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FIT Code of Behaviour Policy

Purpose of policy

This policy is intended to protect the spirit of the game, to preserve the best interest of the participants, to set out minimum principles for participant behaviour, gender equity, harassment, discrimination and discipline.

The Code is not intended to serve as a set of rules, but rather, as an ethical code to outline general principles and guidelines of proper ethical behaviour for all members, volunteers, and any other individuals and organisations that chose to affiliate with the Federation of International Touch (FIT).

This Code of Behaviour has been endorsed by the FIT Board.

Copies of the Code can be obtained from the Federation website.

Policy scope and application

This Code of Behaviour applies to all individuals and entities involved with Touch worldwide.

The Core Code must be observed by all those involved in the sport without exception. The role specific Codes should be applied as additional requirements to the Core Code, to be observed by individuals performing specified roles or tasks.

Definitions

Definitions identified below are specific to this policy and are critical to its effectiveness:

Athletes Code
means a Code of Behaviour that applies to athletes in the sport of Touch at any level of participation.
Board
means the body consisting of the Directors as described in the FIT Constitution 2011, Rule 28.
Coaches Code
means a Code of Behaviour that applies to coaches of the sport of Touch at any level of participation.
Core Code
means the overarching Code of Behaviour.
Ethical conduct/behaviour
means relating to moral principles, an understanding of the difference between right and wrong, and at all times choosing to do what is right.
Federation of International Touch
means the peak body for the administration of Touch throughout the world. The objects for which the Federation (FIT) is established and maintained are described in the FIT Constitution 2011, Rule 3.
Harassment
means any type of unwelcome behaviour which has the effect of offending, humiliating or intimidating the person harassed. Unlawful harassment can be based on any of the personal characteristics covered by anti-discrimination law, such as a person’s race, sex, pregnancy, marital status or sexual orientation.
National Touch Association
means an entity recognised under the FIT Constitution 2011, Rules 11 and 12 as the primary recognised peak governing body of Touch in each country with the object to promote, encourage foster, develop, extend, govern and control the sport of Touch in that country.
Officials Code
means a Code of Behaviour that applies to Referee, Official, Administrators, Board member, Commission member, Committee member, volunteers or any person of authority of the sport of Touch at any level of participation.
Parents/spectator code
means a Code of Behaviour that applies to Parents and Spectators of the sport of Touch at any level of participation.
Touch
means the sport or game played under the rules determined by FIT from time to time.

Regulatory background

N/A

Policy statement

FIT is committed to providing and encouraging a safe, fair and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the organisation and within all levels of our sport delivery.

To achieve this, certain standards of behaviour by players/athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, parents/guardians (of child participants) and spectators are required. They are encouraged to report violations or concerns about violations of this Code of Behaviour that come to his/her attention.

An individual may report a possible violation of the Code of Behaviour either verbally, in writing or by e-mail. The report should provide full details of the alleged violation to the extent known by the individual. The report may be made anonymously. An individual may make a report to the relevant official at the level of sport delivery that the breach occurred.

FIT Codes of Behaviour are underpinned by the following core values:

FIT Code of Behaviour policy

  1. The core code
    1. Always operate within the rules and spirit of our sport, promoting fair play over winning at any cost.
    2. Encourage and support available opportunities for people to learn appropriate behaviour and skills.
    3. Support opportunities for participation in all aspects of Touch - the sport for all!
    4. Treat each person as an individual.
    5. Display control and courtesy to all involved with our sport.
    6. Respect the rights and worth of every person regardless of their gender, age, ability, culture, religion or background.
    7. Respect each decision of sporting officials, coaches and administrators in the delivery and conduct of our sport.
    8. Wherever practical, avoid unaccompanied and unobserved one-on-one activity (when in a supervisory capacity or where a power imbalance will exist) with people under the age of 18 years (refer to FIT Member Protection Policy).
    9. Adopt appropriate and responsible behaviour in all interactions.
    10. Adopt responsible behaviour in relation to alcohol and other drugs.
    11. Act with integrity and objectivity, and undertake to accept responsibility for your decisions and actions.
    12. Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a safe and enjoyable environment.
    13. Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a harassment free environment.
    14. Do not tolerate harmful or abusive behaviour and refrain from any conduct that may bring FIT, a National Touch Association (NTA) or an affiliated association into disrepute.
  2. Athletes code
    1. Give your best effort at all times.
    2. Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.
    3. Always treat the opposition and match officials with respect.
    4. Exhibit exemplary sportsmanship at all times.
    5. Never be involved in acts of foul play.
    6. Honour both the essence and letter of competition rules and achieve the highest ideals of ethics and sportsmanship.
    7. Safeguard your health; do not use any illegal or harmful substances.
  3. Coaches code
    1. Place the safety and welfare of athletes above all else.
    2. Promote respect for the ability of your opponents, referees and all officials.
    3. Help each person (athlete, official etc) reach their potential - respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each person and compliment and encourage with positive and supportive feedback.
    4. Any physical contact with a person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the person’s skill development.
    5. Commit to providing a quality service to your athletes.
    6. Embrace your position as a positive role model for your sport and athletes.
    7. Be honest and do not allow your qualifications to be misrepresented.
    8. As coach, conduct yourself at all times in a manner that shows leadership, respect for the game and all those that are involved in the game.
  4. Officials Code (includes Referee, Official, Administrators, Board member, Committee and Commission member, volunteers or any person of authority)
    1. Place the safety and welfare of the athletes above all else.
    2. Be consistent and impartial when making decisions.
    3. Address unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all people.
    4. Be impartial and consistent, objective and courteous.
    5. Avoid any situation which may lead to a conflict of interest both on and off the field (refer to the FIT Conflict of Interest Policy).
    6. Display concern and caution towards sick/or injured players.
    7. Always act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the sport as a whole.
    8. Ensure that any information acquired or advantage gained from the position is not used improperly.
    9. Conduct your responsibilities with due care, competence and diligence.
    10. Do not allow prejudice, conflict of interest or bias to affect your objectivity.
    11. Understand that sport is part of a total life experience, and the benefits of involvement go far beyond the final score of the game.
  5. Parents/spectator code
    1. Encourage children to participate and have fun.
    2. Provide a model of good sportsmanship for your child to copy.
    3. Focus on your child’s effort and performance rather than winning or losing.
    4. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
    5. Respect the performances and efforts of all people including the opposition.
    6. Reject the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or athletes.
    7. Respect the referee’s decisions.
    8. Unsportsmanlike language, harassment or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
    9. At all times follow the directions of the Ground manager and /or competition officials.
  6. Breaches of the Code of Behaviour Policy, disciplinary measures, complaints handling procedures and reporting
    1. Details as to what is considered a breach of this policy, associated disciplinary measures, complaint handling procedures, reporting, and forms for recording complaints, are found in the FIT Member Protection Policy (refer to Parts A, D and E).
    2. NTAs and its affiliates are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents/carers of players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and club supporters. Penalties are enforced at the level of sport delivery that the breach occurred and reported upwards to parent bodies.

Contact

Enquiries in relation to this policy should be directed to the FIT Secretary General.

Refer to the following related policies and documents:

Appendices

Nil

Authorisation

This document has been authorised by:

Approval Authority
President
Responsible Officer
Secretary General
Date first approved
6 June 2016
Date last amended
6 June 2016
Effective start date
6 June 2016
Date to be reviewed
1 October 2017