Code of Conduct: Coaches and Teachers
The BSC code of conduct builds upon the guidelines and principals set out in the following and should be adhered to at all times:
• Swim England Wavepower and the club safeguarding policy and procedures
• Swim England Code of Ethics, Rules and Regulations
• Swim England Coaching Policy
• Swim England Equality and Diversity Policy
Club coaches and/or teachers are expected to:
• Always keep the wellbeing, safety, health and long term welfare of swimmers central to all decisions and actions.
• Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance; to remember to provide a consistent positive role model to all swimmers.
• Treat all swimmers with respect and dignity, value their worth and treat everyone equally, recognising their needs and abilities within the context of their sport.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with swimmers and parents/carers based on mutual trust and respect.
• Never exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. Coaches must not use their position to establish or pursue a sexual or improper relationship with an athlete or someone close to them.
• Use positive and constructive methods when teaching and coaching ensuring that programmes are appropriate for the age, ability and experience of the individual swimmer.
• Lead by example promoting positive behaviour, good sportsmanship and encouraging swimmers to do likewise;
o Obey the spirit of the rules and regulations both in and out of the pool.
o Never encourage or condone swimmers, volunteers, officials or parents to violate the rules of the club or the sport and report any violations appropriately.
o Treat all competitors and other club teams with respect, whether that is in victory or defeat and encourage all team members and fellow club members to do the same.
• Ensure that team selection is transparent and ensure fair and equal decision making.
• Encourage and guide swimmers to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
• Treat all information of a personal nature about individual swimmers as confidential, except in circumstances where to do so will allow the child to be placed at risk of harm or continue to be at risk of harm.
• Refer all concerns of a child safeguarding nature to the club Welfare Officer.
In addition coaches and/or teachers should:
• Keep qualifications and CPD up to date.
• Ensure that a current DBS certificate is maintained.
• Ensure that current Swim England safeguarding training is maintained.
Updated February 2024