Welfare Policy

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1. Code of Conduct for Athletics Clubs

As a responsible Athletics Club we will:

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• Adopt national welfare policies and procedures, adhere to the codes of conduct and respond to any suspected breaches in accordance with the Welfare Procedures

• Appoint a welfare officer, preferably two, one male and one female, and ensure that they are provided with appropriate training to act as a first point of contact for concerns about welfare issues

• Ensure that all staff and volunteers operating within the club environment hold the appropriate qualifications and have undertaken the appropriate checks e.g. DBS, licences, qualifications such as massage, sports nutrition etc

• Ensure that coaches, technical officials and club officers attend recommended training in welfare and safeguarding as appropriate.

• Liaise appropriately with parents/persons with parental responsibility, officials, coaches, sports scientists, national governing bodies and other relevant people/organisations to ensure that good practice is maintained

• Ensure that club officers and volunteers always act responsibly and set an example to others

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every club member and others involved in athletics and treat everyone equally.

• Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited or inappropriate substances

• Challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others

• Place the welfare and safety of the athlete above other considerations including the development of performance

• Report any suspected misconduct by club officials, coaches, technical officials or other people involved in athletics to the Club, Regional, National or UKA welfare officer as soon as possible

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2. Code of Conduct for Coaches

As a responsible athletics Coach you will:

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• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every athlete and others involved in athletics and treat everyone equally.

• Place the welfare and safety of the athlete above the development of performance

• Be appropriately qualified including obtaining DBS check, update your licence and education as and when required by UKA and adhere to the terms of the coaching licence

• Ensure that activities you direct or guide are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual athlete

• At the outset clarify with athletes exactly what it is that is expected of them and what athletes are entitled to expect from you

• Never try to recruit, either overtly or covertly, athletes who are already receiving coaching. If approached by an athlete receiving coaching refer immediately to the coach currently providing coaching support.

• 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 or inappropriate substances

• Encourage and guide athletes to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour

• Develop appropriate working relationships with athletes based on mutual trust and respect

• Do not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward

• In particular, you MUST NOT allow an intimate personal relationship to develop between yourself and any athlete aged under 18 years. Any violation of this could result in a coach licence being withdrawn.

• It is strongly recommended that you do not allow intimate relationships to develop between yourself and athletes coached by you aged over 18 years.

 

As a responsible coach, when participating in or attending any athletics activities, including training/coaching sessions and competition events you will:

 

• Act with dignity and display courtesy and good manners towards others

• 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

• Be aware that your attitude and behaviour directly affects the behaviour of athletes under your supervision

• Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour

• Avoid destructive behaviour and leave athletics venues as you find them

• Not carry or consume alcohol to excess and/or illegal substances.

• Avoid carrying any items that could be dangerous to yourself or others excluding athletics equipment used in the course of your athletics activity

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In addition, coaches should follow these guidelines on best coaching practice

 

• 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 accidental injury, distress, misunderstanding or misinterpretation to the club Welfare officer as soon as possible.

• 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

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3. Code of Conduct for Athletes

As a responsible athlete you will:

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• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every athlete, coach, technical official and others involved in athletics and treat everyone equally.

• 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 the yourself and other athletes

• Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited inappropriate substances

• Anticipate and be responsible for your own needs including being organised, having the appropriate equipment and being on time

• Inform your coach of any other coaching that you are seeking or receiving

• Always thank the coaches and officials who enable you to participate in athletics

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As a responsible Athlete, when participating in or attending any athletics activities, including training/coaching sessions and competition events you will:

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• Act with dignity and display courtesy and good manners towards others

• 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

• Not carry or consume alcohol to excess and/or illegal substances.

• Avoid carrying any items that could be dangerous to yourself or others excluding athletics equipment used in the course of your athletics activity

 

In addition, athletes should follow these guidelines on safe participation in athletics

 

• Do not respond if someone seeks private information unrelated to athletics such as personal information, home life information

• Report any accidental injury, distress, misunderstanding or misinterpretation to your club Welfare officer as soon as possible.

• Report any suspected misconduct by coaches or other people involved in athletics to the club welfare officer as soon as possible

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4. Code of Conduct for Volunteers

You will:

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• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every athlete, coach, technical official and others involved in athletics and treat everyone equally

• 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 the athlete

• Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited or age-inappropriate substances

• Act with dignity and display courtesy and good manners towards others

• 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  Avoid destructive behaviour and leave athletics venues as you find them

• Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour

• Not carry or consume alcohol to excess and/or illegal substances.

• Not carry any items that can be dangerous to yourself or to others excluding athletics equipment used in the course of your athletic activity

• Ensure that any risk assessment or health and safety procedures are adhered to and the safety of the athlete or any other participant in athletics is put first.

• Report any suspected misconduct by coaches, technical officials, or other people involved in athletics to the Club, Regional, National or UKA welfare officer as soon as possible

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The Welfare Officer will:

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• Deal with confidential matters that may arise related to athletes and have an understanding and an appropriate way to such matters.

• Responsible for the promotion of codes of conduct to members

• Recognise the difference between poor practice in accordance with club rules and matters that would be seen as a welfare issue.

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