Coaches', Officials' and Volunteers' Code of Conduct

All Club Coaches, Officials and Volunteers must:-

Coaching Practices:

• Consider the well being and safety of participants before the development of performance.
• Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover.
• Never trial skills beyond your coaching grade without authorisation and supervision of a suitably qualified coach who will accept responsibility.
• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part and ensure all participants are suitably prepared physically and mentally when learning new skills.
• Always report any incidents, referrals or disclosures immediately, following the appropriate guidelines set out in the BG Child Protection procedures.
• Follow all guidelines laid down by British Gymnastics and Bracknell Gymnastic Club.

Morality & Ethical Standards:

• Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Make sure that confidential information is not divulged unless with the express approval of the individual concerned.
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play).
• Encourage performers to value their performances and not just results.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers based on mutual trust and respect.
• Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance, dressing suitably and not using inappropriate language at any time whilst involved with club activities.
• Never consume alcohol immediately before or during training or events.
• Obtain prior agreement from the parent/guardian of performers before transporting them anywhere (training/competitions).
• Never have performers stay overnight at your home.
• Never hold one to one coaching sessions with out the presence of another responsible adult who can act as reliable witnesses to good practice.
• Coaches, official volunteers and officers should not converse or leave messages for children under 16 online or via text message. Even when this is acceptable (i.e. within families & over 16 years +), caution is advised.
• Coaches should not add club children under 16, their parents or allow them access to their profile on social networking sites.
• Never condone rule violations or use of prohibited substances.
• Endeavour to establish good communications with the committee, coaches, parents and gymnasts for the benefit of all.

Attire:

• Coaches should clearly be identifiable by their attire as working in an official capacity in a position of responsibility.
• Bracknell Leisure Centre uniform must be worn for all BLC classes i.e. their current coaching staff t-shirt.
• Bracknell Gymnastics Club uniform should be worn where possible for BGC squads (not for BLC classes).
• Outdoor shoes must not be worn anywhere gymnasts will be or are currently training, due to risk of direct or indirect injury (i.e. carrying dirt, glass fragments, germs into gymnastics area).
• Coaches may work in gym shoes, clean socks or bare feet. Socks are acceptable when coaching if coach has BG insurance, but not for any tumbling, vault or beam demonstrations. All gymnastics activity (demonstration or participation) requires gymnastics shoes or bare feet (with the exception team gym floor routines where spins are required and other floor elements of low risk).
• All jewellery should be removed, or covered if necessary e.g. watches for time keeping.
• Coaches should make every effort to set a positive example in terms of adherence to personal safety, appropriate attire and personal hygiene.
• Coaches should ensure that gymnast remove or cover all jewellery. Long hair must be tied back. Clothing should be suitable for gymnastics activity.

Failure to adhere to this code of conduct could lead to disciplinary action and / or termination of club membership.