3.11 Using a code of conduct to prevent or detect grooming

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A clipboard with a sheet of official-looking paper on it. The paper has the heading. Code of conduct. Below this are lines of text and a green tick. Either side of the clipboard are two characters. A coach and an ice skater.

Codes of conduct are an important way to prevent grooming or take action if it happens. They spell out all the behaviour that is not allowed in your organisation. They should deter abusers from:

• Giving gifts to athletes.
• Demonstrating favouritism.
• Promoting a culture of secrecy.
• Providing lifts for athletes in private cars.
• Inviting athletes to their home.
• Spending time alone with athletes away from others.
• Using social media or e-communications to engage with athletes privately.
• Sharing hotel or other residential bedrooms with athletes at events or on tour.
• Taking athletes away on private trips (not organisation-approved trips).

If these behaviours are included in a code of conduct, and the code of conduct applies to everyone in your organisation, they reduce the opportunities to groom because they make it clear what isn’t acceptable.

In Session 5, you explore codes of conduct in more detail.