Wye Valley Runners
Code of conduct
This code of conduct is given to all new athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials within the club. It is imperative that you read and abide by it at all times. If you feel in any way that others within the club are not following this code of conduct, please contact a member of the Committee as soon as possible.
As part of your application to join the club, you will be asked to sign up for this code of conduct.
Content:
1. Code of Conduct for Athletics Clubs
2. Code of Conduct for Athletes
3. Code of Conduct for Volunteers
4. Club Welfare Officer Details
1. Code of Conduct for Athletics Clubs
As a responsible Athletics Club we will:
Adopt national welfare policies and procedures, adhere to the codes of conduct and respond to any suspected breaches
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
Liaise appropriately to ensure that good practice is maintained
Ensure that club officers and volunteers always act responsibly and set an example to others including younger members
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 age-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 welfare officer as soon as possible
Delete any inappropriate comments posted on social media
2. Code of Conduct for Athletes
As a responsible athlete you will:
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 in the best interests of 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 or age-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
As a responsible Athlete, 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
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, especially young athletes and vulnerable adults, should follow these guidelines on safe participation in athletics
Notify a responsible adult if you have to go somewhere (why, where and when you will return)
Do not respond if someone seeks private information unrelated to athletics such as personal information, home life information
Strictly maintain boundaries between friendship and intimacy with a coach or technical official
Never accept lifts in cars or invitations into homes on your own without the prior knowledge and consent of your parent/carer
Use safe transport or travel arrangements
Report any accidental injury, distress, misunderstanding or misinterpretation to your parents/carers and 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
3. Code of Conduct for Volunteers
You will:
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 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
4. Club Welfare Officer Details
The Welfare Officer will:
Deal with confidential matters that may arise related to athletes and have an understanding and an appropriate way to such matters.
Be responsible for the promotion of codes of conduct to members and volunteers
Recognise the difference between poor practice in according to club rules and matters that would be seen as a welfare issue.
If you wish for a copy of this code of conduct please ask one of the committee members and we will get a copy sent out to you as soon as possible.
To report an incident or accident on the UKA portal use this link