. The legal framework also seeks to safeguard the wellbeing and safety of participants at all levels.
Clubs and families urged to support implementation
The federation called on clubs and academies to take an active role in implementing the updated code by adopting internal policies that align with the new standards. Club leaders were encouraged to train staff and athletes on the updated expectations and to use the code as a basis for local rules. The federation underlined the role of parents and guardians in reinforcing positive behaviour and cooperating with clubs to monitor adherence.
Officials said successful implementation will depend on coordinated action across the sport’s ecosystem, including education for referees, coaches and administrators. Stakeholders were invited to provide feedback and to participate in follow-up workshops to ensure the code translates into everyday practice. The federation plans to support clubs with guidance materials and training modules.
Enforcement, monitoring and next steps
The federation outlined plans to roll out the updated code through staged implementation, combining awareness campaigns with training and monitoring. Officials said monitoring mechanisms will track compliance at league and tournament levels, and that sanctions will be applied consistently where breaches occur. The federation also signalled ongoing review periods to refine the code based on practical experience and stakeholder input.
Follow-up activities will include detailed briefings for competition officials and targeted sessions for youth coaches and parents. The federation expects that a phased approach will help embed the new standards while allowing time to address operational challenges. Clubs and athletes were told to expect guidance documents and a timetable for enforcement in the coming weeks.
The updated UAE Jiu-Jitsu code of conduct represents a concerted effort by the federation to blend ethical education, legal clarity and practical enforcement, aiming to protect participants and elevate standards across the sport. The federation encouraged continued collaboration with clubs, families and athletes to ensure the reforms are understood, implemented and sustained in the long term.
