SWL Gymnastics - Coaches' Code of Conduct & Professional Standards Policy

Okay, here is the detailed Coaches' Code of Conduct adapted back for SWL Gymnastics, using the contact details provided and incorporating the structure and enhancements previously developed.

SWL Gymnastics – Coaches' Code of Conduct & Professional Standards

1. Introduction & Purpose

Coaches at SWL Gymnastics are integral to our club's success, reputation, the positive experience of our members, and the progressive development of our gymnasts. Operating within South West London and affiliated with British Gymnastics (BG), our coaches are expected to embody the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and ethical conduct.

This Code of Conduct outlines the mandatory professional standards, operational procedures, coaching methodologies, safeguarding responsibilities, and behavioural expectations for every member of the SWL Gymnastics coaching team. Its purpose is to:

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective gymnastics coaching aligned with BG and SWL standards.

• Guarantee the safety, well-being, and protection of all participants, making safeguarding paramount.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, supportive, and motivating learning environment for gymnasts.

• Promote teamwork, mutual respect, and professionalism among the coaching staff.

• Ensure efficient and smooth club operations at our venues.

• Uphold and positively represent the values and reputation of SWL Gymnastics.

Adherence to this Code of Conduct in its entirety is a non-negotiable condition of coaching engagement or employment with SWL Gymnastics. This policy complements, and should be read alongside, the SWL Gymnastics Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

2. Professionalism & Conduct

2.1. Role Model: Act as an exemplary role model for gymnasts, parents, colleagues, and the wider community at all times. Demonstrate positive behaviour, respectful communication, punctuality, appropriate professional language, and responsible conduct.

2.2. Respect & Inclusivity: Treat all gymnasts, parents/guardians, colleagues, Club Management, venue staff, and visitors with courtesy, fairness, dignity, and respect, regardless of age, gender, ability, background, or any other characteristic. Actively foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

2.3. Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information obtained during your coaching duties. This includes, but is not limited to, gymnast personal details, progress, medical information, family circumstances, internal club communications, staffing matters, financial details, and operational decisions. Breaches of confidentiality are taken extremely seriously.

2.4. Positive Communication Protocol: Maintain a professional and constructive communication environment. Absolutely no gossiping, backbiting, undermining, or speaking negatively about other coaches, staff members, gymnasts, parents, Club Management, or Club decisions is permitted. This includes conversations in person, via text/social media, email, or any other channel. Such behaviour is unprofessional, damages team morale, harms the Club's reputation, and constitutes a serious breach of this Code. All concerns must be raised professionally through the designated channel (See Section 6).

2.5. Club Representation: Represent SWL Gymnastics positively and professionally at all times, both within the Club's premises and at any external events (e.g., competitions, training camps, workshops, meetings).

2.6. Dress Code & Presentation: Coaches must wear official SWL Gymnastics coaching attire (tops/jumpers) when available and appropriate. If official kit is unavailable, plain dark, professional sportswear (e.g., t-shirt/polo, tracksuit bottoms/leggings/shorts) must be worn. Clothing should be clean, tidy, and suitable for coaching and spotting. Jeans, overly casual wear, or revealing clothing are strictly prohibited. Long hair must be securely tied back. Maintain good personal hygiene.

2.7. Jewellery: For safety during coaching and spotting, jewellery must be kept to an absolute minimum. Ideally, no jewellery should be worn. Minimal, secure items (e.g., small stud earrings, plain wedding band) may be permitted strictly at the discretion of Club Management and must be removed immediately if deemed unsafe. Safety is the priority.

2.8. Substance Use: Smoking, vaping, consuming alcohol, or being under the influence of non-prescribed drugs is strictly prohibited during any working hours (including setup, sessions, pack-down, meetings) or while identifiably representing SWL Gymnastics. Arriving for work under the influence is grounds for immediate action.

2.9. Mobile Phone Use: Personal mobile phone use (calls, texting, social media, Browse) is strictly prohibited during active coaching time (warm-ups, session time, cool-downs, dismissal). Phones must be stored securely away from the coaching area. Use is only permitted for:

* Specific, pre-approved coaching purposes (e.g., music player, approved video analysis tool, timer).

* Genuine emergencies.

* Essential, brief communication with Club Management during non-contact moments if absolutely necessary.

2.10. Social Media Boundaries: Maintain professional boundaries on all social media platforms. Adhere to British Gymnastics' guidance on social media use for coaches. Do not engage in private messaging with underage gymnasts. Avoid posting any content (text, images, videos) that could negatively reflect on SWL Gymnastics, its members, staff, or partners. Do not use personal accounts to conduct official club communication with parents or gymnasts – use designated Club channels. Protect the privacy and reputation of the Club and its members online.

3. Attendance, Reliability & Preparation

3.1. Punctuality: Coaches must arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of all coaching sessions, meetings, or events. This allows for essential preparation, equipment setup checks, safety walkthroughs, and communication/handover with colleagues or management. Consistent lateness is unacceptable.

