How can codes of conduct help prevent harm?
An organisation committed to high safeguarding standards can help protect everyone from harm.
The following example of a Women’s U20s Netball Championship shows what can happen without a clear code of conduct.
Reducing the risk of harm through an effective code of conduct
Watch the video below and then answer the questions that follow.
Trigger warning: The following animation contains content related to abuse in sport which some viewers may find difficult or distressing. |
Transcript
a.
This limits the likelihood of other members of the team feeling left out.
b.
This limits the opportunity for adults to sexually abuse a child.
The correct answer is b.
b.
That's correct, avoiding being alone with a child who is not theirs, limits the opportunity for adults to sexually abuse a child.
a.
It is never acceptable for any kind of sexual ‘relationship’ between staff and athletes or players as, even if a coach is the same age as an athlete or player, it is still an abuse of power and position of trust.
b.
Having a sexual ‘relationship’ with an athlete or player can create problems in the future if the relationship breaks down and makes it uncomfortable for everyone.
The correct answer is a.
a.
That's correct. Even if a coach is the same age as an athlete or player, it is still an abuse of power and position of trust.
a.
This prevents children learning bad words and using them against their coaches.
b.
This sets a positive example and prevents behaviour that can make it easier for more serious abuse to happen.
The correct answer is b.
b.
That's correct, speaking to children respectfully and not using sexualised language or humour sets a positive example and prevents behaviour that can make it easier for more serious abuse to happen.
a.
Banning sexual abuse and harassment makes it clear that your sport does not accept this behaviour in any form.
b.
Banning sexual abuse and harassment will make sure adults do not get into trouble with the police and parents of children.
The correct answer is a.
a.
That's correct. Banning sexual abuse and harassment makes it clear that your sport does not accept this behaviour in any form.
a.
This prevents behaviour that could allow someone to have secret conversations with a child or make comments that harm a child’s wellbeing.
b.
Many children have social media accounts and use them a lot, so this prevents adults’ social media accounts being filled up with comments from children.
The correct answer is a.
a.
That's correct. It prevents behaviour that could allow someone to have secret conversations with a child or make comments that harm a child’s wellbeing.
a.
A code of conduct could have helped prevent the behaviours that were rumoured to have occurred.
b.
Everybody connected with the team would have known the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
The correct answers are a and b.
a.
Both of these answers are correct.
b.
Both of these answers are correct.
 |
| Where can I find examples of codes of conduct? |
Developing codes of conduct is an important part of your organisation’s commitment to safeguarding and should be linked to a safeguarding policy. Visit www.safeinsport.org to find out more about what a good code of conduct should include. |
Agreeing behaviours for everyone in your sport
