Codes of Conduct
The purpose of a code is to clarify:
- what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable
- the standards of practice expected
- the basis for challenging and improving practice
The codes are therefore a guide for individuals and clubs to think about, and monitor, how they, and others, conduct themselves in their roles. The codes let everyone know what they can expect from the club, coaches and volunteers, but also what standard of behaviour is expected from club members, athletes and parents/carers.
CLUB SAFEGUARDING CODE OF CONDUCT
Every club committee has a responsibility to implement and communicate codes of conduct, as well
as relevant policies and processes which link to the codes.
The Safeguarding section of the UKA and relevant Home Country governing body websites contain
examples of the documents listed below.
Affiliated clubs must:
• adopt the UKA and HCAF Child Safeguarding Policy and Child Safeguarding Procedures, and
ensure they are displayed prominently on websites and social media pages
• adopt the UKA and HCAF Adult Safeguarding Policy and Adult Safeguarding Procedures, and
ensure they are displayed prominently on websites and social media pages
• adopt the UKA and HCAF Codes of Conduct and ensure they are signed up to by those working
and volunteering in regulated roles, parents/carers and athletes (clubs that have online
membership processes, or utilise third party sites, must make sure the process includes a section
for the applicant to read and agree to abide by the codes of conduct)
• adopt the UKA and HCAF procedures for managing safeguarding concerns
• adopt a disciplinary process for managing misconduct cases
• appoint a minimum of one Welfare Officer in line with UKA guidelines and role description for
Club Welfare Officers
• ensure that all coaches and volunteers are recruited safely and are operating appropriately within
the club environment (i.e. that they hold appropriate up-to-date qualifications and licences, have
undertaken a satisfactory criminal record check, and are adhering to the safeguarding policies,
terms and conditions of their licence and the relevant codes of conduct)
• ensure that coaches, technical officials and club officers attend recommended safeguarding
training every three years
• adopt an induction process for new members that includes agreeing and signing up to the codes
of conduct, safeguarding policies, discipline policy, anti-bullying policies and other relevant
information
• liaise appropriately with parents/carers, officials, coaches, UKA, the relevant HCAF and other
relevant people/organisations to ensure that good practice is maintained
• maintain a register of safeguarding training attended and criminal record checks completed
relevant to club members, and share this register with the HCAF when asked
• ensure that contact details for Club Welfare Officers and relevant agencies are openly displayed in
club environs and on club websites, and made available to anyone who requires them
• ensure that club officers and volunteers act responsibly and set an example to others, especially
younger members
• respect the rights, dignity and worth of every club member and others involved in athletics
• develop an environment that promotes the wellbeing and safety of athletes above other
considerations, including the development of performance
• consistently promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play and never condone rule
violations or the use of prohibited or age-inappropriate substances
• accept that all office bearers and committee members have a responsibility for safeguarding
children’s wellbeing and protecting them from harm, and are prepared to respond to any concerns
of abuse or poor practice
• challenge and change poor practice
• implement any recommendations of UK Athletics or the relevant HCAF
• promote an environment where all concerns can be raised without fear of victimisation or reprisal
• ensure that everyone volunteering or working with children or adults at risk at their club attends
relevant safeguarding training every three years.
All England Athletics Codes of Conduct can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/clubhub/resource/codes-of-conduct