COde of conduct
From UK Athletics and England Athletics welfare policy and procedures. Last reviewed May 2022.
Report any suspected misconduct by other Athletes, coaches or other people involved in athletics to the Club Welfare Officer Ruth Miller or EA England Athletics Athlete & Club Compliance & Wellbeing Manager Jane Fylan or call on 01217138450 (option 3) as soon as possible.
CODE OF CONDUCT: SENIOR ATHLETES
As a responsible athlete, I will:
• abide by the UKA and the HCAF Child Safeguarding Policy and Child Safeguarding Procedures
• abide by the UKA and the HCAF Adult Safeguarding Policy and Adult Safeguarding Procedures
• respect the rights of every athlete, coach, technical official and others involved in athletics and treat everyone equitably
• uphold the same sporting values away from sport as I do when I am engaged in athletics
• participate within the rules of the sport, respect decisions of coaches and officials, and demonstrate respect towards fellow athletes
• cooperate fully with others involved in the sport such as coaches, technical officials, team managers, doctors, physiotherapists, sport scientists and representatives of the governing body in my best interests and those of other athletes
• consistently promote positive aspects of the sport and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances
• anticipate and be responsible for my own needs, including being organised, having the appropriate equipment and being on time
• inform my coach of any other coaching that I am seeking or receiving
• act with dignity and display courtesy and good manners towards others • in no way undermine, put down or belittle other athletes, coaches or practitioners
• avoid swearing and abusive language whilst in athletic venues, at club functions and events, or when as part of a team/squad
• never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour
• challenge and report inappropriate behaviour and language by others
• not misuse or abuse sporting equipment and venues • not carry or consume alcohol or illegal substances while training or competing in athletics
• maintain strict boundaries between friendship and intimacy with a coach or official
• use safe transport or travel arrangements • act ethically, professionally and with integrity, and take responsibility for your actions.
BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
I understand that if I do not follow the code, action can be taken by my club and I may:
• be asked to apologise for my behaviour
• receive a verbal warning from my coach
• receive a verbal or written warning from the club committee
• be suspended from attending club training sessions
• be suspended from the club
• be required to leave the club.
CODE OF CONDUCT: CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE (under 18 years)
As a child or young person under 18 years, I have the right to:
• be safe and protected
• be listened to
• be respected and treated fairly
• be believed
• ask for help
• be coached by someone who has the right qualifications.
As a young athlete, I will respect the code of conduct and I will:
• be friendly and supportive to other athletes
• keep myself safe
• tell my coach if I am ill or injured
• report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations to an adult
• compete fairly and respect other athletes and officials
• respect the rules of my club
• behave and listen to all instructions from my coach and officials
• take care of equipment owned or provided by the club or training facility
• not use bad language or take part in inappropriate or illegal behaviour
• not bully anyone or pressure them to do things they do not want to, including online
• in no way undermine, put down or belittle other athletes, coaches or practitioners
• keep to agreed timings for all club activities
• tell my parents/carers where I am or if I’m going to be late
• not use my mobile phone during training, competitions or in changing rooms
• not carry or consume alcohol or illegal substances while training or competing in athletics
• use safe transport or travel arrangements.
BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
I understand that if I do not follow the code, action can be taken by my club and I may:
• be asked to apologise for my behaviour
• receive a verbal warning from my coach
• receive a verbal or written warning from the club committee
• be suspended from attending club training sessions
• be suspended or required to leave the club.
Additionally, my club will always tell my parents/carers if I breach the code of conduct.
CODE OF CONDUCT: COACHES
Coaches play a crucial role in the development of athletics and in the lives of the athletes they coach. They have a unique position of trust in athletics and the need for coaches to understand and act on their responsibilities is vital, as is the need to promote participation for fun and enjoyment. The code of conduct for coaches reflects the principles of good coaching practice.
Responsibilities – Professional Standards
To maximise the benefits and minimise the risks to athletes, coaches must attain an appropriate level of competence through qualifications, and a commitment to ongoing training to ensure safe and correct practice.
Responsibilities – Personal Standards
Coaches must demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times.
Rights
Coaches must respect and champion the rights of every individual to participate in sport and physical activity.
Relationships
Coaches must develop a positive relationship with their participants (and others) based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect.
COACHES
1. RESPONSIBILITIES – PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
As a responsible athletics coach, I will:
abide by the terms of my UKA coaching licence
abide by the UKA and the HCAF Child Safeguarding Policy and Child Safeguarding Procedures
abide by the UKA and the HCAF Adult Safeguarding Policy and Adult Safeguarding Procedures
keep my professional knowledge and skills up to date, be appropriately qualified for the activities I lead, and renew my coach licence as and when required by UKA
ensure I have obtained an acceptable criminal record check (DBS/Disclosure Scotland/Access NI) (a licence will not be issued to anyone who does not have an acceptable criminal records certificate or who refuses to share the certificate with UKA/the HCAF when required)
ensure that activities I direct, or guide, are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual athlete
be aware of the current national and international regulations on anti-doping in sport. I will not assist, support or ignore practices, policies or procedures that contravene national or international anti-doping regulations
never try to recruit, either overtly or covertly, athletes who are already receiving coaching. (If approached by an athlete receiving coaching, refer them immediately to the coach currently providing coaching support)
in circumstances where I need to demonstrate a technique through physical contact, always provide an explanation and seek consent before touching the athlete (never touch an athlete aged under 18 to demonstrate a technique without another adult being present)
observe the recommended national guidance on coach/athlete ratios
cooperate fully with others involved in the sport such as technical officials, team managers, other coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, sport scientists and representatives of the governing body in the best interests of the athlete.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES – PERSONAL STANDARDS
As a responsible athletics coach, I will:
consistently promote positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone rule violations or adopt or encourage the use of prohibited or age-inappropriate substances or techniques
never engage in the massage of an athlete under the age of 18 years. I understand that I require an up-to-date and recognised qualification in sports massage or another relevant qualification from a recognised body or authority to engage in the massage of an athlete over 18 years
follow the relevant guidance for coaches on social media use and not post on social media any content which is inappropriate or offensive
be aware that my attitude and behaviour directly affects the behaviour of athletes under my supervision
avoid swearing, abusive language and irresponsible or illegal behaviour, including behaviour that is dangerous to me or others, acts of violence, bullying, harassment, and physical and sexual abuse
avoid destructive behaviour and leave athletics venues as I find them
not carry or consume alcohol or illegal substances while coaching or attending events directly linked to coaching
avoid carrying any items that could be dangerous to me or others, excluding athletics equipment used in the course of my athletics activity
challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others and report any suspected misconduct by other coaches or other people involved in athletics to the club, HCAF/UKA Safeguarding Team as soon as possible
act ethically, professionally and with integrity, and take responsibility for your actions.
