What is a Code of Ethics?

• As cited by "The Sport Journal" of the United States Sports Academy, Mark McElreath, lecturer in ethics at Towson University in Maryland, defines ethics as "a set of criteria by which decisions are made about what is right and what is wrong." In sport, a code of ethics is a set of rules laid out by sports governing bodies and individual clubs to protect everyone involved in sport. According the BrianMac Sports Coach website, the British Institute of Sports Coaches (BISC) states that sports coaches are expected to conform to ethical standards in a number of areas including: humanity, relationships, commitment, co-operation, integrity, advertising, confidentiality, abuse of privilege, safety and competence. The BISC expected coaches to follow the guidelines set out in the code to maintain professional practices across all sports.
  
  

The Importance of a Code

• The United States Sports Academy journal states, "The most ethical person in a sport organization should be the coach." Therefore, the coach must abide by a set of ethical standards to remain at the forefront of ethical and fair sport. A code of ethics protects everyone involved in sport and helps maintain a professional and productive environment. If code is in place and coach breaks the code he may face serious disciplinary action from the club or governing body, a process that is important to protect everyone involved.
  
  

Responsible Coaching

• Recognizing the importance of responsible coaching is a key factor in coaching ethics. Coaches must put the safety and welfare of athletes above the development of performance. A responsible coach must ensure all activities match the age, maturation and experience of the individual. The need for integrity when coaching is also an essential point to factor into a code of ethics. The British Institute of Sports Coaches (BISC) code highlights the importance of integrity in coaching and says: "Coaches must treat opponents with due respect, both in victory and defeat, and should encourage their performers to act in a similar manner."
  
  

Child Protection

• When coaches are working with children in a sporting environment children protection becomes a key factor in good ethical practice. Since April 2001 in the UK, all sports organizations that receive public funding must have a child protection policy in place. Coaches should take out the appropriate insurance to cover all aspects of coaching practice and to keep up to date on national child protection and welfare policies, and note any changes where necessary. Children's charities such as the NSPCC give advice on how to develop child protection policies for sports clubs.
  
  

Safety

• The Code of Ethics developed by British Institute of Sports Coaches (BISC) states that "within the limits of their control, coaches have a responsibility to ensure as for as possible the safety of the performers with whom they work." This highlights the importance of ensuring coaches are fully qualified and insured and, coach with competency to an appropriate level that matches that of his performer. The coach should take all possible steps to maintain a safe environment in which athletes can train and compete successfully. He also has the duty to protect his gymnast's personal safety from abuse, over-training or harm.