Club Safeguarding & Welfare

The UK Athletics (UKA) and the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAF) Codes of Conduct set out national standards of conduct for all clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes in the sport.

The 2021 revised codes take account of developments in national policy, guidance and practice. Every club, club member and anyone undertaking a relevant role must agree to abide by the codes of conduct either when they join a club as part of the club application process, or when they renew their club membership or UKA licence.

The purpose of a code is to clarify:

• what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable
• the standards of practice expected
• the basis for challenging and improving practice.

The codes are therefore a guide for individuals and clubs to think about, and monitor, how they, and others, conduct themselves in their roles. The codes let everyone know what they can expect from the club, coaches and volunteers, but also what standard of behaviour is expected from club members, athletes and parents/carers.

The codes are a tool for continuous improvement. They can be used prior to or during training sessions, at club or team meetings, and must form part of new member inductions, and at annual renewal of membership.

For all clubs, the codes are an important part of monitoring and improving the behaviour and practice of its members. When a club member does not meet the expectations set out in the codes, disciplinary or performance management action may be taken by the club. Adopting and communicating clear codes of conduct is an important element in delivering the standards for child wellbeing and protection in sport.

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.

The UK Athletics (UKA) and the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAF) Codes of Conduct set out national standards of conduct for all clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes in the sport.

The 2021 revised codes take account of developments in national policy, guidance and practice. Every club, club member and anyone undertaking a relevant role must agree to abide by the codes of conduct either when they join a club as part of the club application process, or when they renew their club membership or UKA licence.

The purpose of a code is to clarify:

• what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable
• the standards of practice expected
• the basis for challenging and improving practice.

The codes are therefore a guide for individuals and clubs to think about, and monitor, how they, and others, conduct themselves in their roles. The codes let everyone know what they can expect from the club, coaches and volunteers, but also what standard of behaviour is expected from club members, athletes and parents/carers.

The codes are a tool for continuous improvement. They can be used prior to or during training sessions, at club or team meetings, and must form part of new member inductions, and at annual renewal of membership.

For all clubs, the codes are an important part of monitoring and improving the behaviour and practice of its members. When a club member does not meet the expectations set out in the codes, disciplinary or performance management action may be taken by the club. Adopting and communicating clear codes of conduct is an important element in delivering the standards for child wellbeing and protection in sport.

CODE OF CONDUCT: PARENTS/CARE

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.

The UK Athletics (UKA) and the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAF) Codes of Conduct set out national standards of conduct for all clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes in the sport.

The 2021 revised codes take account of developments in national policy, guidance and practice. Every club, club member and anyone undertaking a relevant role must agree to abide by the codes of conduct either when they join a club as part of the club application process, or when they renew their club membership or UKA licence.

The purpose of a code is to clarify:

• what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable
• the standards of practice expected
• the basis for challenging and improving practice.

The codes are therefore a guide for individuals and clubs to think about, and monitor, how they, and others, conduct themselves in their roles. The codes let everyone know what they can expect from the club, coaches and volunteers, but also what standard of behaviour is expected from club members, athletes and parents/carers.

The codes are a tool for continuous improvement. They can be used prior to or during training sessions, at club or team meetings, and must form part of new member inductions, and at annual renewal of membership.

For all clubs, the codes are an important part of monitoring and improving the behaviour and practice of its members. When a club member does not meet the expectations set out in the codes, disciplinary or performance management action may be taken by the club. Adopting and communicating clear codes of conduct is an important element in delivering the standards for child wellbeing and protection in sport.

Children and young people (under 18 years)
Children and young people have their own codes of conduct and should be clear about their club’s expectations in terms of acceptable behaviour and conduct. It can be beneficial to ask children in their group/team to discuss and agree what the consequences of breaking these codes should be for them. This could be done at the start of the year, before a trip away from home, or as part of a training event.

For groups of very young children, it can be useful to have them develop together a specific behaviour code or charter for their group. Such charters are used extensively in primary schools and the children will recognise and understand what they are being asked to do.

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.