Code of Ethics and Conduct

This Code of Ethics and Conduct applies to all those involved in the sport of badminton under the jurisdiction of the Badminton Association of England. Members and guests include all members and officers of Truro Badminton Club and all players and guests of those members and officers, as well as all individuals who watch/attend/participate/officiate in matches hosted by the club in whatever capacity. Truro Badminton Club is committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of behaviour and conduct at badminton games and club nights.

Everyone has a responsibility to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of badminton is beyond reproach.

Everyone involved in badminton, both adults and young people have a responsibility to treat everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity and fairness. In particular, be aware of the special needs of young people and vulnerable adults, and recognise that some face additional barriers. Every young person or vulnerable adult involved in the game of badminton should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. Allegations of a child protection nature relating to the breaking of this Code of Ethics and Conduct must follow the reporting procedures as contained in the Safeguarding children and Child Protection Policy.

The Management Committee is responsible for ensuring the overall implementation, monitoring and revision of this policy.

All Members are responsible for familiarising themselves with and achieving the standards of conduct expected of them.

The following principles must be adhered to at all times so that badminton can be enjoyed by all.

Members, visitors and guests

All those involved in badminton must treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural or social background, sexual orientation, religious belief, political affiliation or any other personal characteristic/feature. Truro badminton club is opposed to any form of violent, offensive or discriminatory behaviour and will act as necessary to remove individuals from the Club who do not abide by this Code of Ethics and Conduct. All members, visitors and guests will,

• Display high standards of behaviour
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of badminton
• Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation
• Treat your team-mates and opponents, coaches, club officials and umpires with respect and consideration at all times – treat them as you would like to be treated
• Not use foul, sexist, racist language or offensive gestures at any time
• Know and abide by the rules and spirit of the game
• Encourage all participants to learn the Laws and rules and play within them, always respecting the decisions of match officials
• Promote the positive aspects of badminton, for example fair play and actively discourage unfair play, rule violations and arguing with match officials
• Place the well-being and safety of children above the development of performance
• Ensure activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual
• Respect children’s opinions when making decisions about their participation in badminton
• Do not smoke, or drink while working with children in the club
• Not provide children with alcohol when they are under the care of the club
• Never use banned substances
• Follow Ba of E guidelines set out in the “Policy for Safeguarding Children” and any other relevant guidelines issued
• Report any concerns in relation to a child, following reporting procedures laid down by the Ba of E
• Avoid violence and rough play and help injured opponents
• Accept the decisions of the umpires without question or complaint (let your captain or coach ask the necessary questions) and avoid words or actions which may mislead an umpire
• Abide by the instructions of the coach and club officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code of Ethics and Conduct or the rules of badminton
• Do not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of discrimination if witnessed
• Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance through the whole game, even if it is considered already over;
• Accept victory and defeat with humility and dignity and without excessive emotional displays
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own
• Be a good sport, applaud all good performance, whether by your team or by the opponent
• At the end of play applaud and thank your opponents

Club officers and appointed volunteers

Truro badminton club officers and appointed volunteers are responsible for maintaining a high standard of conduct and implementing the Ba of E and Truro badminton club Code of Ethics and Conduct. They will,

• Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious belief or political affiliation;
• Not use foul, sexist or racist language;
• Take action against any club member or spectator who harasses, abuses or uses foul, sexist or racist language;
• Accept the responsibilities of their role and set a good example of behaviour and conduct at all times and promote ethical principles;
• Ensure all members follow best practice guidelines to safeguard young people and vulnerable adults;
• Ensure that proper supervision is provided by suitably qualified coaches and officials who are capable of promoting good sporting behaviour and good technical skills;
• Ensure all equipment and facilities meet safety standards;
• Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques;
• Encourage all players and coaches to abide by the rules and spirit of the game and do not manipulate the rules in order to benefit yourself personally or your club;
• Show respect to match officials, coaches, players and others involved in the game;
• Do not endeavour to influence the result of a game by any actions that are not strictly within the rules;
• Remember sport is enjoyed for its own sake – play down the importance of awards;
• Always have regard to the best interests of badminton, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game, others involved and any particular aspect of it;
• Avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official and accept their decisions.
• Attend appropriate training to keep up to date with their role, especially with respect to the safeguarding of children
• Hold relevant qualifications and be covered by appropriate insurance
• Have been appropriately vetted eg DBS checks if required
• Always work in an open environment (i.e. avoid private, or unobserved, situations and encourage an open environment)
• Inform players and parents of the requirements of badminton
• Know and understand the Ba of E’s “Policy for Safeguarding Children”
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with young players, based on mutual trust and respect
• Ensure physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the young player’s full consent and approval
• Not engage in any form of sexually related contact with a young player. This is strictly forbidden, as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms. The Ba of E adopts the Home Office guidelines. These recommend “people in positions of trust and authority do not have sexual relationships with 16-17 year olds or younger children in their care”

