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Code of Conduct

The Codes of Conduct form the ethical philosophy under which the sport operates. They describe the behaviour that is expected of all within Boccia in England in line with the values of Boccia England, ‘to be honest, fair, respectful, ambitious, excellent, and professional’.

All those involved with Boccia have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to ensure that the reputation of the sport is preserved. Failure to adhere to the Codes of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.

Everyone involved in Boccia is expected to adhere to the principles set out in these Codes of Conduct. Some individuals may have multiple roles and are expected to use the respective Code of Conduct for each role.

It is important to note that the Codes of Conduct are expected to be followed by all; whether at a Boccia England organised competition or a locally organised competition; whether part of the National Squad or playing at a local club; and whether or not a member of Boccia England.

Allegations of a safeguarding nature, relating to the breaking of these Codes of Conduct, must follow the reporting procedures as contained in the Boccia England Safeguarding Children and Young People and Safeguarding and Protecting Adults at Risk policies.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BOCCIA PLAYERS

As a player I will:

  • Be honest and play fairly within the rules of the sport and never deliberately cheat or be dishonest.
  • Treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
  • Respect and never bully or take unfair advantage of another player, coach, official, classifier or volunteer.
  • Abide by the safeguarding guidelines set out by Boccia England for children and young people and adults at risk.
  • Not abuse or misuse any relationship of trust or position of power, or influence held by me.
  • Report any concerns about a child or adult’s welfare to the Club Welfare Officer or Boccia England Lead Safeguarding Officer.
  • Always conduct myself in an appropriate manner and display courtesy and good manners to others.
  • Promote the code of conduct to other players, especially those new to the sport.
  • Abide by the disciplinary sanctions that might be imposed on me.
  • Cooperate with everyone involved in Boccia, including players, coaches, officials, parents/carers, classifiers, volunteers and Boccia England.
  • Always play to the best of my ability and give 100% to myself and my team.
  • Recognise that I am an ambassador for my sport and act in a way that displays the values of the sport.
  • Take responsibility for informing Boccia England, coaches, officials, classifiers and volunteers about any illness, disability or particular support needs to allow me to participate fully.
  • Not participate under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
  • Not wager on any match or event where I am playing.
  • Not use any form of communication to bring the game into disrepute or make an inappropriate comment about a fellow player, coach, official, classifier, volunteer or Boccia England, Including but not exclusive of social media, email, direct verbal or physical.
  • Not behave in a way that would disrespect or harm anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Not offer or accept any consideration whatsoever with a view to influencing the result of a match.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES

As a coach I will:

  • Comply with all rules, regulations and requirements of the sport including any leagues and competitions in which I am involved.
  • Treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
  • Respect and never bully or take unfair advantage of another player, coach, official, classifier or volunteer.
  • Abide by the safeguarding guidelines set out by Boccia England for Children and Young People, and Adults at Risk.
  • Not abuse or misuse any relationship of trust or position of power, or influence held by me.
  • Report any concerns about a child or adult’s welfare to the Club Welfare Officer or Boccia England Lead Safeguarding officer.
  • Report any suspected misconduct by anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Uphold an appropriate boundary between coach and player, especially when one person is under 18 of age. While the coach-player relationship exists, the coach should not only refrain from initiating personal a relationship, but should also discourage any attempt by a player to initiate an intimate personal relationship, explaining the ethical basis of the refusal.
  • Always conduct myself in an appropriate manner and display courtesy and good manners to others.
  • Promote the code of conduct to other coaches, especially those new to the sport.
  • Abide by the disciplinary sanctions that might be imposed on me.
  • Be a positive role model for Boccia by acting in a way that projects a positive image of coaching and being fair, considerate and honest with players.
  • Be particularly aware of coaching children in a positive way that builds them up and does not use embarrassment or humiliation as a mean of discipline or control.
  • Declare any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Never argue with an official.
  • Cooperate with everyone involved in Boccia; including players, coaches, officials, parents/carers, classifiers, volunteers and Boccia England.
  • Display the highest standards in my language, manner, punctuality, preparation, and presentation, ensuring that a player’s time spent with me is positive.
  • Ensure the training environment is safe.
  • Keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and developments by taking up further coach education and other personal and professional development opportunities.
  • Take responsibility for being informed about specific coaching needs of the player and discuss how coaching should be adapted to address these needs.
  • Always speak to the player / players in an appropriate manner and ensure they understand my request.
  • Wear appropriate coaching uniform, or the uniform provided.
  • Always pick up the balls and not throw, kick, or roll the balls to move them while on court.
  • Not coach under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
  • Not wager on any match or event where I am coaching.
  • Not use any form of communication to bring the game into disrepute or make and an inappropriate comment about a fellow player, coach, official, classifier, volunteer or Boccia England, Including but not exclusive of social media, email, direct verbal or physical.
  • Not behave in a way that would disrespect or harm anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Not offer or accept any consideration whatsoever with a view to influencing the result of a match.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR OFFICIALS

