Policies

Optimal Tennis - Code of Conduct

 

Optimal Tennis endorse the LTA Code of Conduct and coaches, parents and players of all ages are expected to have read it and act in accordance with it. LTA Code of Conduct, Click Here

 

This policy is specific to Optimal Tennis and supplementary to the LTA Code of Conduct. We acknowledge there is some overlap and a lot of the core values are the same.

 

It is the responsibility of all coaches, players and parents to read and observe this Code of Conduct. Breaches of the Code of Conduct will be dealt Optimal Tennis.

 

 

Coaches’ Responsibilities

  • Be a positive role model. Act with integrity at all times.
  • Try your best to identify the needs of each player and cater for their needs in order to help the player improve at the fastest possible rate.
  • Acknowledge tennis is a mentally challenging sport and children in particular will need help and guidance with dealing with victories and defeats.
  • Prioritise the well-being of all ‘Participants’, (Participants include players, spectators, officials and others in attendance) in all Optimal Tennis operations whether these be classes, camps or events.
  • Acknowledging that children and adults at risk are likely to require greater support and facilitate this. If you are unsure speak to other Optimal Tennis colleagues or seek guidance from the LTA.
  • Treat all Participants, including children and adults at risk fairly and with respect
  • 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 Welfare Officer and/or LTA Safeguarding Department.
  • Do not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm any Participant, including 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)
  • Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training
  • Avoid being alone with a child without prior parental agreement unless there are exceptional circumstances; similar caution should be taken with and for vulnerable adults
  • Be aware and enforce Optimal Tennis Policies and LTA policies.
  • Refrain from transporting children or vulnerable adults alone, unless this is absolutely necessary.
  • Do 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.
  • Engage in open dialogue with parents and be positive and encouraging to all Participants.
  • Retain LTA Accreditation status whilst working for Optimal Tennis and provide evidence of this within a reasonable time if requested.
  • Be aware of the scope of Optimal Tennis operations in order to advise and make suggestions to parents and children on ways to further their tennis.

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Players’ Responsibilities

  • Children must follow the instructions provided by the coach and get the permission of the coach if they are to leave the court for any reason.
  • Children should go the toilet prior to their session and notify their coach if they need the toilet during the class or camp.
  • Players should be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and/or adults, whether they are part of Optimal Tennis or part of other tennis programmes or visitors.
  • Try your best at all times in both matches and practice. ‘Head, Heart and Legs’ is expected at all times, particularly as children get older and compete. This means the player will focus, try their best and remain active and ready to move.
  • Play fairly and honestly
  • Accept that tennis is a competitive game and that in any competition you may lose.
  • Acknowledge that failure is a part of tennis, whether this is losing points, games or matches.
  • Actively work on trying to remain composed and resilient even in adversity.
  • Remain humble and dignified regardless of victory or defeat and shake hands or racket bump with your opponent at the end of the match.
  • Practice self-awareness and take ‘time outs’ in lessons if needed to regain composure. Tell your coach if you need a time out.  
  • Respect Optimal Tennis and any guest Coach(s), Officers and accept their decisions.
  • Behave, respect and listen to your Coach or Umpire.
  • Take care of your equipment and Optimal Tennis property.
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all Participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity
  • Do not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
  • Do not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media – and act in accordance with Optimal Tennis policies. 
  • To be familiar with Optimal Tennis’ Online Safety Policy & not post photos online without prior consent
  • Talk to the Optimal Tennis Welfare Officer if you need to report a Safeguarding concern.

 

Extreme Behaviour

  • Whilst Optimal Tennis will look at all breaches of the Code of Conduct and take the action it deems necessary to ensure future compliance, the following (non-exhaustive list) represents  extreme misconduct that is likely to lead to a player being suspended or asked to leave a camp or class.

 

    • Conduct which puts others in danger.
    • Deliberately hitting or kicking another child, parent or coach with a punch, tennis racket or other object used as a weapon.
    • Deliberately hitting a ball at another child intentionally or recklessly which could cause harm.
    • Threats of harm to children, parents or coaches.
    • Spitting or similar personal conduct directed at another child, parent or coach.
    • A racist, homophobic, transphobic or xenophobic insult directed at a child, parent or coach.
    • Repeated bad language having been warned.
    • Any other comments that could be considered a ‘Hate Crime’ or breach of the protected characterises under the Equality Act.

 

Any Extreme Behaviour threatens the reputation of Optimal Tennis, any venue that Optimal Tennis uses, the LTA and the game of tennis as whole and will not be tolerated. If Optimal Tennis believes the player or parent to be guilty of ‘Extreme Behaviour’ no refund will be given.

 

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All parents, guardians and carers agree to:

  • Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis - lead by example
  • Use appropriate language at all times
  • Be realistic and supportive - the LTA have guidance for Parents in Tennis about supporting children and helpful online resources
  • Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match (whether this is your child or not)
  • Treat all children, adults, coaches and officers with respect
  • Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child or other children.
  • Accept the Coach’s/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
  • If you are unhappy with a child that is not your own, please tell an Optimal Tennis coach. Please do not confront a child that you are not responsible for. The Optimal Tennis coach will make a decision as to the appropriate way of dealing with the situation and report back to you.
  • Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue
  • Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for tennis generally (sporting clothes and trainers) and that the clothing is suitable for differing weather conditions (eg sunhat, coat etc.)
  • Ensure that your child understands their responsibilities under the code of conduct 
  • Read the Optimal Tennis guidelines, policies and fully understand the rules 
  • Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including relevant medical history.
  • Ensure your child uses and takes care of the courts and clubhouse
  • Contact the Optimal Tennis Welfare Officer, about any Safeguarding or welfare issues regarding a child or Adult at Risk.

 

Welfare Officer

 

Krunal Patel  - kruvi30@gmail.com  / 07854475737

 

Head Coach

 

John Moore – 07896636173 / Optimaltennisleeds@gmail.com