Coaches

This Code of Ethics and Conduct is an integral part of the Ba of E Education Programme within which all coaches must work. It should be used in conjunction with all other Ba of E and Truro badminton club policies, procedures or recognised standards. Through this Code of Ethics and Conduct, coaches who are affiliated to Ba of E must accept their responsibility to the participants, their parents and families, to coaching and to Ba of E affiliated associations. All affiliated coaches agree to:

• Consider the safety and wellbeing of all individuals in their charge;
• Ensure their behaviour is not misconstrued or open to allegations of favouritism, misconduct or impropriety;
• Follow guidance on good practice when working with young people/vulnerable adults and report any concerns for their wellbeing to the relevant authority or body;
• Uphold the appropriate boundaries in the working relationship between coach and player – especially when one person is aged under 18 years of age or a vulnerable adult. While the coach-player relationship Exists, the coach should not only refrain from initiating a relationship, but should also discourage any attempt by a player to initiate an intimate relationship, explaining the ethical basis of the refusal;
• Ensure that all training and playing demands are not detrimental to the wellbeing of the players and are reasonable dependent upon the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players;
• Ensure their competence and ability is sufficient so that the safety of players is not compromised:
• Encourage players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance:
• Be appropriately qualified as per the requirements of the Ba of E Coach Education Programme and regularly seek opportunities for continued professional development;
• Respect the rights of players to choose to decline to participate within coaching or playing situations;
• Declare any affiliation, sponsorship or accreditation in a truthful and accurate manner;
• Be receptive to employing systems of evaluation that include self-evaluation and also external evaluation in an effort to assess the effectiveness of your work;
• Abide by all rules and policies of Ba of E;
• Hold a clear Enhanced DBS check when in a position of regulated activity;
• Comply with all safeguarding and first aid policies and procedures including submitting Self-Declaration forms;
• Promote prevention and education regarding the misuse of performance enhancing drugs and illegal substances;
• Declare any history or instances where you were disciplined, dismissed, cautioned, warned or convicted of any offence relating to children/young people/vulnerable adults on a Self Declaration form submitted to the EB Compliance Officer;
• Whilst working under the jurisdiction of Ba of E will only coach individuals that are registered/affiliated to Ba of E;
• Not attempt to exert undue influences and pressures in order to obtain personal benefit or reward;
• Must be able to recognise and accept when to refer or recommend players to other coaches or structures;
• Agree what information what will be treated confidentially (this does not preclude disclosure of information to persons who can be judged to have a right to know such as in matters of discipline, legal and medical requirements or where an individuals health, safety or wellbeing may be at risk);
• Communicate and co-ordinate with medical practitioners in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a players’ medical/psychological problems;
• Be a positive role model;
• Project a good personal appearance of cleanliness and never smoke in the coaching environment, or coach whilst under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance;
• Never use foul, sexist or racist language or act in a violent/abusive manner;
• Refrain from undue public criticism of other coaches or match officials.
• Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other clubs, coaches or officials.
• Refrain from posting any comments on social media which bring the reputation of Ba of E into disrepute.
• Follow all Ba of E guidance on Social Media, Appropriate Communication and the Duty of Care policies.

Family/guardians of participants

• Teach your child to treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of their age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation; gender, ethnic origin or cultural background;
• Support all efforts to remove verbal, physical and racist abuse from badminton ;
• Not force an unwilling participant to take part in badminton ;
• Remember that young people are involved for their enjoyment – not yours;
• Encourage all to play by the rules and respect the match officials;
• Never ridicule or shout at a participant for making a mistake or losing a game;
• Teach that effort and teamwork are as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment;
• Remember that young people and vulnerable adults learn best by example;
• Refrain from publicly questioning the judgement or honesty of match officials;
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteers in badminton. They give their time, energy and resources to provide recreational activities for others.
• Not shout abuse at officials, coaches, players or other spectators.

