Code of Conduct

We enforce a Code of Conduct that ensures mutual respect and fair treatment to all.

Participants
The following Code of Conduct is applicable to all and has no exceptions. Purchase or use of any service is deemed as acceptance to being bound by this full Code of Conduct:

  1. All clients and guests must follow direction from all directors and at all times with no exceptions.

  2. All clients and guests must conduct themselves in a friendly and polite manner. Intimidation, discrimination, harassment (including sexual), blackmailing and general bullying towards any individual will not tolerated.

  3. Any forms of aggression or pursuit including, verbal, sexual or physical assault to any individual is considered extreme misconduct and immediate expulsion may be imposed.

  4. No client or guest shall make fellow clients, guests or staff feel uncomfortable or intimidated at any time.

  5. At no time are clients or guests to coach other clients and guests with technical advice. This is for employed coaches only.

  6. It is required to wipe up sweat and clear equipment after you have finished your workout to ensure a safe environment for others.

  7. For personal safety and safety to others do not leave any equipment on floor when not being used in your workout.

  8. No intoxicated clients and guests are permitted to train. This includes alcohol, drugs or anything else that inhibits a person’s judgement.

  9. All clients and guests must respect the rights of all participants regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ability, cultural background or religion.

  10. As a point of respect to all clients, guests and staff a top must be worn at all time within the facility.

Staff, directors and coaches reserve the right to refuse entry to any client or guest in breach of the above conditions. Clients or guests in breach of these conditions may have their membership or service terminated and be barred from the facility without prior notice.

All complaints and feedback are taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly. If you have a complaint or would like to lodge a submission to staff please email coc@crossfitickenham.com. 

Parents 
The following Code of Conduct is applicable to all parents, guardians and carers and has no exceptions:

  1. Always remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours. Encourage children to participate, do not force them.

  2. Be positive on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing. Always encourage children to play according to the rules following the code of conduct.

  3. Never make negative comments to a child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Remember that children learn best by watching great role models.

  4. Reinforce the stance on removing verbal and physical abuse from children's sports.

  5. Always respect a coach’s decisions and teach children to do likewise.Always respect the rights of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

  6. There must be no unauthorised use of any recording device whilst children under the age of 18 are participating in a training session (phone, camera, iPad, laptop, etc.).

  7. No direct contact with children not under your care under the age of 18 via social media or phone. All contact must be made via the coach and parent. 

Coaches
The following Code of Conduct is applicable to all coaches and has no exceptions:

  1. Always remember that children participate for pleasure, enjoyment and winning is only part of the fun.

  2. Never use negative feedback, ridicule or yell at children for making a mistake or not winning.

  3. Be considerate and reasonable in your demands on a child’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Children's sports are only one part of their busy lives.

  4. Always operate within the code of conduct, rules and fair spirit of CrossFit and instruct children to do the same.

  5. Always ensure that the time children spend with you as a coach is a positive experience. All children are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.

  6. Try to avoid giving the talented, more skilful children more attention than the others.

  7. Ensure that sporting equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all participants.

  8. Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved. This includes coaches, judges, administrators, the media, parents or guests. Encourage children to do the same, be a great role model.

  9. Always show concern toward sick and injured children. Follow the advice of a certified first aider when determining whether an injured child is ready to recommence training.

  10. Where appropriate obtain all qualifications and keep up to date with all the latest coaching practices and the latest principles of growth and development of children.

  11. Physical contact during sport should always be intended to meet the child’s needs, NOT the adult’s.

  12. The adult should only use physical contact if their aim is to:

    • Develop sports skills or techniques

    • To treat an injury

    • To prevent an injury or accident from occurring

    • To meet the requirements of the sport

  13. The adult should seek to explain the nature and reason for any physical contact to the child reinforcing the teaching or coaching skill. Unless the situation is an emergency, the adult should ask the child for permission

Bullying Policy
We do not accept bullying on the premises in any form. We do not accept bullying or harassment through social media, text or voicemail in any form. If bullying is reported it will be investigated and the final decision will remain with us.

Child Protection Policy Statement
We acknowledge the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Hillingdon Local Safeguarding Children Board, Sport England and British Weightlifting.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and vulnerable adults are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background, all children have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport within a safe and child centred environment while protected from abuse whilst participating.

We acknowledge that some children, including disabled children, young people and vulnerable adults, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy we will:

  1. Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

  2. Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and are provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults.

  3. Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.

We will ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored. Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals. Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation. Ensure that a no bullying policy is in place. If bullying is reported it will be investigated and the final decision will remain with us.

No unauthorised recording devices such as phones, laptops, cameras are to be used whilst children under the age of 18 are participating in a training session. Regards to Social Media any clients who join the Facebook Members Group must be 18 or over.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Safeguarding Policy
We are committed to our responsibilities in safeguarding the welfare of all individuals, children and young people involved in CrossFit. We extend this responsibility to every adult involved whether as, coaches, parents, children or guests.

We maintain the conviction that all individuals, including children and young people have the right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, language, culture, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or social/economic background.

We are dedicated to creating and maintaining a safer, more enjoyable and inclusive environment for all individuals to participate in physical activity to the best of their abilities for as long as they choose to do so.

Monitoring, Review and Update
The Code of Conduct will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

  1. To any changes in legislation and/or government guidance.

  2. As required by the Hillingdon Local Safeguarding Children Board, Hillingdon Local Safeguarding Adults Board, Sport England and British Weightlifting.

  3. As a result of any other significant change or event.

Version: 26 May 2019