CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES, OFFICIALS AND VOLUNTEERS
Introduction
AENA expect all coaches, officials and volunteers to promote and develop the sport of netball in a fun and safe environment and with the highest possible standard of care. United Netball Club endorses this expectation and all coaches, officials and volunteers of the club must sign this code of conduct before working with any group.
Responsibilities
As a coach, official or volunteer within United Netball Club I accept I have responsibility for the development of an individual or group of individuals in the sport of netball.
I will
- demonstrate exemplary behaviour at all times when with children, parents and other personnel involved in the sport
- treat all people as equals and with respect and dignity, putting the welfare of people first before winning or achieving goals
- aim to make the sport fun, enjoyable and promote fair play
- adhere to the GCNA Code of Conduct at all times. (see Appendix 1)
.
Good Practice
In order to provide a duty of care to young people I will work within the following guidelines:
- Always ensure I am never left alone with one child. Avoid situations where I am unobserved with an individual child.
- Where any form of physical support is required, it will be provided openly and according to guidelines provided by England Netball.
- Where possible, arrange for parents/guardians to take on the responsibility for their own child in the changing rooms. If young people need to be supervised in the changing rooms, the club will try to ensure that coaches/volunteers work in pairs.
- Encourage an open environment (i.e. no secrets, always explain why something is being done in that way).
- When working with the teams, the club will agree with parents/guardians when it is appropriate to enter the changing area.
- Include young people in committee decisions to ensure their voice is heard.
As a coach, official or volunteer of United Netball Club I will avoid:
- Spending excessive amounts of time alone with young people away from others.
- Taking young people (other than my own relations) alone on car journeys, however short.
- Taking young people (other than my own relations) to my home where they will be alone with me.
If circumstances arise where these situations are unavoidable, then the consent of the child’s parent/guardian should be sought prior to the event.
As a coach, official or volunteer of United Netball Club I will never:
- Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay.
- Share a room with a young person
- Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching.
- Allow young people to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
- Make sexually suggestive comments to a young person, even in fun.
- Do things of a personal nature for young people that they can do for themselves.
- Invite or allow young people (other than my own relations) to stay with me at my home unsupervised.
- Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or ignored.
N.B. It may sometimes be necessary for a coach, official or volunteer to do things of a personal nature for children, particularly if they are young or are disabled. These tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of parents and the players involved. There is a need to be responsive to a person’s reactions. If a person is fully dependent on another, talk with them about what is to be done and give choices where possible. This is particularly so where there is involvement in any dressing or undressing of outer clothing, or where there is physical contact, lifting or assisting a child to carry out particular activities. Coaches, officials and volunteers should avoid taking on the responsibility for tasks for which they are not appropriately trained.
Incidents that must be reported/recorded
If any of the following occur they should be reported immediately to another club official and the incident recorded on an Accident/Incident Report Form - see Accident and Emergency Procedure. The parents/guardians of the child must be informed as soon as possible:
- If you accidentally hurt a player.
- If a player seems distressed in any manner.
- If a player appears to be sexually aroused by your actions.
- If a player misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done.
APPENDIX 1
GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY NETBALL ASSOCIATION
CODES OF CONDUCT
To ensure that the game of netball in Gloucestershire is played in a manner consistent with the ethos of fair play, integrity, sportsmanship and honesty, each club entering GCNA league or competitions shall sign up to the following codes of conduct for their coaches.
- Never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or not winning.
- Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
- Operate within the rules and spirit of netball and teach your players to do the same.
- Avoid overplaying talented players; the lesser talented players deserve equal time.
- Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
- Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with netball (including opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, parents and spectators).
- Show concern and understanding to sick and injured players. Follow medical advice as to when an injured player is ready to recommence training and competition.
- Attempt to keep up to date with appropriate qualifications and coaching practice.
- Always adhere to the Child Protection Policy to ensure your role cannot be put into question.
- Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player regardless of ability, cultural background, religion or personal circumstances.
- Shall not consume alcoholic drinks or smoke, nor be under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs when coaching.
- Be understanding of players’ personal circumstances
- Be objective in selection and give as much playing opportunity to all players...
- Be open with players and prepared to discuss with them any matter (performance, selection, and attitude) that will benefit the player at an appropriate time.
- Abide by the Umpires and other Officials’ decisions.
