UK Athletics - Code of ethics for Coaches

The following is a summary of the code of ethics for coaches as supplied by uk:athletics, the UK's National governing body for Track & Field Athletics, to its registered coaches.

Introduction

The coach's primary role is to facilitate the process of individual development through achievement of Athletic potential. This role accepts the athletes' long term interests as of greater importance than short term athletic considerations. To fulfil this role the coach must behave in an ethical manner respecting the following points:

Coaches must respect basic human rights. Coaches should operate without discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, birth or other status
Coaches must respect the dignity and recognise the contribution of each individual., This includes respecting the right for freedom from physical or sexual harassment and advances
Coaches must ensure that the practical environment is safe and appropriate. This must take into consideration the age, maturity and skill level of the athlete. This is particularly important in the case of younger or less developed athletes
Coaches must acknowledge and respect the Rules of Competition. This respect should extend to the spirit as well as to the letter of the rules, in both training and competition, to ensure fairness of competitive opportunity between all athletes
Coaches must exhibit an active respect for officials, by accepting the ability of the officials to ensure that competitions are conducted fairly and according to the established rules
Coaches have a responsibility to influence the performance and conduct of the athletes they coach, while encouraging the independence and self determination of each athlete by their acceptance of responsibility for their own decisions, conduct and performance
Coaches must assert a positive and active leadership role to prevent any use of prohibited drugs or other disallowed performance enhancing substances or practices. This leadership by coaches includes education of the athletes on the harmful effects of prohibited substances and practices
The coach must acknowledge that all coaches have an equal right to desire the success of the athletes they coach - competing within the rules. Observation, recommendations and criticism of coaching practice should be directed to the appropriate person outside the view or hearing of the public
Coaches should never solicit, either overtly or covertly, athletes who are already receiving coaching to join their squad
Coaches should hold recognised coaching qualifications. Coaches should respect that the gaining of coaching qualifications is an ongoing commitment achieved through the upgrading of their knowledge by attendance at accredited courses and through practical coaching experience. Coaches also have a responsibility to share the knowledge and practical experience they gain
Coaches must respect the image of the coach and continuously maintain the highest standard of personal conduct, reflected in both the manner of appearance and behaviour
Coaches should seek out and fully co-operate with all individuals and agencies that could play a role in the development of the athletes they coach. This includes working openly with other coaches, using the expertise of sports scientists and sports physicians, and displaying an active support of their National Governing Body

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2001) UK Athletics - Code of ethics for Coaches [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/ukethics.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page: