Aberdour Tennis Club Code of Conduct and Complaints Procedure

Code of Conduct

All members of staff, volunteers and members agree to:

•             Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk at all times

•             Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect

•             Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking

•             Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court

•             Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language

•             Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer

•             Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk

•             Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs

•             Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media

•             Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos

•             Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or              congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five)

•             Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions

•             Ensure that they adhere to the zero-tolerance policy on use of drugs anywhere on the premises at ATC

•             Ensure that alcohol is only consumed in line with published ‘safe limits’ so that there are no detrimental effects on others at ATC

•             Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training

•             Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances

•             Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle

•             Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such

•             Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for

•             Be acutely aware of the power that coaches and coaching assistants develop over players in the coaching relationship and avoid any intimacy (sexual or otherwise) with players

All children agree to:

•             Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults

•             Play fairly and honestly

•             Respect club staff, volunteers and Officials and accept their decisions

•             Behave, respect and listen to your coach

•             Take care of your equipment and club property

•             Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity

•             Not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media

•             Not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media

•             Not smoke, drink alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions or events

•             Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others

All parents and carers agree to:

•             Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis

•             Use appropriate language at all times

•             Be realistic and supportive

•             Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match

•             Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and members of staff with respect

•             Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child

•             Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches

•             Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best

•             Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue

•             Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions

•             Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct

•             Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations

•             Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history

Complaints Procedure

In the event of any report of misconduct by a player/member at ATC or when representing the club at any other venue the misconduct will be investigated by the committee which could lead to the player/member's membership of ATC being terminated.

The Chair of the committee will make the final decision after an internal investigation has taken place.