Code of Conduct

Club members agree to, and are expected to adhere to the various Codes of Conduct in accordance to the England Athletics Guidance. This applies when at club, at a club event, representing the club in any form

As a responsible athlete/member, I will:

  • Respect, act with dignity and display courtesy and good manners to every athlete, coach, run leader, technical official, others involved in athletics, and members of the public and treat everyone equitably. This extends to social events and online.

  • Uphold the same sporting values away from sport as I do when I am engaged in athletics.

  • Participate within the rules of the sport, respect the decisions of coaches and officials, and demonstrate respect towards fellow athletes. This includes not swapping numbers without permission.

  • Pay my fees and payments on time as requested by leaders and the committee, and if there is a financial challenge agree on a plan.

  • Be supportive of other runners and running clubs, and their achievements, and in no way undermine, put down or belittle others.

  • Participate safely in training sessions and club run, including sufficient illumination/reflective gear when running at night.

  • Cooperate fully with others involved in the sport such as coaches, technical officials, team managers, doctors, physiotherapists, sport scientists and representatives of the governing body in my best interests and those of other athletes.

  • Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.

  • Anticipate and be responsible for my own needs, including being organised, having the appropriate equipment and being on time.

  • Avoid swearing and abusive language whilst in athletic venues, at club functions and events, or when as part of a team/squad.

  • Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour.

  • Never use any discriminatory language, or talk or act in a discriminatory manner.

  • Challenge and report inappropriate behaviour and language by others.

  • Not misuse or abuse sporting equipment and venues.

  • Not carry or consume alcohol or illegal substances while training or competing in athletics (some exemptions may apply, e.g., Marple Beer Run).

  • Maintain strict boundaries between friendship and intimacy with a coach or official (and where necessary disclose such relationships to club officials).

  • Use safe transport or travel arrangements.

  • Act ethically, professionally and with integrity, and take responsibility for your actions.

  • Inform my coach of any other coaching that I am seeking or receiving.

  • Recognise that I am bound by the UKA Anti-Doping Regulations, and submit to the authority of UK Anti-Doping in the application and enforcement of the Anti-Doping Rules. UK Anti-Doping Rules apply to all member participating in athletics for a minimum of 12 months from the commencement of membership whether or not the member is a citizen of, or resident in, the UK. Any athlete wishing to retire from the sport of athletics must put this in writing to the club and their Home Country Athletics Federation (Athletics Northern Ireland / England Athletics / Scottish Athletics / Welsh Athletics) and cancel any applicable membership. Official retirement will remove the athlete from being under the auspices of UKA's Anti-Doping Rules.

  • Abide by the UKA and the HCAF Child Safeguarding Policy and Child Safeguarding Procedures.

  • Abide by the UKA and the HCAF Adult Safeguarding Policy and Adult Safeguarding Procedures.

  • Where relevant abide by other codes of conduct.

    As a Club we will:

  • Promote equality and diversity and value every individual, regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or belief.

    BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

    I understand that if I do not follow the code of conduct, disciplinary action can be taken by my club and I may:

  • Be asked to apologise for my behaviour

  • Receive a verbal or written warning

  • Be suspended from attending club training sessions

  • Be suspended from club races and championships

  • Be suspended from the club

  • Be required to leave the club.

You can review the specific Codes of Conduct for each role in the documents below:

Volunteers

Technical Officials

Safeguarding

Senior Athletes