Behaviour code of conduct

Purpose

This code of behaviour aims to make sure everyone who participates in MF Tennis services knows what is expected of them and feels safe, respected and valued.

MF Tennis must make sure that everyone taking part in our services has seen,

understood and agreed to follow the code of behaviour, and that they understand the consequences of inappropriate behaviour.

We expect people who take part in our services to display appropriate behaviour at all times. This includes behaviour that takes place outside our organisation and behaviour that takes place online.

Basic principles

This code of behaviour aims to:

 identify acceptable and unacceptable behaviour

 encourage cooperation, honesty, fairness and respect

 create an environment where your self-esteem, self-respect and self-confidence will grow

 encourage you to recognise and respect the rights of others

 encourage you to take responsibility for your own behaviour

 help resolve conflicts and make it clear what will happen if you decide not to follow the code.

Dos and don’ts

You should:

 cooperate with others

 be friendly

 listen to others

 be helpful

 have good manners

 treat everyone with respect

 take responsibility for your own behaviour

 talk to the coaches about anything that worries or concerns you

 follow this code of behaviour and other rules (including the law)

 join in and have fun!

You shouldn’t:

 be disrespectful to anyone else

 bully other people (online or offline)

 behave in a way that could be intimidating

 be abusive towards anyone.

What happens if I decide not to follow the code of behaviour?

This code of behaviour is part of our process for making sure everyone who takes part in our services receives the support they need.

Minor or first-time incident

If you behave in a way that doesn’t follow our behaviour code, our coaches will remind you about it and ask you to comply with it. They will give you an opportunity to change your behaviour.

This gives you the chance to think and to plan how you could behave differently, with support from the coaches.

Formal warning

If you continue not to follow the code of behaviour after your first reminder, or if your behaviour is more serious, you will be given a formal warning by the person running your activity and removed from participating in the session for up to 15 minutes.

The coach will make a record about what happened and inform your parents or carers if this is appropriate.

The coach will also talk with you about what happened and agree what support you need to improve your behaviour in the future.

The coach may also decide that a sanction is appropriate such as restricting you from taking part in some activities.

Final warning

If the support we have put in place isn’t helping you to change your behaviour, we may need to give you a final warning. Again this will be recorded and we’ll inform your parents or carers as appropriate.

At this point, we may need to talk with you and your parents or carers about other services that might be more able to give you the support you need.

Child protection procedures

If any member our coaching team becomes concerned that your behaviour suggests you may be in need of protection or that you may present a risk of harm to other children and young people, they will follow our child protection procedures. This may involve making a referral to the local authority.

If child protection procedures are necessary we will talk this through with you and your parents as soon as possible, unless doing so would put you in danger or interfere with a police investigation.

The role of parents and carers

We see parents and carers as valuable partners in promoting positive behaviour and will involve them as appropriate.

We will always inform and involve your parents or carers if you receive a formal warning about your behaviour, unless doing so would put you in danger.