Coaches’ Code of Ethics

As an accredited Australian Gymnastic Federation coach, I will:

Abide by the rules of the Federation as set forth in its constitution and by-laws.
• follow procedures for enforcement of the Code of Ethics
• accept any judgements made
• use the established procedures for challenging a competitive result, contesting a team selection decision, complaining
about the conduct of another member, or attempting to change policy of the Federation

Direct my observations and recommendations regarding all aspects of gymnastics to the appropriate persons for the
betterment of the sport.
• be constructive in my criticisms and direct comments and observations to the relevant individuals and organisations,
to avoid gossip innuendo and malicious comment
• respect the efforts of appointed and elected representatives of the Federation

Represent myself and my coaching status in an honest and professional manner, without bringing the coaching profession or
the Federation into disrepute
• use my accreditation status and Technical Membership of the AGF to represent my ability in an honest manner, not to
gain unwarranted favours be professional in and accept responsibility for my actions
• extend professional courtesy to other coaches, athletes and their parents by keeping them informed in matters relevant
to athlete’s training programs
• abide by and respect the regulations governing sport and the organisation and individuals administering those
regulations
• be a role model for my sport and my athletes

Exercise a standard of care consistent with my competence and obligations as a coach

• show concern for the health, safety and welfare of athletes and colleagues
• coach within the limits of my competence as a coach
• follow AGF safety guidelines in respect of the duty of care owed to the athlete
• provide planned and sequential training programs based on the individual developmental needs of athletes
• modify the training program for injured athletes based on appropriate medical advice when required
• provide a safe environment for participants in training and competition

Provide a quality service to my athletes and to the sport

• maintain or improve my current NCAS accreditation
• seek continual improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing coach education
• honour the responsibilities given to a coach by keeping all relevant qualifications up to date
• work to ensure my athletes’ time spent with me is a positive experience

Promote and assist in the development of the coaching profession

• assist others to develop good attitudes, skills and knowledge relating to the sport
• promote and assist in the education of other coaches

Put athletes’ welfare first; making decisions based on the best interests of my athlete’s’ sporting, education and vocational
careers
• acknowledge the individual talents and potential of athletes
• maintain a balanced emphasis of sporting involvement within educational and career objectives

Show leadership, and support efforts to remove the abuse of drugs in sport
• abide by the regulations of the relevant national and international sporting and government bodies
• respect the health and dignity of athletes to compete on the basis of their abilities; within the rules of the sport of
gymnastics

Encourage, by example, the removal of any form of personal abuse or inappropriate discrimination
• refrain from verbal, physical or emotional abuse
• refrain from any form of sexual harassment towards athletes and colleagues
• refrain from using the influence of a coaching position to encourage inappropriate intimacy between coach and athlete
• refrain from any discriminatory practices on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background, or special ability/disability
of athletes
• be alert to any forms of abuse towards my athletes from other sources whilst they are in my care

Ensure physical contact with athletes is appropriate and necessary for the athletes’ skill development
• ensure spotting methods and philosophy are consistent with established gymnastics principles
• ensure spotting is used only to facilitate learning or safe performance
Compliance with the Coaches’ Code of
Ethics
It is imperative that all coaches wishing to become Technical Members of the Federation and registered with the Australian
Coaching Council read and understand the Compliance procedures as detailed below. The procedures outlined below will be
enforced by the Federation when dealing with potential breaches of the Coaches Code of Ethics.

1. An Ethics Committee will be formed to review issues of AGF members’ compliance with the Code. The composition
and duties of the Committee shall be:

1.1. Committee members shall be elected from the AGF Technical Membership for a two year term, unless the
Committee member is no longer a Technical Member (in which case a new Committee member is elected)
1.2. The Committee shall consist of five members, the President of the AGF will appoint one Committee
member to act as a Chairman
1.3. The Committee Chairman will receive complaints pertaining to the Code of Ethics
1.4. The Committee will investigate and review complaints under the procedures established
1.5. The Committee will recommend action to the AGF Board regarding complaints

2. Procedures for review of complaints will follow the processes as set forth, to insure that the rights of all parties to the
complaint are protected. The prime concern is for the potential victims in these issues, and safe-guarding the welfare
of the public.

2.1. Any person may file a complaint, verbally or in writing, to the Chairman of the Ethics Committee
2.2. Any complaint, brought by a coach against another person, which is determined to be of a spurious or
frivolous nature by the Committee will itself be considered as a breach of the Code, and action may be
taken against the coach filing the original complaint.
2.3. All parties will be informed by the Chairman that a complaint has been received. The coach named will be
given an invitation to respond, in writing, within a reasonable time frame.
2.4. The Committee will review all available written / oral information and may investigate any / all
circumstances of the complaint. The Committee may choose to:
2.4.1. Accept a written response and mediate an understanding between two or more parties involved
in the complaint
2.4.2. Schedule a full hearing where all parties to the complaint may address the Committee
2.4.3. Recommend to the Board of the AGF that disciplinary action be taken
2.5. The Board of the AGF will receive a recommendation from the Ethics Committee and make a decision on
any disciplinary action to be taken. The Chairman of the Board will inform all parties, in writing, of the
action taken.
2.6. Any parties to the complaint may appeal disciplinary action. An appeal procedure will include:
2.6.1. A written request to the President of the AGF to appeal the decision of the Board
2.6.2. The appointment (made by the AGF National Executive / Coaching Director) of a three
member Appeals Committee (made up of Level 2 or 3 accredited coaches who are not AGF
Board members) to review the complaint and make a recommendation concerning the actions
taken.

3. Upon the recommendation of the Ethics Committee, the Board of the AGF may impose any of the disciplinary
actions, as follows:

3.1. A letter to remind the coach of the accepted standards of conduct expected from AGF Coaches
3.2. A letter of reprimand which becomes part of the coach’s professional record and may have an influence on
future coaching appointments or other recommendations made by the AGF Board
3.3. A letter of reprimand (as above) with copies to the coach’s employer, club and / or State Association
3.4. Probation of AGF Technical Membership for a set period of time
3.5. Suspension of AGF Technical Membership for a set period of time

In cases where civil or criminal law has been breached, the Ethics Committee may choose to consider the outcome of legal
actions when making its decision on disciplinary action.