Rounders Code of Practice for Coaches

The Rounders England philosophy for coaching is as follows:

Whilst all of the above are important, as a UKCC Level 1 Coach you will quickly learn the value of sessions which are fun and enjoyable. Young people learn quickly and retain information when they enjoy the activity. Throughout the UKCC Level 1 course the Tutor will refer to the Rounders Small Games cards, which focus on fun and enjoyment and which will form the basis of your coaching toolkit for the future.

Codes and Policies

Rounders Code of Practice for Coaches

All Rounders coaches are required to abide by the following Code of Practice:
Adapted from the scUK code of practice for sport coaches.

There are four basic principles:

Rights
Relationships
Responsibilities – professional standards
Responsibilities – personal standards

Principle: Rights

Statement: Coaches must respect and champion the rights of every individual to participate in Rounders.

Issues
Rounders coaches should:

Assist in the creation of an environment where every individual has the opportunity to participate in Rounders.
Create and maintain an environment free of fear and harassment.
Recognise the rights of all players to be treated as individuals.
Recognise the rights of players to confer with other Rounders coaches and experts.
Promote the concept of a balanced lifestyle, supporting the well-being of the player both in and out of Rounders.

Actions:

Treat all individuals in Rounders with respect at all times.
Do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, disability, sexuality, age, occupation, religion or political opinion.
Do not condone or allow to go unchallenged any form of discrimination.
Do not publicly criticise or engage in demeaning descriptions of others.
Be discreet in any conversations about players, Rounders coaches or any other individuals.
Communicate with and provide feedback to players in a manner which reflects respect and care.

Principle: Relationships

Statement: Coaches must develop a relationship with players (and others) based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect.

Issues
Rounders coaches:

Must not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying).
Should promote the welfare and best interests of their players.
Must avoid sexual intimacy with players either while coaching them or in the period of time immediately following the end of the coaching relationship.
Must take action if they have a concern about the behaviour of an adult towards a child.
Should empower players to be responsible for their own decisions.
Should clarify the nature of the coaching services being offered to players.
Should communicate and cooperate with other organisations and individuals in the best interests of players.

Actions

Be aware of the physical needs of players, especially those still growing, and ensure that training loads and intensities are appropriate.
Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the player’s full consent and approval.
Do not engage in any form of sexually related contact with an under age player. This is strictly forbidden as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms.
Inform parents or guardians immediately if you are at all concerned about the welfare of a child.
Discuss with parents and other interested parties the potential impact of the programme on the player.
Arrange to transfer a player to another Rounders coach if it is clear that an intimate relationship is developing.
Know and understand the relevant NGB or employer policies and procedures in this regard.
Follow the reporting procedures laid down by your NGB or employer if you have a concern – non-action is unacceptable.
Respect players’ opinions when making decisions about their participation in Rounders.
Encourage players to take responsibility for their own development and actions.
Allow players to discuss and participate in the decision-making process.
Discuss and agree with players what information is confidential.
Inform players or their parents of the requirements of Rounders.
Inform players or their parents of any potential costs involved in accessing the coaching services on offer.
Be aware of and communicate on any conflict of interest as soon as it becomes apparent.
Do not work with any other Rounders coach’s player without first discussing or agreeing it with both the coach and the player involved.
Identify and agree with players which other experts or organisations could offer appropriate services.

Principle: Responsibilities – professional standards

Statement: To maximise benefits and minimise the risks to players, coaches must attain a high level of competence through qualifications and a commitment to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice.

Issues
Rounders coaches will:

Ensure that the environment is as safe as possible, taking into account and minimising possible risks.
Promote the execution of safe and correct practice.
Be professional and accept responsibility for their actions.
Make a commitment to providing a quality service to their players.
Actively promote the positive benefits to society of participation in Rounders.
Contribute to the development of Rounders coaching as a profession by exchanging knowledge and ideas with others.
Gain NGB coaching qualifications appropriate to the level at which they coach Rounders.

Actions

Follow the guidelines of your NGB or employer.
Plan all sessions so they meet the needs of the players and are progressive and appropriate.
Maintain appropriate records of your players.
Recognise and accept when it is appropriate to refer a player to another Rounders coach or specialist.
Seek to achieve the highest level of qualification available.
Attend Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain up-to-date knowledge of technical developments in Rounders.
Attend CPD to maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of other issues that might impact on both you and your players.
Be aware of the social issues and how Rounders can contribute to local, regional or national initiatives.
Actively participate in recruitment and education opportunities in Rounders.
Actively contribute to local, regional and national initiatives to improve the standards and quality of Rounders coaching both in Rounders and sport in general.
Practise in an open and transparent fashion that encourages other Rounders coaches to contribute to or learn from your knowledge and experience.
Engage in self-analysis and reflection to identify your professional needs.
Seek continuous professional development opportunities to develop your Rounders coaching skills and update your knowledge.
Manage your lifestyle and Rounders coaching commitments to avoid burnout that might impair your performance.
Do not assume responsibility for any role for which you are not qualified or prepared.
Do not misrepresent your level of qualification.

Principle: Responsibilities – personal standards

Statement: Coaches must demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times.

Issues
Rounders coaches:

Must be fair, honest and considerate to players and others in Rounders.
Should project an image of health, cleanliness and functional efficiency.
Must be positive role models for players at all times.

Actions

Operate within the rules and spirit of Rounders.
Educate players on issues relating to the use of performance enhancing drugs in Rounders and cooperate fully with UK Sport and NGB policies.
Maintain the same level of interest and support when a player is sick or injured.
Display high standards in use of language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation.
Encourage players to display the same qualities.
Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs before or while coaching. This reflects a negative image and could compromise the safety of your players.
Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in Rounders.