Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct sets out the expected standards of behaviour for everyone attending Active Lichfield Community sessions. It is designed to help ensure that sessions are safe, inclusive, respectful and enjoyable for all participants.

By signing the Participant Consent Form and taking part in an Active Lichfield Communities Activity, I agree to:

• Treat other participants, staff, coaches, instructors and volunteers with respect and courtesy.
• Follow the instructions and requests of the coaches delivering the session.
• Take reasonable care of my own safety and the safety of others.
• Follow the rules, procedures and safety guidance for the session.
• Use equipment and facilities responsibly and with respect.
• Report any damage, hazards, injuries or safety concerns to the coaches/staff.
• Encourage and support others in a positive and respectful way.
• Respect differences in ability, experience, background, identity and personal circumstances.
• Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
• Respect other people’s personal space, boundaries and privacy.
• Take part at a level that is appropriate for my own ability and wellbeing.

Behaviour That Is Not Acceptable

Participants must not:

• Bully, harass, intimidate or discriminate against staff, coaches, instructors, volunteers or other participants.
• Use threatening, abusive, offensive or discriminatory language.
• Behave aggressively or engage in physical violence.
• Deliberately behave in a way that could put themselves or others at risk.
• Deliberately damage equipment or facilities.
• Pressure, mock or discourage another person from taking part.
• Engage in unwanted physical contact or inappropriate behaviour.
• Photograph, film or record others without their knowledge and permission and must follow any photography or social media guidance.
• Attend or participate while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Safety and Wellbeing

Participants should:

• Inform the coaches / staff of any injury, illness, medical concern or other issue that may affect their safe participation prior to the session/activity.
• Stop and seek assistance if they feel unwell, injured or unsafe.
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear for the activity.
• Follow the boundaries and instructions set for the session.
• Never feel pressured to participate beyond their comfort, ability or agreed limits.
• Not intentionally disregard safety instructions, interfere with safety equipment, or engage in reckless behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.

Inclusion and Respect

Everyone should be able to take part in physical activity in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Participants must not exclude, mock or treat others unfairly because of their ability, appearance, background, identity or personal circumstances.

Everyone is expected to respect reasonable adjustments and support inclusive participation where appropriate.

Raising a Concern

If a participant experiences, witnesses or becomes aware of behaviour that is unsafe, inappropriate or contrary to this Code of Conduct, they should raise the concern with the coach leading a session or another appropriate member of staff.

Any safeguarding concern involving a child or adult at risk should be reported immediately to the coach, organiser or designated safeguarding lead.

Breaches of the Code

If a participant does not follow this Code of Conduct, appropriate action may be taken. This may include:

• A reminder about expected behaviour.
• A discussion with the participant.
• A warning.
• Temporary or permanent removal from a session, activity or all Active Lichfield Communities programmes and activities.

Immediate removal from a session may occur where behaviour presents a risk to the safety, wellbeing or enjoyment of others.

The action taken will depend on the nature and seriousness of the behaviour.