Application For Charitable Status Lodged

BATHGATE ACADEMY SPORTS TRUST

Code of Conduct, Disciplinary Procedure & Grievance Procedure in respect of all affiliated clubs and organisations

I/We, the undersigned, being affiliated to Bathgate Academy Sports Trust, agree to abide by the Code of Conduct set out in this document and will ensure that my/our coaches, participants, supporters, members, players, volunteers will abide by its stated guidelines.

In the event that there is a serious breach of these guidelines the Trust may deem it necessary to take disciplinary action in which case I/we undertake to provide full cooperation to the Trust in order that the matter can be dealt with as outlined within the Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures where, again, full information is set out.

Code of Conduct

1. Basic Guidelines  Bathgate Academy should be a welcome and safe place which provides communities with opportunities to take part in sport.  Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player and treat everyone equally within the context of the sport/activity.  Allow all players, no matter their level of ability, the opportunity to participate.  Know where to access appropriate first aid kit.  Comply with your Child Protection Policy and Procedures.  Make it clear to all present that no photograph or video may be taken unless the express written consent of a parent or guardian of each person under 18 years of age is held.  Don’t use remarks based on race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability.  Ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants before, during and after performance.  Control your temper at all times. 2. Coaches  Hold a current membership list.  Ensure that sessions and games are appropriate for age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual.  Always inculcate fair play.  Take responsibility for the vulnerable people in your care. Page 2 of 4

3. Players  Respect all other players and officials and cooperate with your coach.  Respect the rules and sporting etiquette at all times.  Play for enjoyment and to improve your skills. 4. Parents & Supporters  Remember that you are there as a spectator and provide support.  Never ridicule mistakes or losses.  Never publicly criticise referees, managers, coaches, officials, participants, volunteers or spectators.  Encourage participation, don’t enforce it and teach that enjoyment is more important than winning.  Respect the match officials’ decisions. 5. Officials & Volunteers  Promote ethical principles at all times.  Ensure that your organisation has proper governance and is sufficiently well funded to meet letting fees as they become due. Due attention should be given to payment terms as outlined in the Trust’s Terms & Conditions.  Develop a respect for and a working relationship with Trust members and fellow facility users.  Consider participating in West Lothian Council’s sports accreditation scheme.  Keep all coaching qualifications up to date.

Disciplinary Procedure

There are a few principles that should be followed:  In the first instance, all affiliated organisations should have their own disciplinary procedure and should operate in accordance with that procedure on any issues regarding behaviour in and around Bathgate Academy Sports Trust. The Trust prefers that discipline be voluntary and self-imposed and in the great majority of cases this will be effective.  Any minor behavioural issues brought directly to the attention of the Trust will be referred to the member’s club to be dealt with accordingly. Minor behavioural issues should be dealt with informally by the Club through counselling and training. In the event of a more serious incident, then agreement between the club and the Trust will be sought in order for the issue to be minuted and recorded appropriately. Page 3 of 4

 Where a perceived misdemeanour is deemed sufficiently serious to be referred to the Trust, every effort should be made to take the heat out of the situation early on. In such circumstances immediate suspension should be automatic (bearing in mind that suspension is a neutral act which does not imply guilt or blame, and must be as of short duration as possible within the constraint of requiring investigation and a Board decision).  The ‘individual concerned’ should be notified in writing by the Club of the allegations against him/her and invited to a disciplinary meeting to discuss the matter.  After the Trust has been formally notified by the organisation concerned all Board members should be advised in advance of the forthcoming disciplinary procedure, although the nature of the offence should be kept confidential to allow a fair hearing.  Having given the individual concerned a reasonable opportunity to consider his/her response to the allegations the case shall be heard as soon as possible after the incident.  If preferred, the individual concerned must take all reasonable steps to attend the meeting and may be accompanied by another person of their choice.  The result of the Trust’s deliberations will be advised in writing and as soon as possible.  Any penalty decided will reflect the seriousness of the misdemeanour and must be policed by the Club concerned.  If the individual wishes to appeal against the Trust’s decision, he/she must do so in writing within five days of the decision, stating the grounds for appeal. He/she will be invited to a Trust Board appeal meeting, again accompanied by another person of their choice if desired. Following the appeal meeting the individual will be informed of the appeal decision in writing. The Trust’s decision on an appeal will be final.

Grievance Procedure

As each affiliated organisation is expected to have its organisational governance any grievance lodged with the Trust will be a formal complaint by one affiliated group against another affiliated group. Full details of the grievance should be submitted in writing to the Trust with a copy supplied simultaneously to the other party. A grievance meeting will be called and an authorised representative of each organisation must take all reasonable steps to attend that meeting. Each side may be accompanied by another person their choice. The Trust will endeavour to respond in writing to the grievance as soon as possible and, in any case, within five days of the grievance meeting. The Trust’s decision on the grievance shall be final. Page 4 of 4

Please retain a copy and lodge the undernoted with the Trust ______

I/We accept fully the terms of this Code of Conduct.

Name/ Organisation ______(Print)

Chair ______(signed)

Secretary ______(signed)

Date ___/___/20__