3. RIGHTS
As a responsible athletics coach, I will:
provide coaching services without discrimination on grounds of age, gender, sexual, cultural, ethnic, disability or religious preference
respect the rights, dignity and worth of every athlete and treat everyone equally, regardless of background or ability
make the athlete’s health and welfare my primary and overriding concern
respect the athlete’s right to self-determination when deciding who they are coached by
respect the right of all athletes to an independent life outside of athletics
report any accidental injury, distress, misunderstanding or misinterpretation to the parents/carers and Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible
never exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward
in no way undermine, put down or belittle other coaches or practitioners, or allow those behaviours to exist within the athletes and groups that I lead / manage – including those behaviours towards other athletes or groups of athletes.
4. RELATIONSHIPS
As a responsible athletics coach, I will:
at the outset, clarify with athletes (and where appropriate, with parents or carers) exactly what it is that is expected of them and what athletes are entitled to expect from me
develop healthy and appropriate working relationships with athletes based on mutual trust and respect, especially with those athletes under 18 years or who are adults at risk
never incite or engage in sexual activity, inappropriate touching or communication (in person or social media or any other form of verbal or non-verbal communication) with an athlete under 18 years of age. A violation of this code may result in a coach licence being permanently withdrawn
never incite or engage in sexual activity, inappropriate touching or communication (in person or social media or any other form of verbal or non-verbal communication) with an athlete who is an adult at risk coached by me or under my supervision. A violation of this code may result in a coach licence being permanently withdrawn
not use my position as a licensed coach to incite or engage in sexual activity, inappropriate touching or communication (in person or social media or any other form of verbal or non-verbal communication) with athletes I coach who are aged over 18 years. In certain circumstances a violation of this code may result in a coach licence being permanently withdrawn
avoid spending time alone with young athletes (under 18) unless clearly in the view of other adults
ensure that parents/carers know and have given consent before taking a young athlete (under 18) away from the usual training venue
never take young athletes (under 18) alone in my vehicle
never invite a young athlete (under 18) alone into my home
never share a bedroom with a young athlete (under 18).
BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
I understand that if I do not follow the code, I may be in breach of the terms and conditions of my UKA licence and could be subject to disciplinary action and sanction by my club, Home Country Athletics Federation and/or UKA and that as a consequence of such disciplinary action the following sanctions may be imposed – I may:
receive a verbal warning
receive a written warning
be monitored by another coach
be required to attend supplementary training
be suspended by the club/HCAF/UKA
be required to leave or be dismissed by the club/HCAF/UKA
have my UKA coaching licence withdrawn
be referred to DBS/Disclosure Scotland/AccessNI.
CODE OF CONDUCT: PARENTS/CARERS
As a responsible parent/carer of an athlete aged under 18, I will:
• abide by the UKA and the HCAF Child Safeguarding Policy and Child Safeguarding Procedures
• abide by the UKA and the HCAF Adult Safeguarding Policy and Adult Safeguarding Procedures
• demonstrate respectful behaviour at all times
• set a good example and encourage my child to learn the rules of the sport and compete within them at all times
• help my child to recognise good performance and not just results
• make athletics fun
• never force my child to take part in sport if they do not want to
• never punish or belittle my child for losing or making mistakes
• use correct and appropriate language at all times
• check the qualifications and licences of people who are coaching or managing my child, or offering a service connected to athletics such as physiotherapy, massage or nutritional advice
• know exactly where my child will be and who they will be with at all times
• assume responsibility for safe transportation of my child to and from training and competition
• return any necessary written consent forms to the club/team manager or appropriate person, including next of kin details, health and medical requirements before my child goes to any away events or trips
• provide any necessary medical information and medication that my child needs for training or trips away
• report any concerns about my child’s (or any other child’s) welfare to the Club Welfare Officer or National Welfare Officer. (This does not affect your right to contact your local Social Services or the Police if you feel it is necessary)
• in no way undermine, put down or belittle athletes, coaches or practitioners.
GOOD SPECTATOR BEHAVIOUR
I understand that inappropriate pressure on children and poor behaviour of adult spectators can sometimes make children drop out of sport. I accept that this code promotes good spectator behaviour, and understand that if I verbally abuse children, coaches or officials, action will be taken.
BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
I understand that if I do not follow the code, action can be taken by my club and I may:
• be asked to apologise for my behaviour
• receive a verbal or written warning from the club committee/HCAF
• be suspended from attending club training sessions and events
• be suspended from the club
• be required to leave the club