CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES / VOLUNTEERS

As a responsible Coach you will:

Place the welfare and safety of the skater above the development of performance
Be appropriately qualified including obtaining DBS clearance, update your licence and education as and when required by GBSA and adhere to the terms of the coaching licence
Ensure that activities you direct or guide are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual skater
At the outset clarify with skaters (and where appropriate, with parents or carers) exactly what it is that is expected of them and what skaters are entitled to expect from you
Try to observe a recommended maximum ratio of 1 coach to 15 skaters at a training session or work in partnership with another coach/coaching assistant.
Cooperate fully with others involved in the sport such as technical officials, other coaches and representatives of the governing body in the best interests of the skater
Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited or age-inappropriate substances
Encourage and guide skaters to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

As a responsible Coach or volunteer you will:

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every skater and others involved in the sport and treat everyone equally.
Develop appropriate working relationships with skaters based on mutual trust and respect, especially with those skaters under 18 years or vulnerable adults
Do not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward
A coach/volunteer MUST strictly maintain a clear boundary between friendship and intimacy with skaters and do not conduct inappropriate relationships with skaters. Relationship with skaters can cause significant problems for other team members, raising concerns of favouritism and/or victimisation should the relationship later end.
In particular, you MUST NOT allow an intimate personal relationship to develop between yourself and any skater aged under 18 years. Any violation of this could result in a Coach licence being withdrawn. It may also be a criminal offence to conduct a relationship with a skater aged under 16 years. It may also be a violation of your coaching licence to form an intimate personal relationship with a vulnerable adult coached by you.

As a responsible Coach or Volunteer, when participating in or attending any Artistic Roller Skating activities, including training/coaching sessions and competition events you will:

Act with dignity and display courtesy and good manners towards others.
Avoid swearing and abusive language and irresponsible behaviour including behaviour that is dangerous to yourself or others, acts of violence, bullying, harassment and physical and sexual abuse.
Challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others
Be aware that your attitude and behaviour directly affects the behaviour of skaters under your supervision.
Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour.
Avoid destructive behaviour and leave skating venues as you find them.
Not carry or consume alcohol to excess and/or illegal substances.
Avoid carrying any items that could be dangerous to yourself or others excluding skating equipment used in the course of your skating activity.

In addition, coaches and volunteers should follow these guidelines on best coaching practice, in particular with young skaters or with vulnerable adults.

Avoid critical language or actions, such as sarcasm which could undermine a skater’s self-esteem. Use positive feedback and finish on a good point.
Avoid spending time alone with young skaters unless clearly in the view of others to protect both yourself and the young skater. In special circumstances, for example when coaching elite young skaters, one to one coaching sessions may form part of the required training schedule. In this circumstance, parental/guardian consent must be sought and obtained prior to sessions taking place. The coach must inform the parent/guardian of the venue for training and an emergency contact number should be provided by both the coach and parent/guardian.
Avoid taking young skaters alone in your car.
Never invite a young skater alone into your home.
Never share a bedroom with a child.
Always explain why and ask for consent before touching a skater.
Ensure that parents/carers know and have given consent before taking a young skater away from the usual training venue.
Work in same-sex pairs if supervising changing areas.
Respect the right of young skaters to an independent life outside of skating.
Report any accidental injury, distress, misunderstanding or misinterpretation to parents/carers and club Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible. Report any suspected misconduct by other coaches or other people involved in Artistic Roller Skating to the Club or GBSA Safeguarding as soon as possible.