Code of Ethics & Conduct

CODE OF ETHICS & CONDUCT:

The Federation of Inline Speed Skating

The Code of Ethics and Conduct applies to all those involved in the sport of roller speed skating under the jurisdiction of The Federation of Inline Speed Skating. All such individuals have a responsibility to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of roller speed skating is beyond reproach.

The Federation of Inline Speed Skating is committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of behaviour and conduct in all aspects of skating. The following principle must be adhered to at all times so that skating can be enjoyed by all.

It is divided into the following sections:

1. Coaches.

2. Skaters.

3. Officials.

4. Club Officials.

5. Parents/family.

6. Spectators.

7. Young people.

8. National Team and development program.

9. Anti-Doping.

10. Possible Sanctions.

General principles

All those involved in skating must treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural or social background, sexual orientation, religious belief, political affiliation or any other personal characteristic/feature. The Federation of Inline Speed Skating is opposed to any form of violent, offensive or discriminatory behaviour and will act as necessary to remove individuals from skating who do not abide by this Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Everyone involved in skating, both adults and young people have a responsibility to treat everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity and fairness. In particular, be aware of the special needs of young people and vulnerable adults, and recognise that some face additional barriers.

Every young person or vulnerable adult involved in the sport of skating 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 the Federation of Inline Speed Skating Child Protection Policy and Procedures.

 

1. COACHES

This Code of Ethics and Conduct is an integral part of the Federation of Inline Speed Skatings Coach Education Programme within which all coaches must work. It should be used in conjunction with all other Federation of Inline Speed Skating procedures or recognised standards. Through this Code of Ethics and Conduct, coaches who are affiliated to the Federation of Inline Speed Skating accept their responsibility to the participants, their parents and families, to coaching and to Federation of Inline Speed Skating affiliated clubs.

 

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 competitor – 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 competitor 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 participants and are reasonable dependent upon the age, maturity, experience and ability of the participants
  • Ensure their competence and ability is sufficient so that the safety of participants is not compromised:
  • Encourage participants to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance;
  • Be appropriately qualified as per the requirements of the Federation of Inline Speed Skating Education Programme and regularly seek opportunities for continued professional development;
  • Respect the rights of skaters to choose to decline to participate within coaching or playing situations;
  • Ensure they hold Federation of Inline Speed Skating recognised qualifications and declare any affiliation, sponsorship or accreditation in a truthful and accurate manner;
  • Be receptive to employing systems of evaluation that include self-evaluation and also external evaluation in an effort to assess the effectiveness of your work;
  • Abide by all rules and policies of The Federation of Inline Speed Skating• Promote prevention and education regarding the misuse of performance enhancing drugs and illegal substances;
  • Declare to the appropriate body, any criminal convictions;
  • Not attempt to exert undue influences and pressures in order to obtain personal benefit or reward;
  • Must be able to recognise and accept when to refer or recommend skaters to other coaches or structures;
  • Agree what information what will be treated confidentially (this does not preclude disclosure of information to persons who can be judged to have a right to know such as in matters of discipline, legal and medical requirements or where an individual’s health, safety or wellbeing may be at risk);
  • Communicate and co-ordinate with medical practitioners in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a skaters’ medical/psychological problems;
  • Be a positive role model;
  • Project a good personal appearance of cleanliness and never smoke in the coaching environment, or
  • coach whilst under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance;
  • Never use foul, sexist or racist language or act in a violent/abusive manner;
  • Refrain from undue public criticism of other coaches, race officials or Federation officers or volunteers.

Federation of Inline Speed Skating is keen to safeguard the welfare of young skaters’ and to respect their individual rights and any approach for publicity, marketing or promotional purposes from a third party should be made in the first instance via the player’s current club prior to contacting the skaters’ parents/guardians. Any contact should be for legitimate skating reasons only. Equally, it is essential that anyone holding personal information about young skaters respects the confidentiality of such information and does not disclose this without the proper authority.

 

2: SKATERS

All affiliated skaters agree to:

  • Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation;
  • Treat other skaters, coaches, club officials and race officials and FISS officers 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 sport;
  • Avoid violence and unsportsmanlike behaviour and help injured competitors when necessary;
  • Accept the decisions of the race officials without question or complaint (let your team manager or coach ask the necessary questions) and avoid words or actions which may mislead a Race Official;
  • Abide by the instructions of the coach and club officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code of Ethics and Conduct or the rules of speed skating;
  • Not attempt to improve individual performance with the use of banned substances / techniques
  • Condemn the use of recreation and performance enhancing drugs and abide by all anti-doping requirements;
  • Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance through the whole event, even if it is considered already over;
  • 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.
  • Be a good sport, applaud all good performance, whether by your team or by the opponent;
  • At the end of play applaud and thank your opponents and the match officials.

