Gymnastics Coaches' Code of Conduct

Various codes of conduct are enforced by gymnastics federations and clubs. The primary goal of the codes are to protect the welfare of coaches, gymnasts, volunteers and support staff involved in the sport. Coaches are generally perceived as having a profound impact on the lives of the athletes they train. A positive experience in gymnastics can help shape the life of a young gymnast, but a negative experience can be detrimental to her welfare.

  1. What is a Code of Conduct?

    • USA Gymnastics states that a "code offers general principles to guide the conduct, and the judicious appraisal of conduct, of all USA Gymnastics' members (including employees and agents of USA Gymnastics) in situations that have ethical implications." Similar codes of conduct exist for other National Federations. Many clubs have a selection of codes of conduct in place to protect everyone involved, the most common are for gymnasts, coaches and parents. A coaches code of conduct helps ensure professional practice is maintained across the sport.

    The Importance of a Code

    • The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) states that all its members "are expected to comply with the rules established by the FIG and the present Code," stating that any "contravention of the rules and imposes applicable sanctions." A clear code of conduct which corresponds to the rules set out by the FIG is essential in any gym. The code protects participants and coaches and helps establish a safe and productive environment for everyone. If coaches break key points in a code of conduct, they may face disciplinary action from their club or governing body.

    Key Points

    • A code should cover a wide range of aspects affecting everyone in the gym. Integrity, respect, responsibility, competence and confidentiality are key points in any code of conduct. These five areas cover a large majority of ethical and welfare related problems that could occur in a gym. Rules regarding respect and responsibility are very important for a coach and a gymnast. The code of conduct for coaches should outline the need for competence in terms of his ability to coach and the responsibility he has of the gymnasts training in his gym. Most clubs highlight the need for respect between all members of the staff in a gymnastics environment.

    Safety

    • It is a coach's responsibility to ensure the safety of all her gymnasts. All possible steps should be taken by the coach to maintain a safe environment in which gymnasts can train successfully. She also has the duty to protect her gymnast's personal safety from abuse or harm. Coaches are advised to take out the appropriate insurance to cover all aspects of coaching practice and to keep up to date on National child protection and welfare policies.

    Integrity

    • The coach should always maintain the highest levels of integrity to develop appropriate sportsmanship qualities in his gymnasts in training and competition. Coaches are role models to young gymnasts and it is important that that he acts with integrity at all times. The British Institute of Sports Coaches (BISC) code highlights the importance of integrity in gymnastics coaching and says: "Coaches must treat opponents with due respect, both in victory and defeat, and should encourage their performers to act in a similar manner. A key role for a coach is to prepare performers to respond to success and failure in a dignified manner."