Code of Conduct

Sleaford Striders Code of Conduct

Below are the Clubs’ Code of Conducts that we expect all adult & junior members to adhere to. There are downloadable PDFs available.

ADULT MEMBERS

The club will:

Adopt National policies and codes of conduct in relation to athlete’s welfare
Appoint at least one designated Welfare Officer to act as first point of contact in cases of concern about athlete’s welfare
Ensure that all coaches and volunteers hold appropriate qualifications and have undertaken the appropriate checks (e.g. DBS), and have access to recommended training in welfare and safeguarding
Ensure that all club officers, coaches and volunteers act responsibly and set a good example to all members
Treat all members equally and fairly, regardless of race, ethnic origin, creed, colour, disability, sex, sexual preference, religion, and political or other beliefs
Consistently promote positive aspects of Athletics such as fair play and never condone rule violations
Challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others
Place the welfare and safety of the athlete above all 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
Adopt the UKA/England Athletics policies and procedures contained within ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults in Athletics’

All coaches and volunteers will:

Consider the well-being and safety of the athletes before the
development of performance
Develop an appropriate working relationship with the athletes and their parents/guardians, based on mutual trust and respect
Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of the athletes taking part
Promote the positive aspects of Athletics (eg fair play)
Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance
Follow all guidelines laid down by UK Athletics, England Athletics and the Club
Hold appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover
Never exert undue influence over Athletes to obtain personal benefit or reward
Never condone rule violations, rough play, the use of prohibitive substances or inappropriate language

All senior club members will:

Treat others with respect and fairness
Show patience with others and respect diversity and ability
Be courteous to other members, coaches, competitors and officials at all times
Anticipate their own needs – be organised and on time
Provide consent forms when required and update contact details should they change
Ensure their behaviour during training, participating in sport or travelling to and from meetings and events is dignified and does not cause offence to others
Remember that they are a representative and ambassador of the club at all times, and as such, the club as a whole may be judged on their actions as an individual
Consider the implications of withdrawing from a commitment to compete or provide assistance. If withdrawal from an event or commitment is unavoidable, contact the relevant person with at least 48 hours notice
Alert the Team Manager to any conflict or dispute occurring at an event, so that they can take this matter up on your behalf, or advise you on a course of action
Never use abusive language or physical aggression of any kind at any event, or deliberately distract others while they are competing
Observe and promote the agreed track etiquette at all times
Refrain from engaging in any communication with the press or via the internet/social media which seeks to criticise other athletes, club members, coaches, officials or event organisers. If a member has a grievance, this should be taken up with a club official in the first instance

JUNIOR MEMBERS

Sleaford Striders A.C is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with: Head Coach Clive Holden, Welfare Officer Maureen Runacres or Junior Co-Ordinator Lisa Ashcroft.

As a member of Sleaford Striders A.C, you are expected to abide by the following junior code of practice

All junior club members will:

All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions
All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity
Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late
Members must wear suitable kit – Suitable supportive footwear, high Visibility vest for outdoor winter training, discreet jewellery, long hair tied back – for training and when competing a club vest. Bring with you a named water bottle
Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly. If there is a problem please speak to the Club Welfare Officer
Junior members are not allowed to smoke or chew gum on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions. MP3 players / phones are not allowed in training
Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or prohibited drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club
Bullying of any sort will not be tolerated

All junior club members Parents/Guardians will:

Encourage their child to learn the rules and play/compete within them
Discourage unfair play/competition and arguing with officials
Help their child to recognise good performance, not just results
Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all
Never force their child to take part in Athletics
Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes
Publicly accept officials’ judgements
Support their child’s involvement and help them to enjoy Athletics
Use correct and proper language at all times