SFQ Policies

1. All those involved in the sports must treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural or social background, political affiliation, or any other personal characteristic/feature. SFQ is opposed to any form of violent, offensive, or discriminatory behaviour and will act as necessary to remove individuals from basketball who do not abide by this Code of Ethics and Conduct.
2. Everyone involved in SFQ, both adults and young people have a responsibility to treat everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and fairness.
3. Every young person or vulnerable adult involved in the SFQ sports classes should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. Allegations of a child protection nature relating to the breaking of this Code of Ethics and Conduct must follow the reporting procedures as contained in SFQ Child Protection Policy and Procedures.

B. SFQ Staff & Management

All SFQ Staff & Management agree to:

• Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious belief or political affiliation;
• Not use foul, sexist or racist language;
• Use your official position to take action against any club member or Parents who harasses, abuses or uses foul, sexist or racist language;
• Accept the responsibilities of the role that you have to set a good example of behaviour and conduct at all times and promote ethical principles.
• SFQ is aware of and follows best practice guidelines to safeguard young people and vulnerable adults.
• SFQ Staff to ensure a proper supervision is provided by suitably qualified coaches who are capable of promoting good sporting behaviour and good technical skills.
• Ensure all equipment and facilities meet safety standards.
• Adhere to safeguarding of all children their care .
• Encourage all players and coaches to abide by the rules and spirit of the game and do not manipulate the rules in order to benefit yourself personally or your club;
• Show respect to coaches, players and others involved in the sports
• Remember sport is enjoyed for its own sake
• Always have regard to the best interests of the sports, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game, others involved and any particular aspect of it.

C. Coaches

All affiliated coaches agree to:

• Consider the safety and wellbeing of all individuals in their charge;
• Ensure their behaviour is not misconstrued or open to allegations of favouritism, misconduct, or impropriety;
• Follow guidance on good practice when working with young people/vulnerable adults and report any concerns for their wellbeing to the relevant authority or body;
• Uphold the appropriate boundaries in the working relationship between coach and player – especially when one person is aged under 18 years of age or a vulnerable adult. While the coach-player relationship
• Exists, the coach should not only refrain from initiating a relationship, but should also discourage any attempt by a player to initiate an intimate relationship, explaining the ethical basis of the refusal;
• Ensure that all training and playing demands are not detrimental to the wellbeing of the players and are reasonable dependent upon the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players;
• Ensure their competence and ability is sufficient so that the safety of players is not compromised.
• Encourage players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance;
• Programme and regularly seek opportunities for continued professional development;
• Respect the rights of players to choose to decline to participate within coaching or playing situations, never put a player on court if they are injured or unfit to do so.
• Declare any affiliation, sponsorship, or accreditation in a truthful and accurate manner;
• Comply with all safeguarding and first aid policies and procedures.
• Promote prevention and education regarding the misuse of performance enhancing drugs and illegal substances;
• Declare any history or instances where you were disciplined, dismissed, cautioned, warned or convicted of any offence relating to children/young people/vulnerable adults on a Self-Declaration form submitted to the SFQ Management.
• Not attempt to exert undue influences and pressures to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Agree what information what will be treated confidentially.
• In case of accident or injury you will need to Communicate and co-ordinate with medical practitioners in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a players’
• Be a positive role model.
• Project a good personal appearance of cleanliness and never smoke in the coaching environment
• Never use foul, sexist or racist language or act in a violent/abusive manner.
• Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other clubs, coaches.
• Refrain from posting any comments on social media which bring the reputation of SFQ into disrepute.
• Be aware of how your language and behaviour may have an effect and ensure you do not use foul language, humiliate or bully any young person;
• Make sure you are fully aware of and follow the latest guidance on working with young people;
• Treat everyone with respect and dignity, recognising the additional needs or disadvantages of those with disabilities or from minority backgrounds;
• Set a good example as young people will learn from you;
• Make sure disciplinary actions are nonviolent/humiliating and use rewards, praise and acknowledgment to reinforce good behavior;
• Listen and act if a young person tells you they’re being bullied or abused

D. Players

Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation;

