SOFTBALL COACH’S CODE OF CODUCT
The purpose of this code is to establish and maintain standards for members of Softball Australia Limited (SAL) who undertake coaching duties. This code is a series of guidelines rather than a set of instructions that provide a framework within which to work. Coaching is a deliberately undertaken responsibility and members of SAL are responsible for the observations and principles embodied in this code.
Coach's Code of Conduct
In addition to Softball Australia's values and general Code of Conduct, as a coach appointed by Softball Australia, a Member State or an affiliated association or club you must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct during any activity held by or under the auspices of Softball Australia, a Member State or an affiliated association or club.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of, and refrain from any discriminatory practices against, any person regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, religion or ability.
- Endeavour to ensure players' time spent with you is a positive experience.
- Respect the talents, developmental stage and goals of each individual player.
- Treat each player as an individual and help them reach their full potential.
- Provide training programs that are planned and sequential and suitable for the age, experience and ability of the players
- Be fair, considerate and honest with players
- Be reasonable in your demands on your players' time and ensure there is an appropriate balance between sporting involvement, education and career objectives.
- Implement clear rules for players in training and general conduct.
- Be professional in your appearance and manner and accept responsibility for your actions.
- Display high standards in language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation
- Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved with softball, including opponents, coaches, officials, umpires, scorers, administrators, the media, parents and spectators
- Encourage your players to demonstrate the same qualities.
- Make a commitment to providing a quality service to your players, your affiliated club, association and state, and to Softball Australia, by continually improving your coaching knowledge and skill.
- Maintain and improve your NCAS accreditation
- Seek continual self-improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing education
- Operate within the rules and spirit of the sport.
- Abide by and respect the policies governing softball and sport generally and the organisations and individuals administering those policies
- Reject the use of performance enhancing drugs in sport and abide by the anti-drugs policies of the relevant national and international sporting organisations and government regulatory bodies
- Ensure physical contact with players is appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player's skill development. Inappropriate physical contact is a form of sexual harassment.
- Refrain from any form of personal abuse. This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse.
- Refrain from any form of sexual harassment. This includes explicit, implicit, verbal and non-verbal sexual harassment.
- Refrain from initiating a relationship with a player and also discourage, in a sensitive manner, an attempt by a player to initiate a sexual relationship with you.
- Provide a safe environment for training and competition. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age and ability of the players.
- Show consideration and caution towards sick and injured players.
- Provide a modified training program where appropriate
- Allow further participation in training and competitions only when appropriate
- When necessary, follow the advice of a reputable doctor or physiotherapist when determining when a sick or injured player is ready to recommence training or competition
- Be a positive role model for softball and your players.
- Do not tolerate acts of aggression.
- Refrain from engaging in any behaviour that is in breach of Softball Australia's Member Protection Policy.
COACH’S CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT FORM
(Must be completed for re-accreditation)
NAME: {fullName8}
I, the person named above, am seeking re-accreditation for the following Softball Australia coaching qualification:
{coachingAccreditation79} SOFTBALL
DECLARATION:
- I have read the Softball Australia Limited (SAL) Coach’s Code of Conduct and agree to abide by this code.
- I acknowledge that SAL/State may take disciplinary action against me if I breach the Coach’s Code of Conduct.
- I understand that SAL/State is required to implement a complaint handling procedure in accordance with the principles of natural justice, in the event of an allegation against me.
(Please refer to the Harassment-free Sport Guidelines available from the Australian Sports Commission or contact your State Softball Association or SAL, if you require more information on harassment issues.)
