Coaches' Code of Ethics
Coaches' Code of Ethics
Coaches' Code of Ethics
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Coaches’ <strong>Code</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
As an accredited Australian Gymnastic Federation coach, I will:<br />
Abide by the rules <strong>of</strong> the Federation as set forth in its constitution and by-laws.<br />
• follow procedures for enforcement <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Code</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
• accept any judgements made<br />
• use the established procedures for challenging a competitive result, contesting a team selection decision, complaining<br />
about the conduct <strong>of</strong> another member, or attempting to change policy <strong>of</strong> the Federation<br />
Direct my observations and recommendations regarding all aspects <strong>of</strong> gymnastics to the appropriate persons for the<br />
betterment <strong>of</strong> the sport.<br />
• be constructive in my criticisms and direct comments and observations to the relevant individuals and organisations,<br />
to avoid gossip innuendo and malicious comment<br />
• respect the efforts <strong>of</strong> appointed and elected representatives <strong>of</strong> the Federation<br />
Represent myself and my coaching status in an honest and pr<strong>of</strong>essional manner, without bringing the coaching pr<strong>of</strong>ession or<br />
the Federation into disrepute<br />
• use my accreditation status and Technical Membership <strong>of</strong> the AGF to represent my ability in an honest manner, not to<br />
gain unwarranted favours be pr<strong>of</strong>essional in and accept responsibility for my actions<br />
• extend pr<strong>of</strong>essional courtesy to other coaches, athletes and their parents by keeping them informed in matters relevant<br />
to athlete’s training programs<br />
• abide by and respect the regulations governing sport and the organisation and individuals administering those<br />
regulations<br />
• be a role model for my sport and my athletes<br />
Exercise a standard <strong>of</strong> care consistent with my competence and obligations as a coach<br />
• show concern for the health, safety and welfare <strong>of</strong> athletes and colleagues<br />
• coach within the limits <strong>of</strong> my competence as a coach<br />
• follow AGF safety guidelines in respect <strong>of</strong> the duty <strong>of</strong> care owed to the athlete<br />
• provide planned and sequential training programs based on the individual developmental needs <strong>of</strong> athletes<br />
• modify the training program for injured athletes based on appropriate medical advice when required<br />
• provide a safe environment for participants in training and competition<br />
Provide a quality service to my athletes and to the sport<br />
• maintain or improve my current NCAS accreditation<br />
• seek continual improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing coach education<br />
• honour the responsibilities given to a coach by keeping all relevant qualifications up to date<br />
• work to ensure my athletes’ time spent with me is a positive experience<br />
Promote and assist in the development <strong>of</strong> the coaching pr<strong>of</strong>ession<br />
• assist others to develop good attitudes, skills and knowledge relating to the sport<br />
• promote and assist in the education <strong>of</strong> other coaches<br />
Put athletes’ welfare first; making decisions based on the best interests <strong>of</strong> my athlete’s’ sporting, education and vocational<br />
careers<br />
• acknowledge the individual talents and potential <strong>of</strong> athletes<br />
• maintain a balanced emphasis <strong>of</strong> sporting involvement within educational and career objectives<br />
Show leadership, and support efforts to remove the abuse <strong>of</strong> drugs in sport<br />
• abide by the regulations <strong>of</strong> the relevant national and international sporting and government bodies<br />
• respect the health and dignity <strong>of</strong> athletes to compete on the basis <strong>of</strong> their abilities; within the rules <strong>of</strong> the sport <strong>of</strong><br />
gymnastics<br />
Encourage, by example, the removal <strong>of</strong> any form <strong>of</strong> personal abuse or inappropriate discrimination<br />
• refrain from verbal, physical or emotional abuse<br />
• refrain from any form <strong>of</strong> sexual harassment towards athletes and colleagues<br />
• refrain from using the influence <strong>of</strong> a coaching position to encourage inappropriate intimacy between coach and athlete<br />
• refrain from any discriminatory practices on the basis <strong>of</strong> race, religion, ethnic background, or special ability/disability<br />
<strong>of</strong> athletes<br />
• be alert to any forms <strong>of</strong> abuse towards my athletes from other sources whilst they are in my care<br />
Ensure physical contact with athletes is appropriate and necessary for the athletes’ skill development<br />
• ensure spotting methods and philosophy are consistent with established gymnastics principles<br />
