The code of conduct drawn up for Celtic sword is in addition to those of the National Governing Body, “British Fencing”, details of which can be found on their website.

Please sign and return the attachment that states you have read, understood and will abide by this Code of Conduct.

 

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Club Officials

• Always act in a professional manner.

• Hold appropriate and valid qualifications and insurance cover.

• Represent the club to best of their ability.

• Communicate clearly and promptly.

• Attend meetings when called or offer apologies.

• Take responsibility for development tasks identified at meetings.

• Show respect to all:

  • Players,

  • Managers,

  • Spectators.

• Support club members and parents through sharing of information and experience.

• Promote the club positively. 

• Support the marketing of the sport and club through social media.

• Promote the safety and welfare of club members.

• Treat everyone equally and fairly.

• To abide by the rules of the club.

• Follow the guidelines and rules laid down by the national governing body and the club rules to ensure that the Celtic Sword philosophy and objectives are enhanced.

• Support programmes that educate:

  • Fencers,

  • Coaches,

  • Officials

  • Volunteers;

• Promote and publicise programmes and events and seek out financial support when possible.

• Communicate with members by holding orientation meetings and by being available to answer questions and address issues as they arise.

• Work to provide programmes that encompass fairness and promote fair play and sportsmanship.

• Recruit volunteers who demonstrate qualities conducive to being role models to others in our sport.

• Make every possible attempt to provide everyone, regardless of skill levels, with a safe and responsible place to participate.

• Develop other administrators to advance to positions in the club, perhaps even your own.

 

 

Coaches

• Be concerned with the overall development of your fencers.

• Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.

• Encourage participants to value their performances and not just results.

• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the participant than winning the game. Remember, fencers are also involved in the sport for fun and enjoyment.

• Encourage and guide participants to take responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

• Be a positive role model to your fencers. Display emotional maturity and be alert to the safety of those around you.

• Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.

• Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which fencers can properly display their skills.

• Ensure activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.

• Promote positive aspects:

  •  Fair play,

  • Considerate conduct.

• Display consistently high standards of behaviour and ensure that all personal fencing equipment meets the relevant safety requirements

• Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the club.

• Never exert undue influence over club members to obtain personal benefit, advantage or reward.

• Adjust to personal needs and problems of your fencers;

  • be a good listener;

  • never verbally, emotionally, or physically abuse a fencer or official;

  • give all fencers the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem.

• Never condone:

  • Rule violations,

  • Rough play,

  • Use of prohibited substances.

• Be concerned with the overall development of your fencers.

• Know the rules, their interpretations and their proper application.

• Make your calls with confidence, never with arrogance.

• Manage and help to control bouts and competitions.

• Provide a positive and safe experience for all participants.

• Always be fair and impartial.

• Answer all reasonable questions and requests.

• Adopt a “zero tolerance” attitude toward any form of abuse and violence.

• Never use foul or vulgar language when speaking.

• Admit your mistakes when you make them.

• Never openly criticize a coach, fencer or fellow official.

• Keep your emotions under control.

• Only use approved officiating techniques and policies adopted by the Club and national governing body.

 

Fencers

• Play for fun and enjoyment.

• Work hard to improve your skills.

• Be polite and kind to others.

• Learn the rules and play by them.

• Respect the rules of the game.

• Represent Celtic Sword when competing.

• Wear suitable full fencing kit for:

  • Training,

  • Competitions,

  • Matches.

• Treat club kit carefully.  Ensure borrowed kit is returned clean and on time.

• Support others in their training.

• Find opportunities to help with the running of the club.

• Put in a good effort every time.

• Be a team player and active member of your club.

• Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.

• Respect your coach, your colleagues, your opponent, officials and spectators.

• Do not engage in any form of abusive behaviour toward any other person.

• Understand your rights to play in an environment free from harassment and/or abuse in any form. Report any such incidents immediately.

 

 

Parents & Carers of junior members

• Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them.

• Discourage:

  • Unfair play,

  • Arguing with officials.

• Help your child to recognize good performance, not just results.

• Never force your child to take part in sport.

• Set a good example by recognizing fair play and applauding good performances of all participants.

• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.

• Publicly accept officials’ judgements.

• Support your child’s involvement and help them enjoy their sport.

• Always Use correct and proper language.

• Encourage and guide performers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

 

 

Equipment

• All fencers must use the appropriate equipment when fencing.

• Members are responsible for their personal equipment;

  • All personal kit should meet the minimum safety standard set by the BFA.

  • It is the responsibility of the member to ensure their equipment is suitable, in good condition and correctly worn.

  • They are free to lend or withhold items of their equipment from other members.

  • The club will not be responsible for any item/s of personal kit damaged, or any action arising from the loan of equipment.

  • The club will not be responsible for any personal items or equipment that go missing.

• Club equipment made available to members.

  • This must be treated with respect and care.

  •  Any damage resulting from improper use must be paid for by the fencer responsible.

 

 

Attendance and participation

Members are expected to arrive early enough to begin the session on time.

 

Participants are reminded that fencing is a combat sport and so minor injuries/ bruising should be anticipated on occasion – as with other activities e.g. rugby, hockey, or the martial arts.

 

 

Club Rules

All members are required to obey the club rules:

• Always show respect to the coaching team and other volunteers

• Always salute and shake hands

• Always use the equipment in a safe and responsible manner

• No threatening behaviour

• No swearing

• No unsportsmanlike behaviour

• No cheating

• No arguing with the referee

• To comply with all BFA rules and regulations

 

Failure to obey these rules may result in disciplinary measures (verbal warning, coaching bar, short term ban) or permanent exclusion from the club. These are applied at the discretion of the coaching team and /or committee.

 

Participants are responsible for informing coaches of any relevant medical conditions. Should members choose to participate they take full responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.

 

COVID-19

During the Current Pandemic, the Club must take in to account the National Governing Body, the British Government, Welsh Government and local restrictions and rules relating to controlling the pandemic. This will be reflected in the implementation of the e Celtic Fencing Club Code of Conduct.  However, it is important that all fencers adhere to the implementation of the current restrictions.