3.9 Enforcing Procedures: a code of conduct example
Codes of conduct work most effectively when the following are understood:
- The purpose.
- Who is a Covered Person under the code.
- The requirement to comply.
- The consequences for not complying.
- The links to a system to report and respond (including disciplinary action where appropriate) when it is suspected that someone has behaved in an unacceptable way.
This is what gives a code of conduct authority and
Activity: The purpose of a coaches’ code of conduct
Write an appropriate description of the purpose of a coaches’ code of conduct.
This needs to convey this important information as an introduction to the code of conduct – it sets the scene.
Remember that the language that describes the purpose should be clear, simple to understand and should relate to the environments in which coaches work.
Comment
Here is our example of a description of the purpose of the code of conduct – could this help you develop your own version?
Our organisation has zero tolerance for abuse and poor practice. Every child or adult who participates in our sport should be able to do so in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. Everyone involved in our sport has a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour.
We will achieve this by encouraging positive coaching behaviours that are person-centred. This coaches’ code of conduct details the type of behaviours we require and those behaviours which will not be tolerated.
A coach is an important role model and has the biggest single impact on an athlete’s wellbeing, development, and experience of our sport. This code of conduct helps to create a positive, enjoyable environment for athletes to experience our sport. It also helps coaches, by providing clarity about what is OK and what is not, and the type of behaviour they should report. The code of conduct can also help prevent coaches getting into potentially difficult situations, by helping you to set and maintain professional boundaries, and adopt safer working practices with athletes.
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| The consequences of failing to comply with a code of conduct |
Every covered person should be required to sign a code of conduct to confirm that they understand what the organisation expects of them in terms of their behaviour – and that a failure to comply will result in action being taken. This is often very important in any investigation, as it prevents an individual claiming not to have understood how they were expected to behave. |
Below we have provided an example of language that addresses these points and can be included in a code of conduct:
I understand that if I fail to comply with the requirements in this code of conduct, any/all of the following actions may be taken by the organisation.
I may be the subject of an investigation and be:
- Required to attend a safeguarding education course(s).
- Monitored by another coach.
- Required to meet with disciplinary and/or safeguarding staff as part of an investigation.
- Provisionally suspended from some or all activities.
- Referred to the relevant authorities if a crime is suspected to have been committed, for the commencement of legal proceedings.
- Banned from participating in any sport-related activities.
In addition:
I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the terms of the coach code of conduct. I understand that failure to adhere to the coach code of conduct may result in further action being taken against me.
PRINT NAME………………………………….
Signed…………………………………………
Dated …………………………………………
Next, let’s think about why codes of conduct are so important.
3.8 Implementing procedures: a code of conduct example
