Coaching Code of Conduct

As a coach or volunteer at Knottingley Canoe Club, you play a critical role in the development of paddlers, fostering a positive, safe, and inclusive environment. This Code of Conduct outlines the standards expected of all coaches, instructors, and volunteers to ensure the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and respect.

1. General Responsibilities

• Act as a role model by displaying high standards of behaviour and conduct.
• Promote the enjoyment of paddlesport as well as achievement, focusing on personal and team development.
• Ensure that all activities are appropriate to the age, experience, and ability of the participants.
• Keep up-to-date with qualifications and best practices, including safety training and safeguarding.

2. Safeguarding and Welfare

• Maintain a safe environment free of abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
• Follow Knottingley Canoe Club and Paddle UK’s safeguarding policies at all times.
• Report any concerns about a participant’s welfare immediately to the appropriate safeguarding officer.
• Ensure that any physical contact is necessary, appropriate, and consensual.

3. Professional Standards

• Commit to ongoing personal and professional development by attending relevant training and courses.
• Be fair, considerate, and honest with all participants, avoiding favouritism.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with all paddlers, avoiding intimate or inappropriate relationships.
• Do not engage in any behaviour that could be perceived as bullying, harassment, or abuse.

4. Communication and Relationships

• Develop respectful and open relationships with paddlers, parents, and other club members.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, providing constructive feedback to support learning and development.
• Respect the opinions and contributions of all participants and encourage them to take responsibility for their decisions.
• Collaborate with other coaches, volunteers, and officials, sharing knowledge and supporting each other.

5. Health and Safety

• Conduct risk assessments before all activities to ensure the safety of participants.
• Be aware of the physical needs of all paddlers, ensuring that training loads are appropriate.
• Encourage good practice around the use of equipment, personal safety, and adherence to club rules.
• Report all accidents, incidents, or near-misses using the club’s reporting system.

6. Integrity and Ethics

• Uphold the spirit of paddlesport by promoting fair play and discouraging cheating or unsafe behaviour.
• Do not use or condone the use of performance-enhancing drugs or other banned substances.
• Avoid conflicts of interest, ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interest of participants.
• Respect the confidentiality of personal information, complying with data protection laws.

7. Commitment to Inclusion

• Ensure that all participants, regardless of gender, ability, race, or background, have equal opportunities to participate.
• Challenge any form of discrimination or exclusionary behaviour within the club.
• Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

8. Personal Conduct

• Refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, or using recreational drugs while coaching, volunteering, or in club settings.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanour during all coaching and volunteering activities.
• Be punctual, prepared, and organised for all sessions.