Coaches have an increased responsibility when involved in coaching young people.
The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are our first priority, before the achievement of the reputation of the club, coach or parent.
Code of Conduct for Coaches
1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person.
2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each runner above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Coaches must assess risks at the start of each session. Coaches must abort a session if they have concerns, for example relating to current or forecast weather conditions, insufficient responsible adults to accompany the group, illness or ill-health concerns of any runners, or if runners are not equipped for the session (this includes for example insufficient warm clothing, reflective clothing and head-torches during dark training sessions).
4. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by the Rules of the Sport.
5. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each runner based on mutual trust and respect.
6. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
7. Coaches must encourage and guide runners to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
8. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the runners.
9. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the runners (and where appropriate, the parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
10. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g other coaches, officials, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the runner.
11. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport and never condone violations of the Rules of the Sport, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Rules of the Sport or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
12. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
13. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language or behaviour.
Reviewed November 2023