As an official I will:

  • Comply with all rules, regulations and requirements of the sport including any leagues and competitions in which I am involved.
  • Treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity. Everyone has the right to be protected from abuse.
  • Respect and never bully or take unfair advantage of another player, coach, official, classifier or volunteer.
  • Abide by the safeguarding guidelines set out by Boccia England for children and young people, and adults at risk.
  • Not abuse or misuse any relationship of trust or position of power, or influence held by me.
  • Report any concerns about a child or adult’s welfare to the Club Welfare Officer or Boccia England Lead Safeguarding Officer.
  • Report any suspected misconduct by anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Uphold an appropriate boundary between myself and players, especially when one person is under 18 of age. An Official should not only refrain from initiating a personals relationship, but should also discourage any attempt by a player to initiate an intimate personal relationship, explaining the ethical basis of the refusal.
  • Always conduct myself in an appropriate manner and display courtesy and good manners to others.
  • Promote the code of conduct to other officials, especially those new to the sport.
  • Abide by the disciplinary sanctions that might be imposed on me.
  • Be a positive role model for Boccia by acting in a way that projects a positive image of officiating and being fair, considerate and honest with players.
  • Remember that the game is for the players. Always be fair and impartial and control the game in a manner that will provide a positive experience for all players.
  • Declare any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Cooperate with everyone involved in boccia. Including players, coaches, officials, parents/carers, classifiers, volunteers and Boccia England.
  • Display the highest standards in my language, manner, punctuality, preparation, and presentation, ensuring that a players time spent with me is positive.
  • Keep up to date with the latest rules and officiating practices and developments by taking up further officiating education and other personal and professional development opportunities.
  • Arrive at the competition on time and well prepared with a clear head. Always check the game schedule and be ready for the next game.
  • Respect other referees and their decisions and not publicly criticise another official.
  • Stay calm when confronted with emotional reactions from players, assistants, coaches, parents / carers or spectators.
  • Always speak to players in an appropriate manner and ensure they understand your request.
  • Make decisions with confidence.
  • Wear appropriate referees uniform, or the uniform provided by the competition organisers.
  • Always pick up the balls and not throw, kick, or roll the balls to move them while on court.
  • Not officiate under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
  • Not wager on any match or event where I am officiating.
  • Not use any form of communication to bring the game into disrepute or make and an inappropriate comment about a fellow player, coach, official, classifier, volunteer or Boccia England, Including but not exclusive of social media, email, direct verbal or physical.
  • Not behave in a way that would disrespect or harm anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Not offer or accept any consideration whatsoever with a view to influencing the result of a match.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLASSIFIERS

As a classifier I will:

  • Comply with all rules, regulations and requirements of the sport including any leagues and competitions in which I am involved.
  • Treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
  • Respect and never bully or take unfair advantage of another player, coach, official, classifier or volunteer.
  • Abide by the safeguarding guidelines set out by Boccia England for children and young people, and adults at risk.
  • Not abuse or misuse any relationship of trust or position of power, or influence held by me.
  • Report any concerns about a child or adults welfare to the Club Welfare Officer or Boccia England Lead Safeguarding Officer.
  • Report any suspected miss conduct by anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Uphold an appropriate boundary between myself and players, especially when one person is under 18 of age. A Classifier should not only refrain from initiating a personal relationship, but should also discourage any attempt by a player to initiate an intimate personal relationship, explaining the ethical basis of the refusal.
  • Always conduct myself in an appropriate manner and display courtesy and good manners to others.
  • Promote the code of conduct to other classifiers, especially those new to the sport.
  • Abide by the disciplinary sanctions that might be imposed on me.
  • Be a positive role model for Boccia by acting in a way that projects a positive image and being fair, considerate and honest with players.
  • Treat all discussions with colleagues as confidential.
  • Declare any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Be courteous, objective, honest and impartial in performing classification duties for all players.
  • Cooperate with everyone involved in Boccia, including players, coaches, officials, parents/careers, classifiers, volunteers and Boccia England.
  • Cooperate with my fellow classifiers, coaches, officials and volunteers.
  • Display the highest standards in my language, manner, punctuality, preparation, and presentation ensuring that a players time spent with me is positive.
  • Keep up to date with the latest rules and classifying practices and developments by taking up further classifying education and other personal and professional development opportunities.
  • Explain decisions in a calm and measured way.
  • Accept responsibility for all actions and decisions taken and be open to discussion and interaction with players and player support personnel.
  • Make classification rules widely known and understood by players and player support personnel.
  • Always speak to players in an appropriate manor and ensure they understand your request.
  • Wear appropriate clothing or the uniform provided.
  • Not operate under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
  • Not wager on any match or event where I am classifying.
  • Not use any form of communication to bring the game into disrepute or make and an inappropriate comment about a fellow player, coach, official, classifier, volunteer or Boccia England, Including but not exclusive of social media, email, direct verbal or physical.
  • Not behave in a way that would disrespect or harm anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Not offer or accept any consideration whatsoever with a view to influencing the result of a match.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS AND PA’S

