Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Public NMMAF safeguarding guidance focused on safe environments, appropriate conduct, reporting, and athlete welfare.
Federation review notice
Safeguarding guidance should be read together with NMMAF integrity rules, official documents, event regulations, and any welfare procedures published by the federation.
Last updated: 10 May 2026
A safe MMA environment
Safeguarding means taking practical steps to ensure that children, young people, and adults involved in MMA are safe from harm. That responsibility applies across federation activity, clubs, coaching, officiating, volunteering, and event operations.
NMMAF expects safe environments, appropriate conduct, good judgment, and prompt action where a genuine concern exists.
Shared responsibility
Safeguarding is not limited to one department or one event. Athletes, parents, clubs, coaches, referees, officials, volunteers, promoters, and federation staff all have a role in protecting welfare and supporting a safe sport culture.
Good safeguarding practice includes clear standards of conduct, respect for boundaries, responsible supervision, and a willingness to raise concerns early rather than ignore them.
Reporting concerns
Concerns relating to abuse, harassment, exploitation, unsafe conduct, or other safeguarding risks should be reported promptly through the federation’s reporting route so they can be reviewed appropriately.
Submitting a report does not mean a breach has automatically been confirmed, but it does allow NMMAF to review the concern privately and take the next responsible step.
Safe environments
Welfare, boundaries, and responsible conduct are part of safe sport
NMMAF expects activities, clubs, and events to be run in ways that protect welfare, reduce risk, and create safe conditions for athletes, officials, volunteers, and participants.
Standards of conduct
Safeguarding depends on behaviour as much as policy. Coaches, officials, clubs, volunteers, and event staff should model appropriate conduct, respect boundaries, and act responsibly.
Reporting and response
Concerns should be reported promptly so they can be reviewed privately and handled through the correct federation process, particularly where welfare or immediate safety may be affected.
Report a concernRelated guidance
Safeguarding should be read alongside NMMAF integrity guidance, official public policies, event rules, and the federation’s wider reporting and welfare processes where they apply.