• Treat your team-mates and opponents, coaches, club officials and match officials with respect and consideration at all times - treat them as you would like to be treated
• Not use foul, sexist, racist language or offensive gestures at any time
• Know and abide by the rules and spirit of the game.
• Avoid violence and rough play and help injured opponents.
• Abide by the instructions of the coach.
• Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance through the classes.
• Concentrate on the training, do not react/respond to undue criticism from, parents, raise any concerns calmly and professionals to the coach or SFQ management if needed.
• Learn to accept victory and defeat with humility and dignity and without excessive emotional displays.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team - your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
• Never bully, spread rumours or tell lies about other young people.
• Welcome and include new players whatever their background or ability.
• Control your emotions - verbal or physical abuse is not acceptable at any time.
• Don’t show off or try to humiliate other players.
• Don’t ridicule or blame team mates who make mistakes.
• Make sure you tell your coach/parents if another young person confides in you and you think they need help.

E. Parents/Guardians (and other family members)

Teach your child to treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of their age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation; gender, ethnic origin or cultural background;

• Support all efforts to remove verbal, physical and racist abuse.
• Remember that young people are involved for their enjoyment - not yours.
• Encourage all to play by the rules and respect the match officials.
• Never ridicule or shout at a participant for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Teach that effort and teamwork are as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Remember that young people and vulnerable adults learn best by example.
• On no account should you enter the court unless authorised otherwise.
• Do not shout abuse at officials, coaches, players or other parents.

SFQ HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

• Undertake regular, recorded risk assessment of the Academy premises and all activities undertaken by the academy.
• Create a safe environment by putting health and safety measures in place as identified by the assessment.
• Ensure that all members are given the appropriate level of training and competition by regularly assessing individual ability dependent on age, maturity and development.
• Ensure that all members are aware of, understand and follow the academy’s health and safety policy.
• Appoint a competent academy member to assist with health and safety responsibilities.
• Ensure that normal operating procedures and emergency operating procedures are in place and known by all members.
• Provide access to adequate first aid facilities, telephone and qualified first aider at all times.
• Report any injuries or accidents sustained during any academy activity or whilst on the academy premises.
• Ensure that the implementation of the policy is reviewed regularly and monitored for effectiveness.
• FIRST AID kits are located with coaches.
• All SFQ Academy Coaches are qualified first aiders.

AS AN ACADEMY MEMBER YOU HAVE A DUTY TO:

• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or not do.
• Co-operate with the academy on health and safety issues.
• Correctly use all equipment provided by the academy.
• Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.

ANTI BULLYING CHARTER

We will:

• Listen and respond to young people’s concerns and take appropriate action
• Respond appropriately to incidents of bullying
• Take parents/carers’ concerns seriously and respond effectively

We aim:

• To create a positive environment for young people
• To encourage safe, and accessible opportunities for young people
• To ensure that all young people can participate in a safe, caring environment

To achieve this, we will:

• Ensure that a young person-centred environment is created during all activities
• Emphasise the positive values of participation, sharing, helping and encouraging
• Promote equality in all SFQ activities
• Establish clear ground rules/boundaries for activities
• Work towards continuously improving the quality of activities

We are committed to eliminating bullying within SFQ activities:

• To achieve this, we will encourage all participants to behave according to the SFQ Code of Ethics and Conduct, which will provide a framework of acceptable behaviour

All participants agree to abide by the following:

• We will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind
• We will be accepting of others regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or social status
• We will not ignore an incident of bullying and will take all signs of bullying seriously
• We will be kind to others, even if they are not our friends and we will make new participants in our activities feel welcome
• We will not join in fights or disturbances
• We will report any bullying incident to a member of staff/official immediately
• We will not judge others on the way they speak, their social behaviour, appearance, or their ability.
• We will remember that everyone matters, including ourselves
• We will encourage all young people to speak and share their concerns
• We will encourage all Club Welfare Officers to sign post how young people can contact them with a concern of bullying

SFQ SUPERVISION RATIO

• minimising any risks to participants
• enhancing the benefits children draw from the activity
• reassuring parents/carers