Pa-Kua Cambridge Code of Conduct

Pa-Kua Cambridge is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. This code of conduct applies to all instructors, coaches, officials, referees, trustees, secretaries, students, parents, volunteers and other members or associated instructors of Pa-Kua Cambridge and the Pa-Kua International League.

The club believes that it is important that everyone associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times, and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club.

Code of Conduct for any and all members and participants of Pa-Kua Cambridge

Respect eachother

Be respectful of other people, respectfully ask people to stop if you are bothered, and if you can't resolve an issue, contact staff.

• be friendly, considerate, and welcoming to new members
• avoid demeaning, discriminatory, harassing, or hateful speech, and imagery
• respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background or religious beliefs or sexual identity
• refrain from the use of bad language, racial/sectarian references, and bullying
• show respect to other members of the club
• be supportive and committed to other team members
• keep to agreed timings for training and competitions, or inform their instructor if they are going to be late
• pay any fees for training or events promptly
• do not cheat, be violent, or aggressive
• do not get involved in inappropriate peer pressure or push others into something they do not want to do
• do not smoke on club premises
• not consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club
• never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances
• be a role model, displaying consistently high standard of behaviour, and appearance

Be fair, safe, and have fun

• play fairly, and be trustworthy
• respect your opponents and be gracious in defeat
• report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations
• keep within the defined boundary of the coaching area
• behave and listen to all instructions from the instructor
• respect officials and accept decisions
• wear suitable kit for training, as agreed with the instructor

You have the right to

• enjoy your sport in a protective environment
• participate on an equal basis, appropriate to your ability
• be listened to
• be believed
• be respected and treated fairly
• have your privacy
• ask for help
• be referred to professional help if needed
• be protected from abuse

Resolve Peacefully

We believe peer to peer discussions, feedback, corrections can help build a stronger, safer, and more welcoming community.

If you see someone behaving disrespectfully, you are encouraged to respectfully discourage them from such behavior. Expect that others in the community wish to help keep the community respectful and welcome your input in doing so.

If you experience disrespectful behavior and feel in any way unable to respond or resolve it respectfully (for any reason), please immediately bring it to the attention of an instructor. We want to hear from you about anything that you feel is disrespectful, threatening, or just icky in any way. We will listen and work to resolve the matter.

Apologize for Mistakes

Should you catch yourself behaving disrespectfully, or be confronted as such, own up to your words and actions, and apologize accordingly. No one is perfect, and even well-intentioned people make mistakes. What matters is how you handle them, and avoiding repeating them in the future.

Codes of conduct for parents and carers

The following rules apply for parents and carers.

Ensure your childs records, punctuality, clothing, and attendance

• deliver and collect your child punctually before and after sessions/ event
• ensure your child has clothing appropriate to the weather conditions
• ensure that proper sportswear and protective equipment are worn - the lack of fundamental requirements can lead to disallowing participation
• detail any relevant medical concerns or conditions pertaining to their child on the registration/consent form
• any changes in the state of the child's health should be reported to the coach/school/event staff prior to the activity
• to inform the organiser prior to the activity starting if your child is to be collected early or will be late from the activity
• ensure your child is punctual

Ensure your child has fun

• positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their chosen activity
• encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best
• behave responsibly on the side-line’s; do not embarrass your child
• be realistic and supportive
• do not place your child under pressure or push them into activities they do not want to do
• promote your child’s participation in playing sport for fun

You have the right to

• know your child is safe
• be informed of problems or concerns relating to your children
• be informed if your child is injured
• have your consent sought for issue such as trips or photography
• contribute to decisions within the club regarding your children
• Have any concerns you have about any aspect of your child’s welfare listened to responded to.

Code of conduct for instructors

Pa-Kua Cambridge instructors have a great opportunity to be a positive role model and help build an individual's confidence.

Legal requirements

You must hold appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover.

Ensure safety and wellbeing

• ensure the safety of all participants by careful supervision, proper pre-planning of coaching sessions, using safe methods at all times
• consider the wellbeing and safety of participants before the development of performance
• appreciate the efforts of all people and not over-train them
• treat all people equally and ensure they feel valued - have no favourites
• be positive, approachable, and offer praise to promote the objectives of the club at all times
• never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward
• do not let any allegations of abuse of any kind to go unchallenged or unrecorded if appropriate
• do not allow any rough or dangerous play, bullying, the use of bad language, or inappropriate behaviour
• foster team work to ensure the safety of members in their care
• ensure the rights and responsibilities of members are enforced
• not abuse members physically, emotionally or sexually
• not engage in a sexual relationship with a young person for whom they are responsible for
• respect and listen to the opinions of all members
• take time to explain coaching techniques to ensure they are clearly understood
• develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect
• not spending excessive amounts of time alone with children excluded in exceptional circumstances
• never taking children to their home
• not administering First Aid involving the removing of children’s clothing unless in the presence of others

Duty to report

• incidents and accidents must be recorded in the club incident/accident book
• parents must be informed about any accident or event that involves their children
• report accidents or incidents of alleged abuse or poor practice to the designated person
• maintain confidentiality about sensitive information
• follow privacy laws for collected personal data

First aid

• administer minor first aid in the presence of others, and where required refer more serious incidents to the club or venue first aider
• have access to telephone for immediate contact to emergency services if required

You have the right to:

• Access on-going training and information on all aspects of leading/managing activities, particularly on Safeguarding
• support in the reporting of suspected abuse
• access to professional support services
• fair and equitable treatment by the governing body
• be protected from abuse by children/youths, other adult members and parents
• not to be left vulnerable when working with children.

Emergency action and first aid

All instructors should be prepared with an action plan in the event of an emergency and be aware of our First Aid Procedures.

This includes:

• access to First Aid equipment
• telephone contact, especially if the participant is a minor
• telephone contact to the Emergency Services

Consequences

Any breaches of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by Pa-Kua Cambridge. Any misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally to the designated person.

If the instructor determines that an event participant is behaving disrespectfully, the instructor may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion and exclusion from the event without warning or refund.

We will seek to resolve conflicts peacefully and in a manner that is positive for the club. We can't foresee every situation however, and thus if in the instructors' judgment the best thing to do is to ask a disrespectful individual to leave, we will do so.

Resolving an Issue

If you believe you’re experiencing practices at a Pa-Kua Cambridge event which doesn’t meet the policies above, or if you feel you are being harassed in any way, please immediately contact the event instructor(s) or designated code of conduct responders for the event.

If you believe you’re experiencing practices which don’t meet the policies above, please immediately contact the club lead instructor. or the Designated Safeguarding Officer. Anyone in the community should feel empowered to resolve issues and uphold our high standards.

Dismissals can be appealed by the instructor with final decisions taken by the club committee or referred to the governing body depending on the disciplinary procedures within the sport.

Contacts

Contacts for Pa-Kua Cambridge

website:

https://pakua-cambridge.co.uk

email:

contact@pakua-cambridge.co.uk

Contacts at governing body: BMABA

website:

https://bmaba.org.uk/

email:

safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk