Parents & Guardians Code of Conduct
As a parent or guardian of a junior athlete at HBAC, you play a vital role in creating a positive, safe, and enjoyable environment for all young athletes.
Your Role
Parents and guardians are essential partners in your child's athletic development. Your support, encouragement, and positive attitude help create the best possible environment for young athletes to learn, develop, and enjoy their sport.
As a Parent/Guardian, I Will:
- ✓Remember that children participate in athletics for their enjoyment, not mine
- ✓Encourage my child to respect all athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators
- ✓Focus on my child's efforts and performance, not winning
- ✓Be realistic about my child's abilities and not push them beyond their capabilities
- ✓Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort
- ✓Respect coaches' decisions and instructions
- ✓Support all athletes in our club, not just my own child
- ✓Respect officials' decisions and not question them publicly
- ✓Ensure my child arrives on time with appropriate kit and equipment
- ✓Inform coaches of any medical conditions or injuries
- ✓Follow the club's safeguarding and photography policies
- ✓Pay membership fees and other charges on time
- ✓Volunteer to help the club when possible
I Will NOT:
- ✗Force my child to participate if they don't want to
- ✗Shout at, criticize, or embarrass my child or other athletes
- ✗Coach from the sidelines or contradict the coach's instructions
- ✗Criticize officials, coaches, or other parents
- ✗Use foul or abusive language
- ✗Engage in bullying or harassment of any kind
- ✗Put undue pressure on my child to perform
- ✗Condone or ignore rule violations or unsporting behaviour
- ✗Be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at training or events
At Training Sessions
When attending training sessions:
- Drop off and collect your child on time
- Allow coaches to do their job without interference
- Do not walk onto the track or training area during sessions
- Keep younger siblings supervised and away from training areas
- Respect the privacy of changing areas
- Set a good example with your own behaviour
At Competitions
Positive Sideline Behaviour:
- • Cheer for all athletes, not just your own child
- • Applaud good performances by all competitors
- • Accept the results graciously
- • Console your child if they're disappointed, but keep it positive
- • Thank volunteers and officials
- • Help with tasks if asked
Communication with Coaches
Good communication is important:
✓ DO
- • Speak respectfully to coaches
- • Arrange meetings at appropriate times
- • Listen to coaches' explanations
- • Work together for your child's benefit
- • Report concerns through proper channels
✗ DON'T
- • Approach coaches during training
- • Question coaching methods publicly
- • Make demands or ultimatums
- • Compare your child to others
- • Bypass the coach to complain
Safeguarding Responsibilities
As a parent/guardian, you have safeguarding responsibilities:
- Complete all required consent forms
- Provide accurate medical and emergency contact information
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately
- Respect the club's photography and social media policy
- Do not enter changing areas unless invited by a coach
- Ensure your child is collected by an authorized person
Social Media & Photography
When taking photos or posting on social media:
- • Only photograph your own child, not other children
- • Check with other parents before posting photos including their children
- • Follow the club's photography policy
- • Do not share anything that could identify children's locations
- • Report inappropriate photography to the Club Welfare Officer
Concerns or Complaints
If you have concerns:
- Speak to your child's coach first (at an appropriate time)
- If unresolved, contact a committee member
- For safeguarding concerns, contact the Club Welfare Officer immediately
- Follow the club's complaints procedure
Club Welfare Officer:
Email: welfare@hbac.co.uk
For safeguarding concerns about a coach or committee member
Breach of Code
Breach of this Code may result in:
- Verbal warning from a committee member
- Written warning
- Being asked to leave the venue
- Temporary ban from attending training or events
- Your child's membership being reviewed
- Permanent ban from club facilities and events
Related Policies
Last Updated: November 2025
Next Review: November 2026
Approved by: HBAC Committee
By enrolling your child at HBAC, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.