Fenland Running Club Code of Conduct
The club will:
- Endeavour to ensure that all Coaches and volunteers hold appropriate qualifications as set down by UK Athletics and England Athletics.
- Adopt national policies and codes of conduct in relation to athlete welfare.
- Ensure that club officers and volunteers act responsibly and set a good example to all members.
- Appoint a designated welfare officer to act as first point of contact in cases of concern about athlete welfare - contact details will be provided on the club’s website.
- Carry out its duty within relevant legislation and government guidelines, as well as recommendations and guidelines from UK Athletics.
- Treat all members equally and fairly, regardless of race, religion or gender.
- Adopt an open policy with regard to membership.
As a member of Fenland Running Club you must:
- Act with dignity and display courtesy and good manners towards others.
- Ensure that your behaviour during training, participating in sport or travelling to and from meetings and events is dignified and does not cause offence to others.
- Remember that you are a representative and ambassador of the club at all times - as such, the club as a whole may be judged by your actions as an individual.
- Anticipate your own needs, be organised and on time.
- Update your contact details should they change.
- Be courteous to other competitors, officials and coaching staff at all times.
- Show patience with others and respect diversity and ability.
- Inform your coach if you are receiving coaching elsewhere, have sustained an injury or are in receipt of any medical treatment.
- Refrain from engaging in any communication with the press or via the internet which seeks to criticise other athletes, club members, officials or event organisers.
- Never become involved in verbal, physical, mental intimidation or acts of bullying – this includes the inappropriate use of text messages, posting adverse comments on internet message boards and all other electronic media.
- Avoid swearing and abusive language and irresponsible behaviour including behaviour that is dangerous to yourself or others, acts of violence, bullying, harassment and physical and sexual abuse.
- Challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others.
- Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour.
- Avoid destructive behaviour and leave athletics venues as you find them.
- Uphold the same values of sportsmanship off the field as you do when engaged in athletics.
- 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 the best interests of yourself and other athletes.
- Report any suspected misconduct by coaches or other people involved in athletics to the club welfare officer as soon as possible.
- Promptly pay your membership fees, travel fees and any other dues to the club when asked to do so.
All Coaches must:
- Respect the rights, worth and dignity of every athlete and treat all with equal regard.
- Place the safety and welfare of athletes above the development of performance.
- Be appropriately qualified and update qualifications/education as and when required by UKA and adhere to the terms of the coaching licence.
- Ensure the well-being and safety of athletes at all times.
- Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, experience and ability of those taking part.
- Display high standards of behaviour.
- 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 you.
- Try to observe a recommended maximum ratio of 1 Coach to 12 athletes at a training session or work in partnership with another Coach/coaching assistant.
- 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.
- Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.
- Encourage and guide athletes to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
- Never try to recruit athletes who are already receiving coaching elsewhere.
- Never condone rule violations, rough play, the use of prohibitive substance or inappropriate behaviour and language.
- Avoid swearing and abusive language and irresponsible behaviour, including behaviour that is dangerous to self and others, acts of violence, bullying, harassment and physical and sexual abuse.
- Challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others.
- Be aware that attitude and behaviour directly affects the behaviour of athletes under our supervision.
- Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour.
- Avoid critical language or actions, such as sarcasm, which could undermine an athlete’s self-esteem.
- Always explain why and ask for consent before touching an athlete.
- Report any suspected misconduct by other Coaches or other people involved in athletics to the Club, Regional, National or UKA Welfare Officer as soon as possible.
- Do not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
- A Coach MUST strictly maintain a clear boundary between friendship and intimacy with athletes and do not conduct inappropriate relationships with athletes. Relationship with athletes can cause significant problems for other team members, raising concerns of favouritism and/or victimisation should the relationship later end.
- It is strongly recommended that you do not allow intimate relationships to develop between yourself and athletes coached by you.
Additional policies