Code of Conduct Professional Standards

To maximise benefits and minimise the risks to athletes, coaches must attain a high level of competence through qualifications and a commitment to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice.  

Issues

Coaches will:

  • Provide a safe environment that maximises benefits and minimises risks to athletes in achieving their goals.
  • Promote the execution of safe and correct practice.
  • Be professional and accept responsibility for their actions.
  • Make a commitment to providing a quality service to their athletes.
  • Actively promote the positive benefits to society of participation in sport.
  • Contribute to the development of coaching as a profession by exchanging knowledge and ideas with others.
  • Gain NGB coaching qualifications appropriate to the level at which they coach.

Actions

  • Follow the guidelines of your NGB or employer.
  • Only allow participation if there is no risk to the athlete.
  • Plan all sessions so they meet the needs of the athletes and are progressive and appropriate.
  • Maintain appropriate records of your athletes.
  • Recognise and accept when it is appropriate to refer an athlete to another coach or specialist.
  • Seek to achieve the highest level of qualification available.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of technical developments in your sport.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of other issues that might impact on both you and your athletes.
  • Be aware of the social issues and how your sport can contribute to local, regional or national initiatives.
  • Actively participate in recruitment and education opportunities in your sport.
  • Actively contribute to local, regional and national initiatives to improve the standards and quality of coaching both in your sport and sport in general.
  • Practise in an open and transparent fashion that encourages other coaches to contribute to or learn from your knowledge and experience.
  • Engage in self-analysis and reflection to identify your professional needs.
  • Seek continuous professional development opportunities to develop your coaching skills and update your knowledge.
  • Manage your lifestyle and coaching commitments to avoid burnout that might impair your performance.
  • Do not assume responsibility for any role for which you are not qualified or prepared.
  • Do not misrepresent your level of qualification.