SUSSEX JUNIOR ELITE CENTRE

CODES OF CONDUCT

(1) Code of Conduct for Players

(Adapted from ETTA version)

 It is expected that everyone involved with table tennis will respect the rights, dignity and worth of anyone they meet within our sport; treat everyone equally regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, social status or sexual orientation; accept it is all of responsibility to challenge any injustice that may occur within our sport; accept that everyone has the right to be protected from abuse. 

• Always do your best in every situation and set a positive example to others
• Be punctual at all times for training and be ready at the table to play or notify in advance (if able to do so) of expected time variations
• If you feel unwell or have an accident you should report immediately to one of the responsible adults
• Treat the training venue in the designated area with respect and always leave kit bags neatly
• Once the at the training venue no player should leave unless given specific permission or instructions by one of the responsible adults
• Players must be responsible for ensuring that they arrive at the training venue with all their correct kit and equipment and must be responsible for their belongings
• No player should take or in any way interfere with another person’s property or belongings
• Always follow any instructions given by one of the responsible adults
• Be courteous and polite to all the people involved in the programme.  This also includes negative body language whilst on the table tennis table
• Take responsibility for yourself in and out of training and always be aware of your personal safety as you would at home eg do not talk to strangers, do not get into a vehicle with a stranger
• Bullying (verbal and physical) of fellow training squad members or opponents will not be tolerated under any circumstances
• Never use inappropriate language
• If a player has a mobile phone it should be kept in his/her training bag and turned off or to silent during training periods
• Resist any temptation to take banned substances
• Always address official or coaches on the programme with respect and never question their judgment

(2) Code of Conduct and Guidance for Parents/Guardians

(Adapted from ETTA version)

In order to gain the best experience from their involvement in sport, children generally rely on their parents/guardians for both emotional and financial support.  This influence can be critical as their child becomes involved in training squads and competitive play.  Parents/guardians should be aware that it is expected that everyone involved with table tennis will respect the rights, dignity and worth of anyone they meet within our sport, treat everyone equally regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, social status or sexual orientation; accept it is all of our responsibility to challenge any injustice that may occur within our sport; accept that everyone has the right to be protected from abuse.  It is hoped that the following will prove useful to parents/guardians to play a positive part in their child’s career in table tennis.

• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy what table tennis has to offer
• Encourage respect for the laws of the game, support and promote fair play at all times and the acceptance of coach/officials’ decisions
• Encourage recognition of good play by others as well as themselves. 
• Uphold high standards of behaviour, appearance and the importance of being a good programme member
• Establish a positive partnership with the coach to help provide the best possible balance between the demands of table tennis, education and home
• Be punctual when collecting or dropping off your child or notify in advance (if able to do so) of expected time variations
• Ensure that your child reads and understands the Code of Conduct for Players
• Always use appropriate language in the training environment and ensure your child does the same
• Under no circumstances condone any rule violation or the use of  prohibited substances
• Ensure that your child understands that they should take responsibility for their own safety
• Show respect and trust the coach working with your child
• If you have any questions or queries please deal directly and discretely with the coach and not in front of your child.  Do not compromise the relationship between the coach and player
• Encourage your child to take responsibility for their own actions on and off the table eg not blaming others or seeking excuses for their own shortcomings or mistakes, and encourage their greater independence
• Allow the coaches the space to work with your child and never comment on any instructions the coach may give as this could be counter-productive

(3) Code of Conduct for Coaches/Officials

(Adapted from ETTA version)

Everyone involved with table tennis should respect the rights, dignity and worth of anyone they meet within our sport, treat everyone equally regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, social status or sexual orientation; accept that it is all of our responsibility to challenge any injustice that may occur within our sport; accept that everyone has the right to be protected from abuse.

• Recognise the developmental capacity of the child and do not push them against their will or train them excessively
• Always be publicly open when working with children
• Avoid situations where you are working with a child unobserved
• If any form of physical contact is absolutely necessary it should be used openly.  Always explain to the child what you are doing and why the physical contact is necessary
• Make sure that you have the player information and medical forms are available if required
• Remember you are a role model so always avoid inappropriate use of alcohol and tobacco and never condone the use of any type of enhancing drugs in the company  of children
• Never ridicule, embarrass or abuse a child or reduce them to tears as a coaching method
• Bullying of players by either coaches or parents/carers will not be tolerated under any circumstances
• That you give clear instructions as to what you expect from the players at all times