Code of Conduct for Staff, Volunteers, Coaches and Officials                 

Old Colwyn Golf Club (OCGC) is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone associated in any capacity with the club. Our Code of Conduct is just one of the range of safeguarding arrangements we have in place to achieve this. The Code of Conduct clarifies our expectations of the behaviour of all staff, volunteers, coaches and officials, and identifies behaviours that are not acceptable.

Read and sign this document to indicate that you understand and accept these expectations, and are committed to complying with them.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of golf
• Treat everyone fairly 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 participants above the development of performance
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants based on mutual trust and respect
• Ensure that any physical contact with participants is necessary in the context of your role, and takes place within recommended guidelines with the participant’s full consent and approval
• Always work in an open environment (e.g. where possible avoid private or unobserved situations)
• Do not engage in any form of sexual behaviour or relationship with any player who you are coaching or are otherwise responsible for (i.e. you are in Position of Trust). Sexual relationships with children under 16 years is simply illegal. Sexual relationships with a young person aged 16-17 years when you are in a Position of Trust is also a criminal offence. This is strictly forbidden as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms
• You should not have contact outside your club role with juniors and should not engage in regular communication through text, email or social network sites unless safeguards have been put into place (e.g. copying in carers or CWO into messages)
• Familiarise yourself with, understand and comply with the OCGC Safeguarding Policies and Procedures – particularly those most relevant to your role
• Ask for and respect participants’ opinions when making decisions about their participation in golf.
• Inform players (and parents of juniors) about the requirements of golf
• Be aware of and report any conflict of interest as soon as it becomes apparent
• Display high standards of behaviour, language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation
• Do not smoke, drink or use recreational drugs while actively working with young people in the club. 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 club

– this is illegal

• Hold relevant qualifications and insurance cover. All Staff, Volunteers & Coaches who work regularly with children must have current DBS clearance, approved by Wales 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
• Use constructive and positive methods to develop players skills – avoiding humiliating or harming them
• Ensure that you attend appropriate/required safeguarding training and updates
• Do not encourage players to continuing to play or train if they sustain an injury
• Listen to any concerns that participants of their carers may have
• Report any safeguarding concerns or suspicions you may have about the safety or welfare of any child or adult, or about the behaviour of any child or adult, to the OCGC Welfare Officer, in line with the club’s reporting procedures
• Do not behave in a way that brings OCGC or the game of golf into disrepute.