Ethics and code of conduct for sports coaches
Coaching, as an emerging profession, must demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity and sports coaches are expected to conform to ethical standards. Sports Equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. As a coach it's your responsibility to:- Recognise inequalities
- Ensure that disabled people, people from ethnic minorities and women and girls all have the same access to your coaching sessions
- Ensure that all participants are treated equally, recognising that different people have different needs and aspirations
- Take positive action to ensure your sport becomes equally accessible to everyone in society
It is important that coaches understand and act on their responsibilities whilst maintaining the key concept of participation for fun and enjoyment as well as achievement. The code of conduct defines all that is best in good coaching.
Your governing body for sport may have its own code of conduct for coaches. It is a good idea to contact your sport to find out what information is available
- Rights - coaches must respect and champion the rights of every individual to participate in sport
- Relationships - coaches must develop a relationship with athletes (and others) based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect
- Responsibilities, personal standards - coaches must demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times
- Responsibilities , professional standards - to maximise benefits and minimise the risks to athletes, coaches must maintain a high level of competence through qualifications and a commitment to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice
This code is highly important and it's recommended that all coaches obtain a copy. This can be bought from Coachwise at a cost of £2.50
Page 1|2
