Coaches should:

• create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate in their chosen sport or activity
• maintain an environment free of fear and harassment
• recognise the rights of all participants to be treated as individuals
• recognise the rights of participants to seek advice from other coaches and experts
• promote the concept of a balanced lifestyle, supporting the well-being of participants in and out of the sport.

• Treat all individuals with respect at all times.
• Do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, disability, sexual identity, age, occupation, religious beliefs or political opinion.
• Do not allow any form of discrimination to go unchallenged.
• Do not publicly criticise or engage in demeaning descriptions of others.
• Be discreet in any conversations about participants, coaches or any other individuals.
• Communicate with and provide feedback to participants in a way that reflects respect and care.

Coaches:

• must not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse (for children: physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying and for adults: self-neglect, modern slavery, domestic abuse, discriminatory, organisational, physical, sexual, financial or material, neglect and acts of omission, emotional or psychological). For more information, please visit the Ann Craft Trust website
• should promote the welfare and best interests of their participants
• must avoid sexual intimacy with participants, either while coaching them or in the period of time immediately following the end of the coaching relationship. The Position of Trust law now includes sports coaches and sports organisations in England and Wales. This specific law relates to children aged 16 and 17, who are above the age of sexual consent but still children in the eyes of the law. For further information visit the CPSU website
• must take action if they have a concern about the behaviour of an adult towards a child or an adult at risk
• should empower participants to be responsible for their own decisions
• should clarify the nature of the coaching services being offered
• should communicate and cooperate with other organisations and individuals in the best interests of participants.

• Be aware of the physical needs of all participants (especially at the developmental stage) and ensure that training loads and intensities are appropriate.
• Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary, and is carried out within recommended guidelines (provided by governing bodies of sport) with the participant’s full consent and approval.
• Do not engage in any form of sexually related contact or activity with any participant for whom you have responsibility. This extends to sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms. Coaches are in a position of power and trust in relation to participants. By entering into an intimate/sexual relationship with a participant, a coach may be deemed guilty of abusing this position and, in relation to children and young people, this may be unlawful. For further information on the Positions of Trust, visit the CPSU website.
• Inform parents/guardians immediately if you are at all concerned about the welfare of a child, unless there are concerns that this would not be in the interests of the child.
• Know and understand the relevant governing body of sport or employer child protection/safeguarding policies and procedures, and follow them.
• Follow the reporting procedures laid down by your club or employer if you have a concern – non-action is unacceptable.
• Arrange to transfer a participant to another coach if it is clear that an inappropriate or intimate relationship is developing. For further information on the Positions of Trust visit the CPSU website.
• Discuss with parents/guardians and other interested parties the potential impact of the programme on the participant.
• Respect participants’ opinions when making decisions about their participation in their sport.
• Encourage participants to take responsibility for their own development and actions.
• Allow participants to discuss and participate in the decision-making process.
• Discuss and agree with participants what information is confidential.
• Inform participants or their parents/guardians of the requirements of the sport or activity.
• Inform participants or their parents/guardians of any potential costs involved in accessing the coaching services on offer.
• Be aware of and communicate any conflict of interest as soon as it becomes apparent.
• Do not work with any other coach’s participant without first discussing or reaching agreement with both coach and participant.
• Identify and agree with participants which other experts or organisations could offer appropriate services.

Coaches:

• must be fair, honest and considerate to participants and others in their sport
• should project an image of health, personal hygiene and functional efficiency
• must be positive role models for participants at all times.

• Operate within the rules and the spirit of your sport or activity.
• Educate participants on issues relating to the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport and cooperate fully with UK Anti-Doping, UK Sport and governing body policies.
• Maintain the same level of interest and support when a participant is sick or injured.
• Display high standards in use of language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation.
• Encourage participants to display the same qualities.
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs before or while coaching. This gives a negative image and could compromise safety.
• Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in your sport or activity.

Coaches should:

• ensure the environment is as safe as possible, taking into account and minimising possible risks
• promote safe and correct practice
• be professional and accept responsibility for their actions
• make a commitment to providing a high quality service to their participants
• actively promote the  positive  benefits to society of participation in sport and activity, including the contribution it makes to achieving improved health, well-being and educational outcomes for children and young people
• contribute to the development of coaching by exchanging knowledge and ideas with others, and by  working  in  partnership with other agencies and professionals
• gain qualifications appropriate to the level at which they coach.

• Follow the guidelines of your governing body of sport or employer.
• Plan all sessions so they meet the needs of the participants and are progressive and appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate records of your participants’ progress.
• Recognise and accept when it is appropriate to refer a participant to another coach or specialist.
• Seek to achieve the highest appropriate level of qualification available.
• Seek continuing personal development (CPD) opportunities to develop your coaching skills and competencies, and update your knowledge.
• Be aware of relevant social issues and how your sport can contribute to local, regional or national initiatives.
• Actively participate in recruitment and education opportunities in your sport.
• Actively contribute to local, regional and national initiatives to improve the standards and quality of coaching both in your sport and sport in general.
• Work in an open and transparent way that encourages other coaches to contribute to or learn from your knowledge and experience.
• Use self-analysis and reflection to identify your developmental needs.
• Manage your lifestyle and coaching commitments to avoid the burnout that might impair your performance.
• Do not assume responsibility for any role for which you are not qualified or prepared.
• Do not misrepresent your level of qualification.
• Promote good coaching practice in others and challenge any poor practice you observe.