Spectators of games under the jurisdiction of Truro Badminton Club

• Do not use offensive, discriminatory or obscene language or gestures. Do not harass or verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators in any form;
• Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation;
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms and refrain from any violent or aggressive behaviour;
• Show respect for opponents and match officials. Without them there would be no game;
• Acknowledge good performance and fair play by opponents as well as by your own team;
• Remember the players are taking part for their enjoyment not yours;
• Do not ridicule players who make mistakes;
• Do not over emphasise the importance of winning;
• On no account should you enter the court unless authorised otherwise;
• Do not shout abuse at officials, coaches, players or other spectators;

Adults to young people

• Be aware of how your language and behaviour may have an effect and ensure you do not use foul language, humiliate or bully any young person;
• Make sure you are fully aware of and follow the latest guidance on working with young people;
• Treat everyone with respect and dignity, recognising the additional needs or disadvantages of those with disabilities or from minority backgrounds;
• Set a good example as young people will learn from you;
• Make sure disciplinary actions are non violent/humiliating and use rewards, praise and acknowledgment to reinforce good behaviour;
• Listen and act if a young person tells you they’re being bullied or abused.

Young people to each other

• Never bully, spread rumours or tell lies about other young people;
• Welcome and include new players whatever their background or ability;
• Control your emotions – verbal or physical abuse is not acceptable at any time;
• Don’t show off or try to humiliate other players;
• Don’t ridicule or blame team mates who make mistakes;
• Make sure you tell your coach/parents if another young person confides in you and you think they need help.

Anti-bullying

Truro badminton clubis committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for everyone to train and play in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, everyone should be able to tell, and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means anyone who knows bullying is happening is expected to tell staff and officials.

What is bullying?

Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can take many forms some of which we’ve listed below:

• Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (for example: hiding kit, or making threatening gestures)
• Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
• Racist: racial taunts, graffiti and/or gestures
• Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
• Homophobic: because of, or focusing on, the issue of sexuality
• Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours and teasing
• Cyber: All areas of the internet, such as email and internet chatrooms. Mobile threats by text message and/or calls. Misuse of associated technology, such as camera and video facilities

Why is it important to respond to bullying?

Bullying hurts. No one should be a victim of bullying. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Children or adults who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. We have a responsibility to respond promptly, and effectively, to issues of bullying.

Objectives of this policy

• All officials, coaching and non-coaching staff, children and parents at Trturo Badminton Club have an understanding of what bullying is.
• All officials, coaching and non-coaching staff know what our club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
• All children and parents should know what the club policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises
• As a club, we take bullying seriously. Children and parents should be assured they will be supported when bullying is reported. Bullying will not be tolerated.

Prevention of bullying

We will use KIDSCAPE methods to help children prevent bullying. As and when appropriate, these may include:

• Writing a set of club rules
• Signing a behaviour contract
• Having discussions about bullying and why it matters

Please do not hesitate to raise concerns with our Child Welfare Officer, or any other member of the management team, should they arise.

Anti Doping

Truro badminton club condemns and is totally opposed to performance enhancing and recreation drug use in the sport of badminton. All involved in badminton must:

• Familiarise themselves with the UK Anti Doping Rules.
• Take sole responsibility for all foods, medications and supplements taken;
• Be aware disciplinary action may be taken for criminal conviction for possession or use of drugs.

Any drug misuse or abuse will be considered a serious misconduct and investigated according to the club disciplinary policy.

Procedures

Any breach of the code of conduct will be considered misconduct and investigated according to the club disciplinary policy.

• Any bullying will be considered a serious misconduct.
• Report child bullying incidents to the Club Safeguarding Officers. Report adult bullying incidents to the team captain, chairman or vice-chairman.
• In cases of serious bullying involving a child, the incidents will be reported to the Child Protection Team for advice via the County Welfare Officer. Parents will be informed and will be asked to come to a meeting to discuss the problem
• If necessary, and appropriate, police will be consulted
• The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly
• An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour