Leatherhead Swimming Club Code of Conduct for Coaches and Teachers

This Code of Conduct applies to all coaches and teachers working with Leatherhead Swimming Club (LSC). It operates alongside Swim England’s Wavepower Safeguarding Policy, the Swim England Code of Ethics, and relevant Equality, Anti-Doping and Regulatory policies, all of which must be followed in full.

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Our Values

All coaches and teachers are expected to uphold the club values of Respect, Responsibility and Passion.

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Professional Standards and Behaviour

As a coach or teacher at LSC, you must:

    •    Place the wellbeing, health and safety of swimmers above all other considerations, including performance

    •    Act at all times in accordance with Wavepower, Swim England regulations and the Code of Ethics

    •    Treat all swimmers with respect and dignity, valuing difference and meeting individual needs

    •    Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and never misuse your position of trust

    •    Never engage in, encourage or condone any form of abuse, bullying, discrimination or harassment

    •    Challenge poor behaviour and seek guidance from the Welfare Officer where appropriate

    •    Deliver coaching that is appropriate to the swimmer’s age, ability and experience

    •    Be fair, transparent and consistent in team and squad selection

    •    Communicate effectively with fellow coaches, volunteers, parents and the club committee

    •    Cooperate with relevant professionals in the best interests of the swimmer

    •    Observe the authority of officials and promote respect for the sport in and out of the pool

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Safeguarding, Training and Compliance

You must:

    •    Refer all safeguarding and welfare concerns immediately in line with Wavepower

    •    Maintain confidentiality except where doing so would place a child at risk

    •    Hold a current DBS check and complete safeguarding training every three years

    •    Keep coaching qualifications and CPD up to date

    •    Ensure safe staffing ratios, safe practices and fit-for-purpose equipment

    •    Follow club procedures for accidents, injuries and incidents

    •    Comply with club rules on alcohol, smoking and anti-doping

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Your Rights as a Coach or Teacher

You have the right to:

    •    Be supported, respected and treated fairly by the club

    •    Know the club’s safeguarding, reporting and complaints procedures

    •    Know who the Welfare Officer is and how to contact them

    •    Access ongoing training and professional development

    •    Be listened to and contribute to club decisions

    •    Work in an environment free from abuse or discrimination

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Breaches of the Code

Breaches of this Code may result in disciplinary action in line with club procedures, contractual terms or Swim England regulations. Serious matters may be referred to external authorities. Repeated or serious breaches may result in suspension or removal from the club.

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Reviewed: December 2025

Aligned with: Swim England Wavepower (current edition)