Instructor Obligations
Instructor's Code of Ethics
Provide access to information on the services being provided, i.e. purposes, goals, techniques, policies and ethical standards – as appropriate.
Accept the rights of the student to make independent choices and to take responsibility for those choices and their consequences.
Deal with each student fairly, equitably and without prejudice, respecting their values, beliefs and life experiences and those of their families and the communities to which they belong.
Ensure that the services provided are culturally appropriate and relevant to students’ needs, and valid and reliable concerning the information they provide.
Use non-discriminatory, current and accurate information within whatever medium is used.
Maintain a current understanding of the legal requirements and legal responsibilities that pertain to student rights within the sporting community
Inform students of the limits of confidentiality when it arises
Preserve the student’s right to privacy
Ensure student counselling records (e.g. case notes) are maintained in a secure place and only reveal confidential matters when appropriate for the student’s benefit.
Refrain from discussing students’ personal problems in situations where the information will not be treated confidentially
Avoid or disclose conflicts of interest that compromise the best interests of their students
Conduct career development services for which they are appropriately trained and currently qualified
Are aware of the role of other professionals and agencies and when students should be referred to them for assistance
Make appropriate referral when their own competency does not meet the student’s need or when their professional assistance cannot be provided or continued
Contextualise career development theory and practice according to work setting and societal context
Avoid conflicts of interest specifically
Resolve conflict between professional ethical standards and directives or practices within the workplace through ethical decision-making and appropriate consultation
Advocate for and assist in the development of career development services that are ethically rendered and relevant to student needs in cooperation with relevant peak organisations, policy makers, organisations, community agencies and other relevant stakeholders
Respect and acknowledge the contribution of other professionals
Cooperate with other professionals and/or colleagues according to the ethical practices and procedures relevant to the situation
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being
Within the context of the activity, treat everyone equally and respect the rights and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural beliefs and practices, ethnic origin or religion
Ensure the student’s time spent with an instructor is a positive experience
All students are deserving of equal attention and opportunities in all aspects of the physical activity provided
Compliment and encourage with positive and supportive feedback
Treat each student as an individual
Respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each student
Help each student reach their full potential
Be fair, considerate and honest with students
Be professional and accept responsibility for decisions and actions
Display high standards in your language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation
Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved with the Club. This includes students, other instructors, supervisors, administrators, and parents
Show integrity and objectivity
Encourage the students under your care to demonstrate the same qualities
Make a commitment to providing a quality service to the students under their care
Maintain or improve your current coaching qualification / skills / knowledge
Seek continual improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing coach education
Provide a structured physical activity program which is planned and sequential
Maintain appropriate records
Operate within the rules and spirit of their discipline promoting fair play over winning at all costs
The guidelines of national and international bodies governing the specific discipline will be followed.
Be honest and do not allow qualifications to be misrepresented
Any physical contact with students should be:
appropriate to the situation
necessary for the student's skill development
Refrain from and do not tolerate any form of harmful or abusive behaviour towards the students under your care
This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse
Be alert to any forms of abuse directed toward the students under your care from other sources while they are in your care
Ensure all decisions and actions contribute to a harassment free environment
Refrain from:
any inappropriate verbal, physical or emotional behaviour towards the students under your care
sexual and racial harassment, racial vilification and harassment on the grounds of disability
initiating a sexual and/or romantic relationship with any student, and discourage any attempt by a student to initiate a sexual and/or romantic relationship, explaining the ethical basis of your refusal
Ensure all decisions and actions contribute to a safe environment
Place the safety and welfare of students in your care above all else
Provide a safe environment for structured physical activity
Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards
Ensure equipment, facilities, rules, activities and the environment are appropriate for the age and ability of the students
Wherever practical, avoid unaccompanied and unobserved one-on-one activity
Show concern and caution toward sick and injured students
Provide modified structured physical activities where appropriate
Allow further participation in structured physical activities only when appropriate
Encourage students/parents/guardians to seek medical advice when required
Maintain the same interest and support toward sick and injured students
Be a positive role model for students
Adopt appropriate and responsible behaviour in all interactions
Operate within the rules and spirit of the activity
Display control and courtesy to all involved in the activity
Respect the decisions of others in the conduct of the activity
Adopt responsible behaviour in relation to alcohol and other drugs
The Club is an affiliated member of the Good Sports organisation, and is a strong supporter of the sentiment that sporting organisation have a strong role to play in the development of healthy communities.
Instructors are bound by the expectations around abstaining from illegal drug use and moderation with respect to alcohol.
Adhere to the Australian Sports Commission’s Anti-Doping Policy
Be knowledgeable of and comply with all applicable anti-doping policies and rules
Use your influence to foster positive anti-doping attitudes
Support the initiatives of the ASC and other applicable organisations to stop doping in sport
Cooperate with the ASC and other applicable organisations in relation to the conduct of any investigation or hearing into an alleged Anti-Doping Policy breach
Understand the process for reporting, investigating and determining breaches as set out in the ASC Anti-Doping Policy
Give due and proper consideration as to whether you also have a responsibility to act under the ASC Code of Conduct
Act in a discreet and confidential manner in discharging your obligations
All Club Instructors and senior students will:
Abide by all aspects of the Instructor Obligations
Obtain qualifications necessary to provide career development services, including those qualifications required to undertake specialised tasks or roles and/or work with specialised populations.
Represent their professional competencies, training and experience accurately
Function within the boundaries of their training and experience
Refrain from consciously dictating to, judging or coercing athlete choices, values, lifestyles, plans or beliefs
Enhance student autonomy and sense of self worth and encourage students to develop and reflect on their own values
Ensure assessment tools, if used, are chosen, administered and interpreted appropriately and accurately; explain the content, purposes, potential benefits and results of tests and interventions in language that is easily understood by students, their parents (where relevant) and the broader community. Instructors will only use assessment tools for which they have appropriate training.
Monitor, maintain and enhance professional competencies
Seek and participate in continuing professional development (CPD) in order to remain current with innovations and trends in the contexts, processes and content of career development
Ensure that material contained in web-based programs, resource materials and career development programs is current and accurate; ensure information provided to athletes is in a form that can be readily understood by the athlete, their parents (where relevant) and the sporting community.
Undertake research and report findings, using procedures that are consistent with the accepted ethical and scientific standards of educational, psychological and social research practices.
Instructor Qualifications
All unsupervised Instructors are bound by conditions of the Instructor's Code of Ethics and must have:
Either a current teaching/coaching qualifications such as that through the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) (or equivalent) and/or teaching authority authorised by their peak National/International association.
Current WorkCover approved Senior First Aid (or equivalent) certification.
Possess a current ‘Working with Children’ Blue Card issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian.
In place appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance where it is not covered under the Club’s insurance provisions.
