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We know that clubs and community groups strive to create safe and inclusive spaces for their communities.

Those responsible for running an organisation do their best to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from being physically active in positive environments, but they rely on everyone to act appropriately and uphold their culture and values to maintain this welcoming space. 

Despite their best efforts, inappropriate behaviour and incidents can occur. These can present many challenges, lead to disputes and place additional strain on volunteers. Having the right policies and procedures in place, including a code of conduct, can help.

A forlorn cricketer leaves the pitch, his time's up - on the plus side, it's a lovely sunny day

What’s a code of conduct?

A code of conduct is a set of standards and behaviours for everyone within an organisation to follow. They should encourage everyone to act in a way that creates and promotes a culture and environment which is safe, inclusive and free from abuse, discrimination, harassment and harm.

Typically clubs and groups ask all volunteers, participants, members and supporters to sign a code of conduct at the start of the year or season, outlining the behaviours expected and promoted by the organisation.

A code of conduct can also provide a framework to help organisations deal with and manage any issues, conflict or discriminatory behaviours in a clear, agreed and ethical manner.

Why is a code of conduct important?

A code of conduct can help an organisation:

  • outline the behaviours expected of everyone at the club or group
  • ensure everyone’s safety
  • promote a positive, welcoming and respectful environment where people feel confident to be themselves and voice any concerns
  • encourage inclusion and diversity across an organisation
  • explain how inappropriate behaviours or breaches of the code will be dealt with
  • create an environment which holds people accountable for their actions.
A young woman smiles as she adopts a defensive stance during a sparring session in a boxing ring.

What to include in a code of conduct 

There are a number of key items to consider including in a code of conduct:

  • Organisational values that reflect the culture of the club or group and what they seek to achieve through their vision and aims.
  • Expected behaviours such as respect, kindness and teamwork which help to promote positive experiences for all.
  • Clear definitions of the key terms to help ensure everyone understands what’s included in the code and expected of them.
  • A clear reporting and disciplinary process which outlines how potential breaches should be communicated and the actions that will be taken to effectively investigate and respond to these.
  • A declaration that ensures everyone is fully aware and accepts the standards and behaviours expected from them. 

If your organisation is affiliated to a national governing body, they may have a template code of conduct available which your organisation can refer to when creating and developing your own.

Who are codes of conduct for?

Codes of conduct should apply to everyone at an organisation, including all members, coaches, volunteers, visitors, parents, carers and spectators.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure the code is followed and lived out. Codes of conduct may slightly vary for different groups within an organisation. These could include:

Participants
This code might prioritise safety and highlight the importance of following instructions so that activities can be delivered effectively.
Parents and carers
A code of conduct could reference the position of parents and carers as role models and the importance of respect in creating positive, supportive environments for all.
Volunteers
This code will outline the core values and behaviours expected of volunteers, to help ensure the safety of all participants and the steps to effectively communicate and live out agreed policies and procedures.
Spectators
Consider focussing on the experience of participants, volunteers, coaches, opposing teams and officials and respecting them at all times.

Embedding a code of conduct

Creating a code of conduct is a great start but will only be effective if they’re implemented by everyone at an organisation.

The following tips, alongside our animation on turning policy into practice, can help your organisation to embed these:

Engage with members, volunteers and parents and carers when developing or reviewing a code of conduct to help create buy in and ensure that they’re meaningful and can be understood by those that are required to follow them.

Ensure they’re readily available across various communication channels, your website, within any facilities and as part of an induction or membership renewal process.

Create accountability where everyone is required to sign up and agreed to the code of conduct at the start of each year or season. 

Regularly review and update the code of conduct to stay up to date with any new legislation and address potential issues before they escalate. 

Hold people to account and apply the code consistently to ensure that any breaches are dealt with fairly and help prevent similar issues arising again.