The aim of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the facilities at our Club. It applies to members, guests, visitors, coaches, volunteers, and staff.

We trust that everyone will act kindly, respectfully and show understanding for the safety and welfare of others.  However, the Club reserves the right to suspend or ban from the premises anyone who behaves in an unacceptable manner.

Members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with admin@ harrogateracquets.co.uk. or safeguarding@harrogateracquets.co.uk.

GENERAL BEHAVIOUR

• Everyone visiting the Club or using its facilities must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, disability, race, cultural backgound, religious beliefs or sexual identity
• Please behave respectfully to others while on Club premises, and when representing the Club in matches at home or away
• All players must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions
• Refrain from shouting and swearing and never abuse other people
• Protect themselves and others from verbal or physical abuse and threatening or intimidating behaviour
• Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on the premises including the car park
• Please take good care of the premises and equipment and put litter in the appropriate bins to aid re-cycling
• Please dress appropriately and wear suitable sports clothing on the courts
• Members must pay any fees for any courses, guests or events promptly
• Alcohol should not be consumed in the playing areas of the club and purchased only from the bar
• Members must comply with the Club Booking Rules and the Club Social Media Policy (see Club website)
• ACCESS to the facilites – your fob/phone app are your proof of membership – please don’t ask others to let you in or give others access without checking they are members.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead, must be well behaved and are not allowed in playing areas.

PLAYING YOUR SPORT

• When it’s time for you to go on your booked court, please wait for an appropriate break in play. It is impolite, and potentially dangerous, to enter a court while play is still in progress
• Players must use recognised sports shoes appropriate to the sports surface –shoes which could mark or cause damage are not permitted
• Please use the mats provided to clean shoes when entering the playing areas and when exiting the tennis courts
• Drinks may only be taken onto the playing areas in plastic, cardboard or metal containers
• Care must be taken not to damage the courts, table tennis tables and nets etc. Please report any damage to the Facilities Manager immediately: facilities@harrogateracquets.co.uk
• In case of an accident please record it in the Accident book (kept in the kitchen cupboard above the oven) and place the completed form in the Membership mail box

PARENTAL SUPERVISION & SAFEGUARDING

• Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult whilst on the premises
• It is the responsibility of any parent or guardian accompanying children to ensure that they behave respectfully and do not interfere with the enjoyment of others
• Please use the family changing room when appropriate (see Club Changing Room policy)
• The Club has a Welfare Officer (Safeguarding Lead), and any safeguarding concerns should be reported to that person (contact details on the Club website & noticeboards) or email: safeguarding@harrogateracquets.co.uk

PARENTS ROLE

Support your son daughter and aid their developmental progress both on and off the court.

• Allow the coach and the club to run coaching programme free from

external pressures

• Behave in a manner that sets a positive example for others.
• Respect all officials, players, coaches, volunteers and associated people and behave to them in a way that they themselves would  expect to be treated.
• It is the parent's responsibility to notify the Club and Coach of any changes to circumstances. This includes: medical (including injuries); photo consent; and personal circumstances etc.
• Parent/Guardian to ensure that all appropriate fees are paid when due.
• Parents should ensure prompt pick up and drop off for coaching and matches. Children aged 16 or under should be dropped off and collected inside the appropriate building

COACHES

• Always put the players best interest at the centre of all that they do.
• Never coach juniors alone. Another responsible adult must always be available at the session. This can be a volunteer, parent, or club member.
• Always practise “hands off” coaching.
• Always demonstrate high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Recognise their personal limitations and be prepared to pass players on to other coaches to ensure the continued development of the athlete.
• Hold a valid coach licence (LTA, Badminton England, Table Tennis England) and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices.
• Provide a safe and secure training and playing environment which is public and open, avoiding situations where they may be working alone and out of sight with individual players.
• Treat officials and opponents with respect when winning or losing and encourage their players to do the same.
• Respect any confidential information they may hold on players and not share with others unless the immediate welfare of the players
• Ensure that any volunteers know the role that they are taking and maintain good safeguarding practices

VOLUNTEERS

• give support under the guidance of a coach or a committee
• always put the best interest of the members and visitors at the centre of all that they do
• hold a current DBS if requested, and provide any documents as required by the Club

See also the Code of Conduct (Ethics) for the National Governing bodies of your sport:

Tennis:https://www.lta.org.uk/494b8d/siteassets/about-lta/file/lta-code-of-conduct.pdf

Table Tennis: https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/about-us/safeguarding/safeguarding-codes-of-conduct-and-terms-of-reference/

Badminton: https://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Code-of-ethics-and-conduct-2021-1.pdf