BEF
Coaches Code of Conduct and Ethics
The
BEF Coaches Code of Conduct and Ethics is built on the principles of integrity,
fair play, equality, respect for others (including animals), and a sense of
what is right. These ethical principles are integral, not optional, and apply
to all levels of ability and commitment, including recreational as well as
competitive equestrian sport. This code is a guide for good practice and it is
expected of all BEF / member body accredited Coaches will abide by these principles.
Safety:
1.
Coaches have a responsibility to the safety of the rider/s
and horse/s with whom they work and as far as is reasonable for the safety of
helpers and bystanders.
2.
All reasonable steps should be taken to ensure a safe
working environment
3.
All coaches have a duty to protect riders from harm and
abuse and in particular should understand the duty of care when working with
young and vulnerable people (U18). Please see BEF Safeguarding Children and
Vulnerable Adults policy for additional guidance and information.
4.
Coaches should ensure the arrangement of adequate insurance
cover for all aspects of their coaching and training.
5.
Coaches and those in support must place the
well being and safety of both horse and rider above the development of performance.
Competence
6.
It is expected that equestrian
coaches will hold up to date nationally recognised governing body teaching
qualifications.
7.
Coaches shall confine themselves to practice in those areas
for which their training and competence is recognised by their member body and
the BEF.
8.
Coaches have a responsibility to themselves and their
performers to maintain their effectiveness as an equestrian coach and should
regularly seek ways to develop their personal and professional development
taking advantages of opportunities provided.
Personal Standards
9.
Coaches should display high personal standards and project
a favourable image of equine activity to members of the BEF, member bodies,
performers, parents and the wider public.
10. Appropriate dress codes
should be followed whilst training and competing as laid down by the member
body.
Confidentiality
11. Coaches are in a position
where they gather personal information about riders in the course of a working
relationship. The disclosure and use of information gathered is the subject of
the Data Protection Act. The coach should ensure that agreement is reached with
riders about the collection, storage and potential boundaries of sharing
information.
12. All qualified coaches at level 2 and above will be
required to undergo an enhanced disclosure via the Criminal Records Bureau and
may be asked to produce their certificate as required. This should read as agreed by BEF Board
Integrity
13. Coaches should not compromise any rider by
advocating measures which could constitute unfair advantage or that may
jeopardise the safety or well being of rider or horse. In the event of a
registered coach being convicted of an offence involving cruelty to animals,
the member body may in its sole discretion through removed the registered
status of that coach and may be subject to disciplinary proceedings. Last sentence needs
rewording.
14.
Coaches have a responsibility to
support and promote their equestrian discipline and their member body, maintain
standards of appearance and conduct and act with due respect to the reputation
of the member body
15. Coaches will not
maliciously or recklessly injure or attempt to injure, whether directly or
indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects or business of their member
body, the BEF or any other member body or coach.
16. Coaches must prepare
riders to respond to success and failure in a dignified manner and treat
opponents with respect.
17. Coaches have a
responsibility to instil good values and behaviour in their riders and
discourage inappropriate behaviour in training and competition.
18. Coaches must promote
themselves in an accurate and professionally restrained manner that fairly
reflects their abilities and achievements.
19. A registered coach shall
not act or publish any matter which could be construed as an official action,
statement or publication by the BEF and their member body unless acting under
specific instructions from the BEF or member body in which event, the action
shall be confined to the limit of such instruction.
20. Coaches shall at all times
observe the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the BEF and
its’ member bodies as they apply to coaches.
Humanity
21. It is expected that
coaches treat all riders equitably and respect the rights and dignity of all of
individuals with whom they work
22. Coaches should
always promote the positive aspects of our sport (e.g. fair play) and never
condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances in competition.
23. Coaches shall ensure that
all employees in any equestrian business or establishment under their control
comply with the standards laid down from time to time by the BEF and their
member body and follow all appropriate legal and ethical considerations to
ensure open and fair recruitment processes and working conditions. Please see
BEF Equity Policy for additional guidance and information.
24. Any failure on the part of a coach to comply
with the provisions of this code will render the coach liable to disciplinary
proceedings by their member body.
Note
1 – this Coaches Code of Conduct is one of a suite of policies that underpin
the ethos and work of the British Equestrian Federation on all levels. The
related approved polices are the BEF Equity Policy and the BEF Safeguarding
Children and Vulnerable Young Adults.
Note 2 – this Coaches Code
of Conduct will be supplemented by your Member Bodies own Code of Conduct
British Equestrian Federation, National Agricultural Centre,
Tel: 02476 698872 Fax: 02476 698871
email : info@bef.co.uk