Coaches & Volunteers Code of Conduct
All coaches and volunteers at HBAC have a duty of care to athletes and must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and safeguarding.
Our Commitment
As coaches and volunteers at HBAC, we are committed to:
- Providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for all athletes
- Protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults
- Acting with integrity, honesty, and professionalism
- Continuing our professional development
- Promoting fair play and sporting values
- Setting a positive example at all times
As a Coach/Volunteer, I Will:
- ✓Put the welfare and safety of athletes first, above performance and results
- ✓Follow all club safeguarding policies and procedures
- ✓Maintain a valid DBS check as required
- ✓Complete safeguarding training and keep it up to date
- ✓Treat all athletes fairly and with respect, regardless of ability
- ✓Plan and deliver safe, appropriate, and progressive training sessions
- ✓Communicate clearly with athletes, parents, and other coaches
- ✓Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
- ✓Report any safeguarding concerns immediately
- ✓Maintain accurate records of attendance and incidents
- ✓Be punctual and properly prepared for sessions
- ✓Set a positive example through my own behaviour
- ✓Promote fair play, respect, and sporting values
- ✓Respect athletes' rights to a private life
- ✓Work cooperatively with other coaches and officials
I Will NOT:
- ✗Engage in any form of abuse - physical, emotional, or sexual
- ✗Allow bullying, discrimination, or harassment of any kind
- ✗Use inappropriate language or make inappropriate comments
- ✗Develop inappropriate relationships with athletes
- ✗Be alone with a child in a changing room or private area
- ✗Transport children alone without proper consent
- ✗Contact athletes through personal social media or private messaging
- ✗Share personal information about athletes without consent
- ✗Tolerate cheating or use of performance-enhancing drugs
- ✗Coach while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- ✗Condone or ignore violations of rules or policies
Safeguarding Responsibilities
All coaches working with children MUST:
- • Hold a valid Enhanced DBS check
- • Complete UK Athletics Safeguarding and Protecting Children course
- • Never be alone with a child (ensure proper adult:child ratios)
- • Report any safeguarding concerns to the Club Welfare Officer immediately
- • Follow the club's safeguarding policy at all times
- • Not ignore signs of abuse or inappropriate behaviour
Professional Boundaries
To maintain appropriate professional relationships:
✓ Appropriate
- • Group communications about club matters
- • Communication through official club channels
- • Involving parents in communications
- • Professional physical contact (e.g., correcting technique)
- • Maintaining professional distance
✗ Inappropriate
- • Private messaging with young athletes
- • Personal social media connections
- • Meeting athletes outside of club activities
- • Sharing personal problems with athletes
- • Favouritism or special relationships
Qualifications & Development
Coaches should:
- Hold appropriate UK Athletics coaching qualifications or be working towards them
- Maintain valid First Aid certification
- Complete safeguarding training every 3 years
- Attend coach development opportunities
- Stay up to date with rule changes and best practices
- Seek mentoring and support from experienced coaches
Communication
Good communication is essential:
- • Use positive, encouraging language
- • Give constructive feedback
- • Listen to athletes' concerns
- • Keep parents informed
- • Coordinate with other coaches
- • Report incidents promptly to committee
- • Maintain confidentiality where appropriate
Equality & Inclusion
All coaches must:
- Treat all athletes equally regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation
- Provide opportunities for all athletes to participate and progress
- Adapt coaching to meet individual needs
- Challenge discrimination and inappropriate behaviour
- Create an inclusive training environment
Health & Safety
Coaches are responsible for:
- Conducting risk assessments for training activities
- Ensuring training areas are safe
- Checking equipment is safe before use
- Being aware of athletes' medical conditions
- Knowing emergency procedures
- Having access to first aid equipment
- Recording and reporting injuries or incidents
- Not allowing injured athletes to train
Reporting Concerns
If you have concerns about:
- • A child's welfare - contact the Club Welfare Officer immediately
- • Another coach's behaviour - contact the Club Welfare Officer or committee
- • An athlete's safety - stop the activity and seek help
Club Welfare Officer: welfare@hbac.co.uk
Emergency: Call 999
Breach of Code
Breach of this Code may result in:
- Verbal or written warning
- Suspension from coaching duties
- Requirement for additional training
- Termination of coaching role
- Referral to UK Athletics or statutory agencies
- Legal action if criminal offence
Serious breaches, particularly those involving safeguarding, will be dealt with immediately and may result in suspension pending investigation.
Related Policies
Last Updated: November 2025
Next Review: November 2026
Approved by: HBAC Committee
All coaches and volunteers must sign acceptance of this Code of Conduct before coaching at HBAC.