BLTC Code of Conduct

(This Code of Conduct is based upon the 2 “Code of Conduct” templates outlined by the LTA in the context of Safeguarding and Diversity legislation.)  

This Code applies to all users of the club’s courts, ie Members, Parents or Guardians of Junior members, Carers, Members’ guests, Club Officers and Coaches.   Members are responsible for the conduct of all those they have invited to visit the courts.  

Members, Club Officers, and coaches agree to:

Safety, Children and Adults at Risk

 Ensure the well-being of all children[1]and adults at risk at all times 

        (a) Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect 

        (b).   Avoid any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk

        (c).   Wherever possible avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless you are a parent or adult responsible for that individual

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

         (e).   Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries you have about the safety of yourself or others.

         (f)   Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries you have about the safety of yourself or others 

Diversity and Inclusion

          (g).  Help to create an inclusive environment both on and off court 

          (h).   Value and celebrate diversity, and make all reasonable efforts to meet       individual needs 

Behaviour

          (i)    Keep clear boundaries between professional (ie tennis-related) and personal life, including on social media 

           (j).  Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or congratulatory (eg handshake or “high five”)

            (k).    Do not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone, or act in a way that may be interpreted as such

            (l).   Do not have a relationship with anyone (under or over 18) you are coaching, or for whom you have responsibly within the orbit of the Club

             (m).    Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos

              (n).    Abstain from rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language

               (o).     Take care of all the court facilities and equipment.

               (p).    Do not leave litter in the court area

               (q).   Abstain from smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs of any kind in the court area.

                (r).    Do not cause a nuisance or disturbance to residents.

Standards of dress on Court

                 (s).     Wear appropriate tennis clothing and shoes on court

Administration

                 (t).     Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer

                 (u).   Ensure roles and responsibilities clearly indicate where training is a requirement

In particular, all adults agree to:

1. Ensure that your child understands their part of the Code of Conduct (see below)
2. Positively reinforce children and show an interest in their tennis
3. Use appropriate language at all times.
4. Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match.
5. Treat all children, adults, coaches, and officers with respect
6. Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best
7. Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the courts and the weather conditions
8. Ensure your child is delivered safely to the courts and is not left alone in the court area with any adult
9. Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations
10. Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about children for whom they are responsible

All children (ie those under 18) agree to:

1. Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults
2. Play fairly and honestly
3. Behave, respect and listen to your coach
4. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants in club activities regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity
5. Never use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
6. Never bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media
7. Never smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs of any kind in the court area
8. Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries you have about yourself or others

This Code was created October 2018.   It will be  reviewed by the Club Welfare Officer and Club Secretary every two years (or earlier if there is a change in national legislation).

This document is available on the Club’s website or on request from the Club Secretary

[1]   For the purpose of this Code of Conduct, “children” is defined as anyone under the age of 18