CODE OF PRACTICE FOR MEMBERS AND VISITORS

Reigate Lawn Tennis Club (“the Club”) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all of its members.

The Club believes that it is important that members, coaches, volunteers and parents/guardians should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have with the Chairman.

As a member of, or visitor to, the Club you are expected to abide by the following code of conduct:

All members and visitors

Safeguarding

• Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk at all times
• Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect
• Do not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk
• Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary (e.g. for purposes of coaching or first-aid) or congratulatory (e.g. handshake or “high-five”); if contact is necessary for coaching then explain to the player what the contact is for, and change your approach if he or she appears uncomfortable
• Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances
• When coaching or acting responsibility for a child or adult at risk, do not have a relationship with that person and avoid any intimacy (sexual or otherwise)
• Recognise the trust placed in adults by children and treat this trust with the highest responsibility
• Respond to any safeguarding concerns in line with the Club’s safeguarding policy

Other matters

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all members and visitors, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity
• Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
• Do not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such
• Be a positive role model; act with integrity, even when no one is looking
• Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court
• Do not exhibit or allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or use bad or inappropriate language
• Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the Club’s Welfare Officer
• Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media
• Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
• Refrain from consuming alcohol when interacting with children during Club activities or coaching sessions
• Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle
• Play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions
• Keep to agreed timings for training and competitions, or inform your coach or team captain if you are going to be late
• Wear suitable kit for training and match sessions in accordance with the Club’s Bye-Laws
• Pay any fees for training or events promptly
• Note that the Club is a non-smoking venue, including the outside areas
• Adhere to the Club’s policies, Rules and Bye-Laws

Junior members and other children

• Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults
• Play fairly and honestly
• Respect club staff, volunteers and officials, and accept their decisions
• Behave, respect and listen to your coach
• Take care of your equipment and the Club’s property
• Do not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
• Do not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol or drugs of any kind on the Club’s premises or whilst representing the Club at competitions or events
• Talk to the Club’s Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries you have about yourselves or others

Parents

• Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis
• Use appropriate language at all times
• Be realistic and supportive, and never force your child to take part in sport
• Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match
• Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches and officials with respect
• Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child
• Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches
• Encourage your child to learn and play by the rules and discourage unfair play
• Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results
• Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue
• Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
• Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct
• Adhere to the Club’s policies
• Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history

Approved by the Management Committee in September 2019