Clear expectations for everyone involved in athletics in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Introduction
At Team Athletics St. Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG), we believe that a strong, positive culture is built on clear standards of behaviour. These Codes of Conduct apply to everyone involved in our sport and are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all.
By participating in athletics under TASVG, you agree to abide by the relevant Code of Conduct. Breaches of these codes may result in disciplinary action.
1. For Everyone in Athletics
This section applies to all members, staff, volunteers, officials, spectators, and anyone associated with TASVG.
Our Commitment:
- Respect Everyone: Treat everyone with dignity, value their worth, and celebrate diversity. Promote inclusion and treat everyone equally.
- Zero Discrimination: Discrimination based on race, colour, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, ethnicity, marital status, beliefs, or socioeconomic status is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
- Promote a Safe Environment: Cooperate with everyone involved in athletics and promote an environment free from harassment, abuse, and exploitation.
- Clean Sport: Maintain zero tolerance for the use of any prohibited substance to enhance performance. Promote clean competition and report any suspected doping.
- Listen and Report: Listen to those reporting concerns and report concerns, misconduct, or injuries to the appropriate person swiftly.
- Lead by Example: Behave appropriately and be a good role model, particularly when in charge of children.
- Follow Policies: Comply with TASVG’s safeguarding policy and other rules and policies.
We Encourage Everyone To:
- Challenge those who do not obey the rules or behave inappropriately.
- Be responsible for your own behaviour, conduct, and actions.
- Be punctual, well-prepared, and correctly equipped.
- Be appreciative of everyone’s time, effort, and skills.
2. For Coaches & Athlete Support Staff
This includes all coaches, trainers, medical personnel, managers, and other support staff.
In addition to the “For Everyone” code, you must:
Professional Standards:
- Be appropriately qualified and maintain up-to-date background criminal checks.
- Ensure coaching is always age-appropriate and meets the needs of the athlete in terms of experience and ability.
- Maintain a suitable coach-to-athlete ratio in training sessions or events.
Relationship Boundaries:
- Strictly No Intimate Relationships with Minors: An intimate relationship between a coach (or any support staff) and an athlete under the age of 18 is illegal and must never be allowed to develop.
- Strict Boundaries with Adults: It is strongly recommended to avoid intimate relationships with athletes over 18. Strict professional boundaries must be maintained to avoid difficulties for both individuals and the wider community.
Safety Protocols:
- Avoid being alone with a child athlete. Do not transport them in a car alone, take them to your home, or share a bedroom with them.
- If it is necessary to touch a child-athlete for training purposes, you must:
- Explain why it is necessary.
- Ask for their consent.
- Involve the child’s parents or another responsible adult in the discussion if possible.
- If supervising changing areas, adults should do so in same-sex pairs.
Best Practice:
- Ensure equipment is properly maintained and teach athletes how to use it safely.
- Communicate your expectations to athletes and understand what they expect from you.
- If approached by an athlete who is already being coached by someone else, contact the existing coach to discuss the matter.
- Encourage working relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
- Avoid being critical, demeaning, or sarcastic. Do not act in a way that might humiliate an athlete or affect their self-esteem.
3. For Athletes
This applies to all athletes, both minors and adults.
In addition to the “For Everyone” code, you must:
Your Responsibility:
- Maintain strict relationship boundaries with coaches, officials, and any other adult associated with athletics.
- Always report any concerns, injuries, misconduct, or distress to your club’s Safeguarding Officer, a parent, or a carer.
- Know and follow the rules of competition. Play fairly and pursue athletic excellence.
We Encourage You To:
- Be aware of how to handle dangerous athletic equipment safely.
- Keep your coach informed if you need to leave a training session or event early.
- Uphold the values of sportsmanship—fairness, respect, and generosity—on and off the field of play.
- Be appreciative of the efforts of your coaches, officials, and volunteers.
4. For Parents & Carers
Your Vital Role:
- Inform coaches of any relevant medical information about your child.
- Attend your child’s athletics training or events where possible and take an active interest.
- Be positive and encouraging. Be aware that your attitude and behaviour affect your child and other children.
- Know where your child is and who they are with at all times.
Working with Coaches:
- Avoid asking a coach to give your child a lift in their car, particularly if no other athlete is present.
- Avoid allowing your child to visit a coach’s house unless you or another carer is also present.
We Encourage You To:
- Be proactive in your child’s athletics participation; check the qualifications of coaches and club policies.
- Inform coaches or volunteers if your child will be absent from training or events.
- Make sure coaches are aware of any other coaching your child is receiving to ensure they can provide the best support.
5. For National Team Representatives
This mandatory code applies to all athletes, coaches, officials, and team members representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines at national and international levels.
Respect and Fairness:
- Treat all individuals with respect, fairness, and dignity, regardless of their background.
- Display good sportsmanship on and off the field.
- Show respect for coaches, officials, teammates, opponents, and supporters.
Integrity and Responsibility:
- Uphold honesty, integrity, and accountability in all actions.
- Never engage in cheating, doping, or the manipulation of results.
- Take personal responsibility for your actions, understanding they reflect on the national team.
Safeguarding and Well-Being:
- Adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Prioritise the safety and well-being of all participants, especially minors.
- Report any concerns related to abuse, neglect, harassment, or exploitation immediately.
- Ensure all communications with minors are appropriate and respectful.
Professional Conduct:
- Maintain a high standard of personal conduct at all times.
- Follow all rules and guidelines, including anti-doping regulations.
- Refrain from bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour.
- Be punctual, prepared, and dedicated.
Social Media and Confidentiality:
- Be mindful of your conduct on social media. Avoid posting discriminatory, offensive, or harmful content.
- Respect the privacy and confidentiality of all team members.
Consequences:
Breaches of this code may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from the national team. Serious breaches may lead to legal action or permanent exclusion.
Need Help or Want to Report a Breach?
If you believe a Code of Conduct has been breached, or you need advice, please contact our Safeguarding Officer immediately. All reports will be treated with confidentiality.
TASVG Safeguarding Officer:
Delcia Stay-Layne
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (784) 529-7323
