Code of Conduct for staff, coaches & volunteers
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of golf
• Treat everyone equally and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or disability
• If you see any form of discrimination, do not condone it or allow it to go unchallenged
• Place the well-being and safety of the young person above the development of performance
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with young people, based on mutual trust and respect
• Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the young person’s full consent and approval
• Always work in an open environment (e.g. avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage an open environment)
• Do not engage in any form of sexually related contact with a young player. This is strictly forbidden as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms
• You should not have regular contact outside your county role with the juniors and should not engage in regular communication through text, email or social network sites
• Know and understand Middlesex Golf Child Safeguarding Policies and Procedures
• Respect young people’s opinions when making decisions about their participation in golf
• Inform players and parents of the requirements of golf
• Be aware of and report any conflict of interest as soon as it becomes apparent
• Display high standards of language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation
• Do not smoke, drink or use recreational drugs while actively working with young people in the county. This reflects a negative image and could compromise the safety of the young people
• Do not give young people alcohol when they are under the care of the county
• Hold relevant qualifications and insurance cover. All staff, volunteers & coaches who work regularly with children must have current DBS clearance, approved by England Golf Governance Department
• Ensure the activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual
• Promote the positive aspects of golf e.g. fair play
• Display high standards of behaviour and appearance
• Follow County Procedures & good practice guidelines
• Ensure that you attend appropriate training to keep up to date with your role and the welfare of young people
• Report any concerns you may have in relation to a child or the behaviour of an adult, following reporting procedures laid down by Middlesex Golf
Code of Conduct for Young Golfers
As a young golfer taking part in a Middlesex Golf activity, you should:
• Help create and maintain an environment free of fear and harassment
• Demonstrate fair play and apply golf’s standards both on and off the course
• Understand that you have the right to be treated as an individual
• Respect the advice that you receive
• Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself
• Respect other people and their differences
• Look out for yourself and for the welfare of others
• Speak out (to your parents or a county representative) if you consider that you or others have been poorly treated
• Be organised and on time
• Tell someone in authority if you are leaving the venue
• Accept that these guidelines are in place for the well-being of all concerned
• Treat organisers and coaches with respect
• Observe instructions or restrictions requested by the adults looking after you
• Take due care when using the underpass (A1) to enter or exit the course at Mill Hill GC. Always listen to Middlesex representatives who are stationed at the crossing.
• Take care of the River Brent during flood periods as the river can break it’s banks and be very fast flowing.
You should not take part in any irresponsible, abusive, inappropriate or illegal behaviour which includes:
• Smoking
• Using foul language
• Publicly using critical or disrespectful descriptions of others either in person or through text, email or social network sites
• Consuming alcohol, illegal performance-enhancing drugs or stimulants
Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers of Young Golfers
As a young golfer taking part in a Middlesex Golf activity, you should:
As parents you are expected to:
• Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their chosen activity
• Do not place your child under pressure or push them in to activities they do not want to do
• Be realistic and supportive
• Promote your child’s participation in playing sport for fun
• Complete and return the Player Profile Form and Consents pertaining to your child’s participation in activities at Middlesex Golf
• Report and update Middlesex Golf with any changes relevant to your child’s health and wellbeing
• Deliver and collect your child punctually before and after coaching sessions/competitions
• Ensure your child has clothing and kit appropriate to the weather conditions
• Ensure you child has appropriate equipment, plus adequate food and drink
• Ensure that you child understands the rules of Golf
• Teach your child that they can only do their best
• Ensure that your child understands their Code of Conduct
• Behave responsibly at Middlesex Golf and on the golf course; do not embarrass your child
• Show appreciation and support the coaches, volunteers and staff at Middlesex Golf
• Accept the decision and judgement of the officials during events and competition
As a parents/carer you have the right to:
• Be assured that your child is safeguarded during their participation in the sport
• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to your child
• Be informed if your child is injured
• Have consent sought for issues such as trips and photography
• Contribute to the decisions of the county
• Have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s welfare listened to and responded to
Any breaches of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by ……………………………. at Middlesex Golf. Persistent concerns or breaches may result in you being asked not to attend games if your attendance is considered detrimental to the welfare of young participants.
The ultimate action should a parent/carer continue to breach the code of conduct may be Middlesex Golf regrettably asking your child to leave the session, event or county team.