Code of Conduct

Our committee have developed a Code of Conduct for Garscube Harriers, our coaches, athletes and parent/guardians.  It is designed to upholds standards of ethical behaviour and best practice for all involved in Garscube Harriers and complements the codes of conduct written by British and Scottish Athletics.

1 – The Responsible Athletics Club Code of Conduct

Garscube Harriers are a responsible club and as such we will:

• ensure that all staff operating within the club environment hold the appropriate qualifications.
• adopt national policies and codes of good practice in relation to athlete welfare.
• ensure that club officers and volunteers always act responsibly and set an example to younger members.
• appoint designated Welfare Officers, who are provided with appropriate training and periodic updating, to act as a first port of call in cases of concern about athlete welfare.
• liaise appropriately with other key persons, including parents/carers, officials and coaches, to ensure that good practice is followed in maintaining athletes’ welfare.
• carry out their duty of care within relevant legislation and government guidance.

 

2 – The Responsible Coach Code of Conduct

• Arrive at the venue in sufficient time prior to the start of the session.
• Inspect the activity area, take the necessary steps to minimise health and safety risks.
• Comply with all club policies on Health + Safety and Welfare.
• Ensure that all participants have signed in prior to the start of the training session.
• Place the welfare and safety of the athlete above the development of performance.
• Inform a member of club committee as soon as possible of any incident or injury and complete the accident/ incident report form.
• Ensure that the venue is left clean and tidy at the end of each session.
• Ensure children are supervised at all times. In circumstances where a child has not been picked up from a session the coach must remain on the premises with the child and take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the child until the parent or guardian arrives.
• Be aware of good practice guidelines on child & vulnerable adult protection.
• Sessions should be organised in accordance with current National Governing Body recommendations.
• Plan and coach sessions in a way appropriate to the age and ability of the performers concerned in order to promote enjoyment and skill progression.
• Assist performers to gain a greater understanding of the rules, safe practices and appropriate behaviour in the sport concerned.
• Promote the values of fair play.
• Ensure coach/participant ratios are appropriate in accordance with SAL guidelines.
• Make sure you are appropriately qualified for activities that you coach and update your licence and education as and when required by UK Athletics.
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour or language by others.
• Co-operate fully with other colleagues (e.g. other coaches, officials, team managers) in the best interests of the athlete.
• Adopt safe training regimes appropriate to the age, stage of development and capacity of the athlete.
• At the outset, clarify with athletes (and where appropriate their parents or carers) exactly what is expected of them and what performers are entitled to expect from you.
• Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

 

3 – The Responsible Athlete Code of Conduct

• Treat others with the same respect and fairness that you wish to receive.
• Uphold the values of the club: Be All You Can Be, Garscube 24/7, Performance Excellence, Innovative, Value the Vest.
• Anticipate your own needs, be organised and on time.
• Thank those who help you participate in athletics.
• Inform your coach of any other coaching you are receiving.
• Show patience with and respect diversity in others.
• Act with dignity at all times.
• Avoid destructive behaviour and leave athletics venues and training areas as you find them.
• Challenge anyone whose behaviour falls below the expected standards of the club.
• Speak out immediately if anything makes you concerned or uncomfortable (eg. to the Club Welfare Officer, Team Managers or Coaches).
• Not use inappropriate language whilst at or representing the club.
• Not send inappropriate communication that may be misconstrued.

3a – Additional Junior member considerations:

• Notify a responsible adult if you have to go somewhere (why, where and when they will return.
• Not respond if someone seeks private information, unrelated to athletics e.g. home / school life.
• Never accept lifts in cars or invitations into homes on your own or without the prior knowledge and consent of your parent / carer.
• Use safe transport or travel arrangements.

 

4 – A responsible parent/guardian should:

• Meet the people who are coaching or managing your child and ensure you understand the role each person plays.
• Take an active interest in your child’s participation and communicate with the club and coach in order to understand what training your child’s participating in and why.
• Ensure you are given the opportunity to attend training and competition sessions whenever possible.
• Ensure that your child does not take unnecessary valuable items to training or competition.
• Know exactly where your child will be at all times and who they are with.
• Keep membership details up to date online at Paysubsonline.
• Inform your child’s coach of any special needs that should be taken into consideration during your child’s training and athletic performance.
• Provide any necessary medication that your child needs for the duration of any trips.
• Report any concerns you have about your child’s welfare / treatment to the club / regional / national welfare officer.
• Get involved with the club and help out at events. We would be delighted to have your help.
• Emphasise your child’s enjoyment rather than an overemphasis on winning.
• Encourage your child to learn the rules and compete within them.
• Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
• Never force your child to take part in sport.
• Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding good performances of all.
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
• Publicly accept officials’ judgements.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
• Use correct and proper language at all times.
• Encourage and guide athletes to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.