Recently enough, I attended a Child Protection Course.  During this time we were spoken to about codes of conducts which should be made out by our sporting Governing body for coaches and participants and also for the coaches to establish our own code of conduct – as such, what we expect of our gymnasts.  We have always had an unwritten code of conduct.  Generally speaking, it is what is expected of any person  but overall care and respect for others.  In the last week or 2, a Code of Conduct was emailed to our club. Below are the points which are in the code that gymnasts are expected to sign and abide by. See what you think.

Young Gymnasts should undertake to:

• Participate fairly, do their best and enjoy themselves
• Represent themselves, their family and Club with pride and dignity
• Shake hands before and after events / competitions respective of the result or performance
• Respect Officials and accept their decisions gracefully
• Respect fellow team members gving them support whether they do well or not so well
• Respect opponents and be modest  in victory and gracious in defeat
• Improve and develop their skills
• Set high standards of fair play for others to follow
• Let the coach know when you are unavailable for training and competition
• Approach the Club’s Children’s Officer with any concerns or questions you may have

Young Gymnasts should not:

• Cheat – always participate by the rules
• Use abusive language
• Shout at or argue with an official
• Spread rumours
• Bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another young person
• Tell lies about adults or other young people
• Take banned substances
• Harm team members, opponents or their property

Young people are entitled to:

• Be safe and to feel safe
• Be happy, have fun and experience a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment
• Be treated with respect and dignity
• Comment and make suggestions in a constructive manner
• Be afforded appropriate confidentiality
• Make a complaint appropriately and be listened to
• Be believed
• Experience competition at a level which they feel comfortable
• Get help against bullies
• Say no
• To protect their own bodies

I’d be interested to know what peoples take is on this. What would you add to it? What would you remove from it? What might you change in it? Your comments are very welcome.