3.2. Schedule Adherence: Strictly follow the coaching schedule, group allocations, and session plans provided or approved by Club Management. Any necessary deviations must be pre-approved.

3.3. Absence Notification: Reliability is crucial. In case of unavoidable absence (e.g., illness, emergency), notify Club Management via both phone call/text (to 07714296676) AND email (to [email address removed]) as far in advance as humanly possible, and by the specified deadline (e.g., 8 am for daytime sessions, 2 pm for evening sessions – confirm/adjust specific procedure if needed). Provide expected duration of absence if known. Unnotified absences or frequent absenteeism without valid reason may lead to disciplinary action.

3.4. Session Preparation: Thorough preparation is mandatory. Before each session, coaches must:

* Mentally plan the session structure based on the term/weekly plan and gymnast abilities.

* Consult the SWL Gymnastics curriculum, skill progressions, or specific directives.

* Review gymnast progress notes, specific needs, or goals for the group.

* Identify required equipment and plan safe, efficient setups.

* Have contingency activities planned (e.g., if apparatus is unavailable).

* Deliver structured, progressive, engaging, and differentiated coaching based on this preparation. Stating you have 'run out of things to do' indicates inadequate preparation.

3.5. Setup & Pack-Down: Actively, efficiently, and safely participate in the setup and pack-down of all necessary equipment for your sessions and subsequent groups. This is a shared responsibility requiring teamwork and effort. Conduct safety checks on equipment during setup. Ensure the space is left tidy and safe for the next users, adhering to venue procedures. Do not leave tasks solely for others.

3.6. Registers & Records: Diligently and accurately complete attendance registers for all assigned groups at the start of each session, using the designated Club system. Accurate registers are crucial for safety (fire evacuation), safeguarding, attendance tracking, and communication. Maintain other records (e.g., progress notes, incident forms) as required.

4. Coaching Quality, Methodology & Safety

4.1. Safeguarding First: The welfare, safety, and protection of children are paramount.

* Adhere strictly to the SWL Gymnastics Safeguarding Policy & Procedures and British Gymnastics Safeguarding standards at all times.

* Maintain valid BG Safeguarding certification and a clear DBS check as required by the Club and BG.

* Report any safeguarding concerns immediately and precisely according to Club policy (usually to the Club Welfare Officer or Management).

* Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants.

4.2. Safety Standards: Prioritise the physical and emotional safety and well-being of all gymnasts above all else.

* Rigorously adhere to all SWL Gymnastics and BG health and safety protocols.

* Conduct dynamic risk assessments throughout sessions.

* Ensure equipment is set up correctly and safely checked before use.

* Implement safe and appropriate spotting techniques (see 4.9).

* Be aware of and follow venue-specific emergency procedures (e.g., fire evacuation).

* Report any safety hazards or concerns immediately to Club Management.

* Hold a valid First Aid qualification if required/encouraged by the Club.

4.3. Quality Instruction: Deliver high-quality coaching that is:

* Technically accurate and aligned with BG principles and SWL methodology.

* Age, ability, and developmentally appropriate.

* Engaging, motivating, positive, and enjoyable.

* Differentiated to cater to the varying needs and abilities within the group.

* Focused on safe and logical skill progressions – master basics before advancing.

* Utilises positive reinforcement and provides constructive, specific feedback.

4.4. Workstation Model (Mandatory): SWL Gymnastics utilises a workstation-based training model. Circuit-style training (continuous 'moving loops') is strictly prohibited. Sessions MUST be structured using distinct workstations. Gymnasts work at one designated station on specific skills/conditioning for a defined period (e.g., set time or turns per gymnast), receiving focused coaching. Coaches then direct a coordinated, safe rotation to the next station. This ensures focused practice, adequate feedback, manageable group sizes at each point, and efficient use of time and space.

4.5. Small Workstations, Group Sizes & Rotations: If coaching a group larger than 4/5 gymnasts, split them into smaller, focused workstations. Ensure overall group sizes adhere to Club limits (e.g., max 8-10 per lead coach, subject to BG ratios). Coaches must effectively manage rotations according to the day's plan: 5 rotation groups for Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday sessions, 7 rotation groups for Friday/Saturday sessions. Utilize all available coaches efficiently across these stations.

4.6. Active Coaching Engagement: Coaches must be actively engaged throughout the entire session. This means: providing specific feedback, asking questions to check understanding, demonstrating correctly, physically supporting/spotting where appropriate, positively reinforcing effort and achievement. Standing passively observing, chatting idly with other coaches, or being distracted (e.g., by phone) is unacceptable.

4.7. Progression Monitoring & Feedback: Continuously monitor gymnast progress against planned objectives and provide feedback. Be prepared to communicate progress appropriately (see Section 6.1). A coach's ability to facilitate demonstrable, safe progression will be evaluated.