 

3: RACE OFFICIALS

All affiliated race officials must:

  • Treat everyone equally and sensitively, regardless of their disability, gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion, age or political affiliation;
  • Not tolerate foul, sexist or racist language;
  • Only officiate in competition where all individuals are registered/affiliated to Federation of Inline Speed Skating:
  • Realise that The Federation of Inline Speed Skating does not advise that officials or coaches travel alone with anyone under 18 years of age or a vulnerable adult to or from events. We advise you to always have another adult with you;
  • Be honest, consistent, objective, impartial and courteous when applying the rules of the game.
  • All officials must resist any possible influence from protests on the part of participants or spectators of the sport.
  • Claim any affiliation, sponsorship or accreditation in a truthful and accurate manner;
  • Show patience and understanding towards skaters who may be new to or learning the sport;
  • Make every effort to prepare fully for a competition, both physically and mentally. On a physical/mental level, be able to keep up with the speed and the requirements of the sport, and be alert and close enough to make correct decisions;
  • Decline to be appointed to an event if not completely physically or mentally fit to participate in that event. (because of illness, injury, or for family or other reasons);
  • Refrain from requesting hospitality, or accept any hospitality offered and considered to be excessive;
  • Have regard to protecting the skaters by enforcing the laws of the sport.
  • Show due respect when speaking with participants in the game, even in the event of infringements;
  • In reports, set out the true facts;
  • Refrain from publicly expressing any criticism of fellow officials;
  • Assist with the development of those with less experience.

 

4: Club Officials

All club officials 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 spectator 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;
  • Ensure your club is aware of and follows best practice guidelines to safeguard young people and vulnerable adults;
  • Ensure that proper supervision is provided by suitably qualified coaches and officials who are capable of promoting good sporting behaviour and good technical skills;
  • Ensure all equipment and facilities meet safety standards;
  • Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques;
  • Encourage all players and coaches to abide by the rules and spirit of the sport and do not manipulate the rules in order to benefit yourself personally or your club;
  • Show respect to race officials, coaches, players and others involved in the sport;
  • Do not endeavour to influence the result of a race or event by any actions that are not strictly   within the rules;
  • Remember sport is enjoyed for its own sake – play down the importance of awards;
  • Always have regard to the best interests of skating, including where publicly expressing an   opinion of the game, others involved and any particular aspect of it;

Avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official and accept their decisions.

 

5: Parents/guardians(and other family members)

All family/guardians of participants will:

  • 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 from speed skating;
  • Not force an unwilling participant to take part in skating;
  • Remember that young people are involved for their enjoyment – not yours;
  • Encourage all to play by the rules and respect the race officials;
  • Never ridicule or shout at a participant for making a mistake or losing a race;
  • Teach that effort and teamwork are as important as victory, so that the result of each race is accepted without undue disappointment;
  • Remember that young people and vulnerable adults learn best by example;
  • Refrain from publicly questioning the judgement or honesty of race officials;
  • Recognise the value and importance of volunteers in skating. They give their time, energy and resources to provide recreational activities for others.

 

6. SPECTATORS

All spectators of activities under the jurisdiction of The Federation of Inline Speed Skating:

  • Do not use offensive, discriminatory or obscene language or gestures. Do not harass or verbally abuse skaters, coaches, race officials or fellow spectators in any form;
  • Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation;
  • Condemn the use of violence in all forms and refrain from any violent or aggressive behaviour;
  • Show respect for competitors and match officials. Without them there would be no race;
  • Acknowledge good performance and fair play by opponents as well as by your own team;
  • Remember that other skaters are taking part for their enjoyment not yours;
  • Do not ridicule skaters or officials who make mistakes;
  • Do not over emphasise the importance of winning;
  • On no account should you enter the racing area unless authorised.

 

7: YOUNG PEOPLE

There are additional requirements for how young people should be treated by adults and how young people should treat their peers.

Adults to young people:

  • 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 non-violent/humiliating and use rewards, praise and acknowledgement to reinforce good behaviour;
  • Listen and act if a young person tells you they’re being bullied or abused.

 

Young people to each other should:

  • Never bully, spread rumours or tell lies about other young people;
  • Welcome and include new skaters 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.

 

8: NATIONAL TEAM & DEVELOPMENT SQUAD STAFF.

In addition to the coach’s section, National & Development Squad staff must:

  • Ensure that the pathway remains open to newly identified skaters;
  • Never use their position to attempt to recruit players to any skating Club. ‘poaching’ is a serious offence for any member of National Team or Development Squad staff;
  • Act as an ambassador and behave in a professional manner while representing The Federation of Inline Speed Skating;
  • Maintain a satisfactory criminal record disclosure and undertake additional training as deemed necessary by The Federation of Inline Speed Skating

 

9: ANTY DOPING

The Federation of Inline Speed Skating is totally opposed to performance enhancing and recreation drug use in all forms of skating.

All involved in speed skating must:

  • Familiarise themselves with the UK Anti-Doping Rules (available through the Federation of Inline Speed Skating website);
  • Takesole responsibility for all foods, medications and supplements taken;
  • Be aware of the implications and penalties in place for a positive doping test result;
  • Be aware disciplinary action may be taken for criminal conviction for possession or use of drugs.

 

10: POSSIBLE SANCTIONS

In affiliating to The Federation of Inline Speed Skating everyone agrees to abide by this Code of Ethics and Conduct and all of the Federation of Inline Speed Skating and procedures. The Federation of Inline Speed Skating has the right to investigate and take disciplinary action against any alleged or suspected breach of this Code of Ethics and Conduct which may bring the sport of skating into disrepute.

The following sanctions may be imposed on any individual or club/organisation/institution: a warning; a fine; temporary or indefinite suspension from participating or attending any race or event under the jurisdiction of The Federation of Inline Speed Skating

 

↑ Back To Top ↑