COACH CODE OF CONDUCT
A responsible coach helps the development of individuals through improving their performance. This is achieved by:
- Identifying and meeting the needs of individuals
- Improving performance through a progressive programme of safe, guided practice measured performance and/or competition
- Creating an environment in which individuals are motivated to maintain participation and improve performance
Coaches should comply with the principles of good ethical practice listed below.
A coach must at all times:
- Hold relevant safeguarding training and a valid PVG if applicable to their role
- Consider the wellbeing and safety of the player before the development of performance.
- Develop an appropriate working relationship with players, based on mutual trust and respect that empower and includes, players, both junior and senior in the decision making process.
- Promote respect for the ability of opponents as well as for volunteers, officials and fellow coaches.
- Always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances
- Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part
- Recognise the developmental needs and capacity of each player and avoid excessive training and competition, pushing them against their will and putting undue pressure on them
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat everyone equally within the context of their sport
- Encourage players to value the performance and not just results
- Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance by giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback.
- Clarify, at the outset, with players (and where appropriate with their parents) exactly what is expected of them and what players are entitled to expect from their coach
- Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance, be an excellent role model including not smoking or drinking or using foul language in the company of players
- Never ignore, tolerate or engage in any form of bullying
- Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. In particular, coaches must not use their position to establish or pursue a sexual or improper relationship with a player or someone close to them
- Follow the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professionals when a player is injured
- Coaches should not allow allegations to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of players.
- Ensure that the equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are suitable for training.
- Follow all guidelines laid down by Longniddry Bowling Club and the club and abide by Longniddry Bowling Club’s Mobile Phone Policy and Social Media Policy.
Emergency action and first aid
All coaches should be prepared with an action plan in the event of an emergency and be aware of First Aid procedures. This will include:
- Access to First Aid equipment
- Telephone contact with parent/carer if the participant is a junior (under 18)
- Telephone contact to the Emergency Services
Coaches have the right to:
- Access ongoing training and information on all aspects of their role, including safeguarding, wellbeing & protection
- Support in reporting suspected abuse or poor practice
- Access to support services relevant to your role
- Fair and equitable treatment by Longniddry Bowling Club
- Be protected from abuse by any adult or junior members, parents and spectators
- Not to be left vulnerable while carrying out their role
Breaches of the Coach Code of Conduct will be dealt with in accordance with Longniddry Bowling Club’s disciplinary procedures.
I understand that if I do not follow the Coaches Code of Conduct, Longniddry Bowling Club may take any / all of the following actions:
- Be required to apologise formally
- Receive a warning; verbal or written
- Required to meet with the club, Wellbeing & Protection Officer or designated members of the club committee.
- Required to meet with Bowls Scotland, Safeguarding Lead or other designated members of Bowls Scotland Staff/Board
- Monitored by another volunteer/committee member/staff member
- Required to attend an education course
- Suspension
- Required to leave or be removed from post
Policy Acceptance
By signing the code of conduct, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to abide by the following Longniddry Bowling Club’s Policies
- Wellbeing and Protection Policy
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Mobile Phone Policy
- Social Media Policy
I have read and understood the above Code of Conduct and I agree to be bound by it:
| Signed | |
| Name (Print) | |
| Date |