Coaching Code of Conduct

Purpose

Define expected standards for coaches, instructors, helpers and volunteers supporting KCC activity.

Scope

Applies to KCC coaches, instructors, leaders, helpers, volunteers and any person acting in a delivery or support role for club activity.

Source Basis

Source document: KCC – Code of Conduct (Coaches & Volunteers).docx

Document Content

Introduction

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.

Good Coaches ensure participants in paddlesport have positive experiences and are therefore more likely to continue in the sport and achieve their potential. Coaches should therefore ensure they demonstrate a high degree of honesty, integrity and competence at all levels. We want our Coaches to understand their responsibilities whilst maintaining the key concept that participation is for fun and enjoyment as well as achievement.

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 promptly to the Club Welfare Officer or another appropriate club officer.
• Ensure that any physical contact is necessary, appropriate, explained 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.