Code of Practice

As a responsible Athletics Club we will:-
a) Adopt National Welfare Policies and Procedures and adhere to the codes of practice and respond to any suspected breaches or allegations in accordance with the clubs Welfare Policy.
b) Appoint a Welfare Officer and ensure they are provided with appropriate training to act as a first point of contact for concerns about welfare issues.
c) Ensure that all Club Officials/Coaches and Volunteers attend recommended training in Welfare and Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults as appropriate and that refresher training is undertaken every three years.
d) Ensure that all Club Officials/Coaches and Volunteers operating within the Club Environment hold the appropriate qualifications and have taken the appropriate checks i.e. A current active certificate with the Disclosure Barring Service [DBS].
e) Liaise appropriately with the Parents/Guardians/Carers/Coaches/Officials/National Governing Bodies and other relevant people and organisations to ensure that good practice is maintained.
f) Ensure that information is available at the club regarding contact details for the Local Social Services Care Staff.
g) Ensure that all Club Officials/Coaches and Volunteers act responsibly and set a good example to others; especially younger members.
h) Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every other Club Member and others involved in athletics and treat everyone equal.
i) Constantly promote positive aspects of the sport, such as fair play, and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited or age inappropriate substances.
j) Always challenge inappropriate behaviour and bad language by others.
k) Always place the safety and welfare of the athlete above all other considerations including the development of performance
l) Report any suspected misconduct by Club Officials/Coaches/Volunteers or other people involved in athletics in the first instance to the Vice Chairman/Club Secretary or, if you suspect it is a welfare issue, to the Welfare Officer as soon as possible.
m) Members are reminded that using social media is perfectly acceptable. However, if using it in the interests of the club then paragraph (h) of this document should be adhered to.