• ensure spotting is used only to facilitate learning or safe performance
Compliance with the Coaches’ <strong>Code</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Ethics</strong><br />
It is imperative that all coaches wishing to become Technical Members <strong>of</strong> the Federation and registered with the Australian<br />
Coaching Council read and understand the Compliance procedures as detailed below. The procedures outlined below will be<br />
enforced by the Federation when dealing with potential breaches <strong>of</strong> the Coaches <strong>Code</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong>.<br />
1. An <strong>Ethics</strong> Committee will be formed to review issues <strong>of</strong> AGF members’ compliance with the <strong>Code</strong>. The composition<br />
and duties <strong>of</strong> the Committee shall be:<br />
1.1. Committee members shall be elected from the AGF Technical Membership for a two year term, unless the<br />
Committee member is no longer a Technical Member (in which case a new Committee member is elected)<br />
1.2. The Committee shall consist <strong>of</strong> five members, the President <strong>of</strong> the AGF will appoint one Committee<br />
member to act as a Chairman<br />
1.3. The Committee Chairman will receive complaints pertaining to the <strong>Code</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
1.4. The Committee will investigate and review complaints under the procedures established<br />
1.5. The Committee will recommend action to the AGF Board regarding complaints<br />
2. Procedures for review <strong>of</strong> complaints will follow the processes as set forth, to insure that the rights <strong>of</strong> all parties to the<br />
complaint are protected. The prime concern is for the potential victims in these issues, and safe-guarding the welfare<br />
<strong>of</strong> the public.<br />
2.1. Any person may file a complaint, verbally or in writing, to the Chairman <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Ethics</strong> Committee<br />
2.2. Any complaint, brought by a coach against another person, which is determined to be <strong>of</strong> a spurious or<br />
frivolous nature by the Committee will itself be considered as a breach <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Code</strong>, and action may be<br />
taken against the coach filing the original complaint.<br />
2.3. All parties will be informed by the Chairman that a complaint has been received. The coach named will be<br />
given an invitation to respond, in writing, within a reasonable time frame.<br />
2.4. The Committee will review all available written / oral information and may investigate any / all<br />
circumstances <strong>of</strong> the complaint. The Committee may choose to:<br />
2.4.1. Accept a written response and mediate an understanding between two or more parties involved<br />
in the complaint<br />
2.4.2. Schedule a full hearing where all parties to the complaint may address the Committee<br />
2.4.3. Recommend to the Board <strong>of</strong> the AGF that disciplinary action be taken<br />
2.5. The Board <strong>of</strong> the AGF will receive a recommendation from the <strong>Ethics</strong> Committee and make a decision on<br />
any disciplinary action to be taken. The Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Board will inform all parties, in writing, <strong>of</strong> the<br />
action taken.<br />
2.6. Any parties to the complaint may appeal disciplinary action. An appeal procedure will include:<br />
2.6.1. A written request to the President <strong>of</strong> the AGF to appeal the decision <strong>of</strong> the Board<br />
2.6.2. The appointment (made by the AGF National Executive / Coaching Director) <strong>of</strong> a three<br />
member Appeals Committee (made up <strong>of</strong> Level 2 or 3 accredited coaches who are not AGF<br />
Board members) to review the complaint and make a recommendation concerning the actions<br />
taken.<br />
3. Upon the recommendation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Ethics</strong> Committee, the Board <strong>of</strong> the AGF may impose any <strong>of</strong> the disciplinary<br />
actions, as follows:<br />
3.1. A letter to remind the coach <strong>of</strong> the accepted standards <strong>of</strong> conduct expected from AGF Coaches<br />
3.2. A letter <strong>of</strong> reprimand which becomes part <strong>of</strong> the coach’s pr<strong>of</strong>essional record and may have an influence on<br />
future coaching appointments or other recommendations made by the AGF Board<br />
3.3. A letter <strong>of</strong> reprimand (as above) with copies to the coach’s employer, club and / or State Association<br />
3.4. Probation <strong>of</strong> AGF Technical Membership for a set period <strong>of</strong> time<br />
3.5. Suspension <strong>of</strong> AGF Technical Membership for a set period <strong>of</strong> time<br />
In cases where civil or criminal law has been breached, the <strong>Ethics</strong> Committee may choose to consider the outcome <strong>of</strong> legal<br />
actions when making its decision on disciplinary action.