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 maximize benefits and minimize risks to athletes, coaches must attain an appropriate level of competence through qualifications and a commitment to ongoing training.
Responsibilities - Personal Standards: Coaches must demonstrate proper personal behavior 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.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

As a responsible athletics coach, I will:

1.1 Abide by the terms of my UKA coaching licence.
1.2 Abide by the UKA and the HCAF Child Safeguarding Policy and Child Safeguarding Procedures.
1.3 Abide by the UKA and the HCAF Adult Safeguarding Policy and Adult Safeguarding Procedures.
1.4 & 1.5 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.
1.6 Ensure I have obtained an acceptable criminal record check (DBS/Disclosure Scotland/Access NI).
1.7 Ensure that activities I direct or guide are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience, and ability of the individual athlete.
1.8 Be aware of the current national and international regulations on anti-doping in sport. I will not assist, support, or ignore practices that contravene these regulations.
1.9 Never try to recruit, either overtly or covertly, athletes who are already receiving coaching. If approached, refer them immediately to their current coach.
1.10 Never make gratuitous or unnecessary physical contact. Always provide an explanation and seek consent before touching an athlete to demonstrate a technique. Never touch an athlete under 18 to demonstrate a technique without another adult present.
1.11 Observe the recommended national guidance on coach/athlete ratios.
1.12 Cooperate fully with others involved in the sport, including officials, team managers, medical staff, and governing body representatives.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES - PERSONAL STANDARDS

As a responsible athletics coach, I will:

2.1 & 2.2 Not bring myself, the sport, or my club into disrepute or engage in inappropriate behavior.
2.3 Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport (e.g., fair play) and never condone rule violations or prohibited substances.
2.4 Never engage in the massage of an athlete under the age of 18 years.
2.5 Not engage in the massage of an athlete aged 18 or over unless holding a recognized qualification in sports massage.
2.6 Follow relevant guidance for social media use and avoid posting inappropriate or offensive content.
2.7 Be aware that my attitude and behavior directly affects the behavior of athletes under my supervision.
2.8 Avoid swearing, abusive language, and irresponsible or illegal behavior, including violence, bullying, and harassment.
2.9 Avoid destructive behavior and leave athletics venues as I find them.
2.10 Not carry or consume alcohol or illegal substances while coaching or attending coaching events.
2.11 Avoid carrying any items that could be dangerous, excluding standard athletics equipment.
2.12 Challenge and report inappropriate behavior, language, or safeguarding concerns to the club, HCAF, or UKA.
2.13 Act ethically, professionally, and with integrity, taking responsibility for my actions.

3. RIGHTS

As a responsible athletics coach, I will:

3.1 Provide coaching services without discrimination on grounds of age, gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
3.2 Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every athlete and treat everyone equally.
3.3 Make the athlete's health and welfare my primary and overriding concern.
3.4 Respect the athlete's right to self-determination regarding who they are coached by.
3.5 Respect the right of all athletes to an independent life outside of athletics.
3.6 Report any accidental injury, distress, or misunderstanding to parents/carers and the Club Welfare Officer immediately.
3.7 Never exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
3.8 In no way undermine, put down, or belittle other coaches or practitioners.

4. RELATIONSHIPS

As a responsible athletics coach, I will:

4.1 Clarify expectations with athletes and parents/carers at the outset.
4.2 Develop healthy working relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
4.3 & 4.4 Never incite or engage in sexual activity or inappropriate communication with an athlete under 18 or an adult at risk. Violations may result in permanent withdrawal of the coaching licence.
4.5 Not use my position to engage in sexual activity or inappropriate communication with athletes aged 18 and over.
4.6 Avoid spending time alone with athletes under 18 unless in view of other adults.
4.7 Ensure parents/carers have given consent before taking a young athlete away from the training venue.
4.8, 4.9 & 4.10 Never take young athletes alone in a vehicle, invite them alone into my home, or share a bedroom with them.

BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

I understand that failure to follow this code may lead to disciplinary action and sanctions, including:

Verbal or written warnings.
Monitoring by another coach or supplementary training.
Suspension or dismissal from the club, HCAF, or UKA.
Withdrawal of the UKA coaching licence.
Referral to DBS/Disclosure Scotland/AccessNI.