GB & NI athlete Code of Conduct

February 2010

UKA is proud of the reputation of its representative teams and the conduct of Team Members.  As a member of the GB & NI Team, your behaviour reflects on yourself, your sport and your country.  It is expected that all athletes selected to GB & NI Teams conduct themselves in a correct and proper manner that portrays the sport in a positive light and does not bring you, the sport, UKA, or any Commercial Partner into disrepute. 

Accordingly, in accepting a place in a GB & NI Team you agree to:

a)    make every effort to perform to your best ability for the Team;

b)    conduct yourself in such a manner as to obtain and maintain your best possible fitness level;

c)    travel with the Team on pre-arranged flights unless alternative arrangements have been made with the Team Leader in advance (changes will only be made in exceptional circumstances and you will be expected to book and pay for these unless otherwise agreed with the Team Leader);

d)    project a favourable and positive image of the sport and UKA athlete support programmes;

e)    adopt high standards of behaviour and appropriate dress when carrying out duties in relation to the GB & NI Team;

f)     behave reasonably and in a manner that shows proper respect for other athletes and Team staff at all times, including when training, competing or, for example, residing in a multi-sport environment or team hotels;

g)    refrain from excessive behaviour which would reflect badly on the sport and/or could prevent you from maintaining the highest levels of performance; 

h)    act as an ambassador for UKA and athletics in the UK at all times but specifically when so requested in accordance with Team membership;

i)      attend any GB & NI Team press interview which is reasonably required by UKA;

j)      not make any public statement (whether made as part of a formal interview or not and includes statements made on social networking sites such as Bebo, Facebook and on websites) which is derogatory of UKA, the World Class Performance Programme or the National Lottery, the Commercial Partners or any of the bodies working to promote performance sport in the UK, nor to make any other public statement which constitutes a “personal attack” on another competitor;

k)     thank the National Lottery for the support that it gives to the GB & NI Teams;

l)      comply with all reasonable instructions of the Team Manager and other members of Team Management;

m)  attend Team functions as reasonably required by the Team Manager;

n)    Take responsibility for ensuring the appropriate behaviour of colleagues in the Team. This includes:

-       speaking to a member of the Team Management if you are unhappy about something or know that someone else is;

-       being organised and on time for all travel, training and events;

-       watching out for each other to ensure that no one falls into any danger;

-       not being afraid to tell fellow Team members (in an appropriate manner) if you think their behaviour is unacceptable;

-       ensuring that you and others do not at any time get involved in anything illegal or irresponsible.

BEHAVIOUR IN THE TEAM HOTEL

• Be courteous to other Team members, Team staff and athletes at all times; others may be competing and/or training even after your events have finished.

• Be courteous to hotel guests and staff at all times.

• If you have any problems when at the team hotel please speak to your Team Manager.

• You will be allocated rooms on arrival.  If you wish to change rooms you must seek permission in advance from the Team Manager.

YOU must AT ALL TIMES:

• Comply with the instructions of the Team Manager and other members of Team Management including adhering to any signing in and out procedures implemented.
• Travel in team kit as advised in the Team Manual (for example this will often specify wearing the official GB & NI polo shirt).
• Wear team kit in and around the team hotel as requested by the Team Leader.
• Report any faults or damage to your accommodation to the Team Manager in the first instance.
• Make sure upon arrival you have a good look around and report any faults or damage immediately. 
• Keep your accommodation clean and tidy.
• Pay for any extras you incur such as phone bills, room service etc.
• Maintain appropriate standards of conduct at the closing banquet.
• Comply with the policy on alcohol set by the Team Leader, which will include, at a minimum the adherence to UK laws in relation to the consumption of alcohol.

YOU must NOT:

• Let any non-team member (male or female), into your room (this includes friends, family, supporters and your personal coach), without prior consent from the Team Leader.
• Walk through public areas of hotels or other accommodation improperly or inappropriately dressed.
• Consume alcohol whilst wearing GB & NI Team kit.
• At any time, supply or use drugs, other than medication either supplied or authorised by the Team Doctors.

WELFARE

The Welfare Policy and Procedures, along with a number of supporting documents can be viewed on the welfare pages at http://www.uka.org.uk/governance/welfare-and-safeguarding/

If you have any concerns regarding child welfare, please contact the child protection officer, David Brown CBE via e-mail on childprotection@uka.org.uk  or by post at  Athletics Welfare PO Box 332, Sale, Manchester M33 6XL or telephone on 0161 223 4246.  There is also a confidential child protection phone line you can call on 0800 3163 003.

SANCTIONS

UKA is serious in its commitment to high standards of behaviour amongst all GB and NI Team members.  Athletes who breach any of their obligations as a member of the GB and NI Team as set out this Code of Conduct will be subject to sanctions as outlined below.

UKA will act reasonably when assessing the appropriate sanctioning and will adhere to any applicable procedures, including the UKA Grievance and Disciplinary Rules and Procedures as in place from time to time.

Sanctions/actions available to UKA in the event of any breach are as follows:

• Withdrawal or reduction of any UKA Performance Bonus(es);

• Immediate expulsion from the Team.  The athlete concerned must return home as directed by UKA, at their own expense, unaccompanied if appropriate;

• Ineligibility for selection for future GB and NI Teams either for an identified period of time or permanently.

• Liability to UKA for any damage or costs incurred; and

• Any other sanctions which UKA considers appropriate.