1. I can only focus on the kids who are actually signed up for the program. I'm not there to give free lessons and "try it out" sessions to the siblings, cousins, and buddies who have tagged along with the kids, but who are not signed up for the gym.
2. I'm not a babysitter nor a playground monitor. I can't watch the siblings, cousins, buddies of the kids in the program. If they're not signed up for the gym, please leave them at home, or take them with after dropping off the kids who are signed up for the gym.
3. Boxing will not automatically solve bullying issues. In fact, it may escalate matters. Also consider that most schools have a zero tolerance policy about fighting. I do agree that people should be able to defend themselves. However, it would be better to address bullying with your kid's teachers, the school administrators, and the parents of the kid who is doing the bullying than teaching your kid how to fight.
4. I'm not going to deal with kids who present discipline problems to me in the gym. I will bring it up to the parents at least once. If I keep having to deal with it, and especially if I suspect nothing is being done at home to curb the behavior, I will strongly suggest that the kid be placed in another activity. Please know that I'm not putting up with disrespect.
5. Don't sign up kids for the gym with the idea of making them tough. Some kids will, but others don't have the personality for it. Know your kids.
6. Don't force the kids into boxing. Please ask the kid if they really want to take the sport up. It is a waste of the kids' time to put them in an activity they don't enjoy. It is also a waste of my time to try to teach them. I will step in when I see a parent/guardian forcing a kid to spar when I see the kid is not returning punches, being injured, crying, etc.
7. Make sure the kids are there on time. When people show up late, people cheat themselves out of valuable training time. The class times are what they are. I'm not in a position to change them, nor make accommodations and exceptions.
8. If the kid is involved in another sport whose practices take place at the same time, make a choice. People can't train for two or more sports at the same time.
9. Make sure the kid is showing up at the gym on a regular basis. No one is going to learn how to box properly by showing up at the gym on and off. I have other kids in the gym who show up regularly. I'm not going to call home to find out why your kid is not there, because I'll be doing that every day. I don't have the time to chase people. If the kid really wants to be there, they'll show up.
10. The classes are divided by ages for a reason. I can't have an eight-year-old sparring with a fourteen-year-old. I can't allow kids who aren't old enough for the classes to sign up. Kids aren't allowed in the adult classes under any circumstances. Kids need to be in the correct boxing class for their age group.
11. People must be on time to boxing shows and tournaments. Once the officials close the weigh-in, there is nothing I can do. I'm not going to argue with them to let one more kid in, because everyone knew in advance when they were supposed to be there. If a kid shows up without a mouthpiece, they won't be fighting that day. I won't be carrying extra mouthpieces with me, especially when I know I gave your kid one some time ago.
12. Respect the fact that there's only one boss in the boxing gym, and that's me. I don't need parents/guardians standing at ringside calling out instructions over the instructions I'm already giving to their kids during training. I don't need parents/guardians in the corners during boxing shows and tournaments giving their opinions. If I know for a fact that the parents/guardians have had some boxing experience, I will gladly welcome their help. Otherwise, it my job to coach. Also, to male parents/guardians -- don't assume that I need help or worse yet, that I don't know what I'm doing because I'm a female.
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