Coaches Code of Conduct
Hinksey Sculling School is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for its athletes. For most athletes, the main point of contact is with the team of coaches. We aim to provide a rewarding and supportive environment for all coaches, with opportunities for personal development. In exchange, the Club expects high standards of professionalism and responsibility from its team of coaches at all times.
In order to clarify the Club’s expectations, this Code of Conduct identifies some key points which coaches should bear in mind, and apply at all times. If coaches have any concerns about these points, or about the actions of any other member of the club, other coaches or athletes, their concerns should be raised with one of the Club Officers listed at the end of this document.
COACHES SHOULD FOLLOW BRITISH ROWING GUIDELINES ON COACHING AND SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS
Coaches should:
· Ensure that any physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines, and with the participant’s full consent and approval
· Avoid any form of sexually related contact, innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures when coaching, particularly with under-age participants
· Avoid sexual intimacy with participants either whilst coaching them, and also in the period of time immediately following the end of he coaching relationship
· Arrange to transfer a participant to another coach if it is clear that an intimate relationship is developing
COACHES SHOULD COMMUNICATE APPROPRIATELY
Coaches should:
· Avoid criticising, or engaging in demeaning descriptions of others
· Be discreet in any conversation about participants, coaches or other individuals
COACHES SHOULD COACH IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER
Coaches should:
· Be transparent and accountable in their coaching practices
· Be professional and accept responsibility for their actions
· Clarify from the beginning of the coaching relationship what is expected of the participants and also what they can expect from the coach
· Allow athletes access to an appropriate complaints mechanism
· Respect the individual’s right to transfer between clubs, coaches or other sports.
· Only assume roles for which they are qualified and prepared
· Not misrepresent their level of qualification or experience
· Seek out a balance between coaching and lifestyle commitments to maintain an effective and enjoyable coaching career
COACHES SHOULD ENSURE THAT ROWING IS A POSITIVE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY
Coaches should:
· Create an environment free of fear or harassment
· Help to maintain enjoyment of rowing
· Promote the concept of a balanced lifestyle, supporting the well-being of the athlete both in and out of the sport
· Aid participant’s motivation
· Avoid placing undue pressure on children
· Ensure that the ability and performance of the child in sport is not excessively linked with their own perceptions of self worth.
COACHES SHOULD BE POSITIVE ROLE MODELS
Coaches should:
· Display high standards in the use of language, manners, punctuality, preparation and presentation
· Operate within the rules and spirit of rowing
· Challenge and not condone discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, disability, sexuality, age, religion, political opinion, occupation or marital status in the coaching environment
· Treat all individuals in the sport with respect at all times, and be fair, honest and considerate
· Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in rowing
· Encourage mutual respect between participants in the sport
· Act in a non-violent way
SPECIAL NOTES FOR LEVEL 2 COACHES AGED UNDER 18
The Club is very fortunate to have a number of young coaches who are also actively participating as athletes in the Club. Although the Code of Conduct applies equally to all coaches, special consideration needs to be given to members of this group. Whilst any kind of socialising between coaches and athletes is discouraged, it is acknowledged that it would be impractical to expect our young coaches not to socialise with their peers. However, great care and sensitivity must be used when interacting with athletes who are younger than yourself – although you are still fellow athletes of the Club, you also have a duty of care to protect the well-being of any junior member of Hinksey Sculling School. The Club expects you to act responsibly and professionally at all times, as befits a qualified Level 2 coach, and you must give proper thought to your behaviour and use of language at all times, particularly when dealing with athletes younger than yourself.
CLUB OFFICERS
Amelia Wright – Director of Rowing
Anne May – Club Welfare Officer
REFERENCE: British Rowing ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children Guidance SPCG 7’
DATE: 26th February 2010