This policy is to let everyone know what standard of behaviour is expected from junior athletes, and also what they can expect from the club, coaches, parents and volunteers. Everyone involved with the club must also follow the club’s overall Code of Conduct.
Code of Conduct for Junior Athletes
(drawn from the UK Athletics Code of Conduct for Children and Young People)
As a child or young person under 18 years, I have the right to:
- be safe and protected
- be listened to
- be respected and treated fairly
- be believed
- ask for help
- be coached by someone who has the right qualifications.
As a young athlete, I will:
- be friendly and supportive to other athletes
- listen carefully to, and follow all of the instructions given by my coach
- treat all equipment with respect and only use it as directed by my coach
- not use unkind or bad language
- not bully anyone or pressure them to do things they do not want to do
- keep myself safe, and tell my coach if I am ill or injured
- report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations to an adult
Discipline Process
Failure to follow to the above Code of Conduct will result in action being taken according to a three-step process:
1. A verbal warning will be given
2. If the poor behaviour continues, the athlete will be asked to sit out for 5 minutes
3. If upon return to the activity, the athlete continues to engage in poor behaviour, this will be discussed with their parent/guardian at the end of the session
Repeated discussion with an athlete’s parent/guardian may result in them being asked to leave the club, as poor behaviour not only disrupts other athletes’ training, but could also result in serious health and safety risks due to the nature of the activities being undertaken.
Violent and/or abusive language or behaviour, or serious misuse of equipment that endangers others will not be tolerated. The severity of these issues may result in an athlete’s immediate suspension from training sessions, and ultimately, termination of membership.
Coaches and Volunteers
Coaches and other volunteers will familiarise themselves with the Behaviour Policy to ensure that incidents are dealt with fairly, and will ensure that their own behaviour models that which is expected of the athletes.
Parents and Carers
To make club activities an enjoyable experience for all (including the coaches and other volunteers who are giving up their free time to lead sessions), we require parental support. The expectations are set out in UK Athletics Code of Conduct for Parents – please take a moment to read it.