As a parent or PA I will:

  • Teach and treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
  • Abide by the safeguarding guidelines set out by Boccia England for children and young people, and adults at risk.
  • Report any concerns about a child or adult’s welfare to the Club Welfare Officer or Boccia England Lead Safeguarding Officer.
  • Report any suspected misconduct by anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Always conduct myself in an appropriate manor and display courtesy and good manners to others.
  • Promote the code of conduct to other parents and PA’S, especially those new to the sport.
  • Abide by the disciplinary sanctions that might be imposed on me.
  • Support all efforts to remove verbal, physical and racist abuse from Boccia.
  • Not force an unwilling participant to take part in Boccia.
  • 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.
  • Take responsibility for informing Boccia England, coaches, officials, classifiers and volunteers about any illness, disability or particular support needs of my child.
  • Refrain from publicly questioning the judgement or honesty of match officials.
  • Recognise the value and importance of volunteers in Boccia. They give their time, energy and resources to provide recreational activities for others.
  • Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding good performances of all.
  • Encourage regular participation in sport.
  • Not attend a boccia setting under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
  • Not wager on any match or event where I am attending.
  • Not use any form of communication to bring the game into disrepute or make an inappropriate comment about a fellow player, coach, official, classifier, volunteer or Boccia England, Including but not exclusive of social media, email, direct verbal or physical.
  • Not behave in a way that would disrespect or harm anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Not offer or accept any consideration whatsoever with a view to influencing the result of a match.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR VOLUNTEERS

As a volunteer I will:

  • Comply with all rules, regulations and requirements of the sport including any leagues and competitions in which I am involved.
  • Treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
  • Respect and never bully or take unfair advantage of another player, coach, official, classifier or volunteer.
  • Abide by the safeguarding guidelines set out by Boccia England for children and young people and adults at risk.
  • Not abuse or misuse any relationship of trust or position of power, or influence held by me.
  • Report any concerns about a child or adults welfare to the Club Welfare Officer or Boccia England Lead Safeguarding Officer.
  • Report any suspected misconduct by anyone involved in boccia.
  • Uphold an appropriate boundary between myself and players, especially when one person is under 18 of age. A volunteer should not only refrain from initiating a personals relationship, but should also discourage any attempt by a player to initiate an intimate personal relationship, explaining the ethical basis of the refusal.
  • Always conduct myself in an appropriate manner and display courtesy and good manners to others.
  • Promote the code of conduct to other volunteers, especially those new to the sport.
  • Abide by the disciplinary sanctions that might be imposed on me.
  • Be a positive role model for boccia by acting in a way that projects a positive image and being fair, considerate and honest with players.
  • Cooperate with everyone involved in boccia, Including players, coaches, officials, parents/careers, classifiers, volunteers and Boccia England.
  • Display the highest standards in my language, manor, punctuality, preparation, and presentation ensuring that a player’s time spent with me is positive.
  • Always speak to players in an appropriate manor and ensure they understand your request.
  • Wear appropriate clothing, or the uniform provided.
  • Always pick up the balls and not throw, kick, or roll the balls to move them while on court.
  • Not attend a boccia setting under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
  • Not wager on any match or event where I am attending.
  • Not use any form of communication to bring the game into disrepute or make and an inappropriate comment about a fellow player, coach, official, classifier, volunteer or Boccia England, Including but not exclusive of social media, email, direct verbal or physical.
  • Not behave in a way that would disrespect or harm anyone involved in boccia.
  • Not offer or accept any consideration whatsoever with a view to influencing the result of a match.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SPECTATORS

As a spectator I will:

  • Treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity. Everyone has the right to be protected from abuse.
  • Remain outside the field of play and in the designated spectator area (where provided).
  • Encourage all players irrespective of their ability and never ridicule any individual player regardless of the team they play for.
  • Avoid sudden loud noises when a player is preparing or playing a shot.
  • Always conduct myself in an appropriate manor and display courtesy and good manners to others.
  • Promote the code of conduct to other spectators, especially those new to the sport.
  • Abide by the disciplinary sanctions that might be imposed on me.
  • 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.
  • Refrain from publicly questioning the judgement or honesty of match officials.
  • Not attend a boccia setting under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
  • Not use any form of communication to bring the game into disrepute or make and an inappropriate comment about a fellow player, coach, official, classifier, volunteer or Boccia England, Including but not exclusive of social media, email, direct verbal or physical.
  • Not behave in a way that would disrespect or harm anyone involved in Boccia.
  • Not distract anyone involved in the game in any way at all.