4.8. Appropriate Spotting: Provide safe, effective, and timely physical support (spotting) relevant to the skill being performed, the gymnast's level, and your qualification/competence. Adhere to BG spotting guidelines. Only spot skills you are qualified and confident to support safely. Prioritise teaching solid progressions over attempting skills requiring excessive or unsafe spotting. Do not feel pressured to spot skills you deem inappropriate or unsafe for the gymnast or yourself.

4.9. Specific Skill Safety:

* Squat-on catches (vault): Strictly prohibited for general recreational classes. Only permissible for appropriate level gymnasts under specific, pre-approved coaching and spotting conditions.

* High-Risk Skills (e.g., advanced tumbles in rec classes): Focus on progressions. Do not disrupt session flow demanding double spots for skills significantly beyond the session's scope or gymnast's readiness. Discuss individual advanced aspirations with Club Management.

4.10. Trampoline Safety: Adhere strictly to BG trampoline code of practice. Coaches must position themselves correctly beside the trampoline for effective spotting. For beginners or specific skills, ensure the required number of competent spotters (often one coach per side) are actively in place. Coaches must hold appropriate BG trampoline qualifications/modules if coaching on trampoline.

4.11. Safe Transitions & Dismissal: Always line gymnasts up and supervise their safe, orderly movement between apparatus or stations. Ensure gymnasts are dismissed safely at the end of the session directly to their pre-authorised waiting parent/guardian or into the designated safe waiting area. Verify collection for younger children. Never leave participants unattended and ensure all are collected before leaving the premises yourself.

5. Effort, Commitment & Teamwork

5.1. Consistent Effort: Demonstrate consistent high effort, energy, focus, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude throughout all coaching duties and related tasks (setup, pack-down, admin, meetings). Be proactive and engaged.

5.2. Professional Development: Show commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Maintain current BG coaching qualifications and memberships (including safeguarding, first aid if applicable). Actively participate in mandatory training, CPD opportunities provided or recommended by SWL Gymnastics or BG. Stay updated on best practices.

5.3. Team Contribution: Be a proactive, supportive, and collaborative member of the coaching team. Assist colleagues when appropriate (without neglecting your own group). Share good practice and contribute positively and constructively during staff meetings or club initiatives. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability. Support less experienced colleagues where appropriate.

6. Communication & Conflict Resolution

6.1. Professional Communication (Gymnasts & Parents): Communicate clearly, professionally, respectfully, and appropriately with gymnasts and parents.

* Provide age-appropriate instructions and feedback to gymnasts.

* Provide brief, positive updates to parents when appropriate (e.g., during handover). Avoid lengthy discussions during busy changeover times that compromise supervision.

* Direct parents seeking detailed progress reports or discussion of concerns to Club Management or scheduled feedback sessions, as per Club policy. Manage parent expectations professionally.

6.2. Designated Reporting Channel for Concerns: Effective teamwork requires professional resolution of issues. Any work-related concerns, issues, disagreements, interpersonal conflicts involving colleagues, or feedback/disputes regarding club operations, policies, scheduling, or management decisions MUST be brought directly and solely to Club Management (via [email address removed] or direct discussion/call to 07714296676).

* Discussing such matters with other coaches, staff, parents, or gymnasts instead of Management is strictly prohibited, undermines procedures, and constitutes a serious violation of this Code.

* "Chatting back," arguing publicly, or being insubordinate regarding operational decisions or instructions from Management is unprofessional and unacceptable. Concerns should be raised respectfully through the proper channel.

* Constructive feedback provided professionally through the designated channel is welcomed.

7. Policy Enforcement & Consequences

Adherence to this Coaches' Code of Conduct & Professional Standards Policy is mandatory and forms part of your coaching agreement/contract with SWL Gymnastics. Performance and adherence will be monitored by Club Management. Failure to meet these standards is taken extremely seriously and may result in disciplinary action, potentially following these steps:

• Step 1: Verbal Discussion / Informal Warning: For minor issues, initial feedback and expectations will be discussed verbally.

• Step 2: Formal Written Warning: For significant or repeated breaches (e.g., safety violations, disregard for coaching methodology, poor timekeeping, unprofessional conduct, violation of communication protocols), a Formal Written Warning will be issued. This will document the concerns, reference specific policy sections, outline required improvements, and set a review timeframe.

• Step 3: Further Disciplinary Action: If improvements are not met, or in cases of serious misconduct (e.g., major safety breaches, persistent insubordination, serious violation of confidentiality or communication rules), further action may be taken. This could include a final written warning, reduction in hours, suspension, or termination of the coaching engagement/employment.

• Gross Misconduct: Certain actions constitute gross misconduct and may lead to immediate termination without prior warning. These include, but are not limited to, serious safeguarding breaches, theft, fraud, discrimination, harassment, serious insubordination, or being intoxicated at work.

SWL Gymnastics is committed to supporting its coaches but requires adherence to these essential standards to ensure the best and safest environment for everyone involved.