Coaches play a critical role not just in supporting players in their development, but in promoting a positive and safe environment in clubs and local leagues. The Coach Code of Conduct template can support clubs in clearly defining the expectations for coaches in community sport. 

The code of conduct covers key areas including: 

  • Safety and wellbeing of participants
  • Coaching with care
  • Understanding your role and influence as a coach, and
  • Upholding the integrity of sport.

You will notice the  code of conduct template has specific examples of how to either put each element into practice, or what behaviour would contravene the element. Examples of behaviours is a critical element to include in codes of conduct as they help give clarity into what is specifically expected. While we have provided some examples, we encourage you to also consider whether these should be adjusted to fit the needs and context of your club more explicitly.

Binding coaches to the code of conduct
There are various ways you can ensure your coaches have read and acknowledged their commitment to the code of conduct. 

  • Include the code of conduct in coach volunteer or employment agreements.
  • Ask coaches to read and sign a printed or online copy.
  • Include the code of conduct your online registration platform.
  • Attach the code of conduct to advertisements when seeking new coaches.

You should also ensure that your committee passes a resolution to adopt the codes of conduct so that, if it is ever required, you have the option to take disciplinary action under your constitution on the basis of a breach of club or association endorsed code of conduct. 

Please note: If your sport had adopted the National Integrity Framework or if your state or national sport organisation has Safeguarding Children & Young People and Member Protection Policies that your club or association has adopted, ensure your coaches are aware of their responsibilities and reporting obligations under those policies. The information in the template is not intended as a substitute for legal or other professional advice and you can edit the template to further align with your club or association's values and existing policies.
 

Child Safeguarding Concerns or Formal Complaints

Your club or association should have a child safeguarding complaint(s) process in place, that outlines how a complaint received and will be handled. This process should be accessible to all members. This may be via the sports club or association website.

Steps to follow
Step 1: 
If the child is at risk of immediate harm, call Police on 000 immediately.

Step 2: 
If you have reasonable grounds to suspect a child has been or may be at risk of harm or abuse, call local Police on 131 444 AND make a report to your state or territory child protection service.

Step 3:
If you have a concern about inappropriate behaviour, report it to the appropriate person within your club or sport. This may be the Integrity Manager, Complaints Manager, or a designated safety officer, such as a Child Safe Officer.

Step 4:
Reports or complaints relating to child safeguarding and/or discrimination can be made via the Sport Integrity Australia Make an Integrity Complaint or Report form.
 

Coach Code of Conduct Template

Download the Coach Code of Conduct editable file and access related resources to share with coaches in your club or association. Relevant links to education and resources for coaches are also provided.