British Triathlon and the Home Nations have reviewed and updated their Code of Ethics and released new Codes of Practice for Coaches and Technical Officials as the national governing bodies reaffirm their commitment to creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all involved in swim, bike, run.
British Triathlon has launched a new webpage so Home Nation members can now access all the information in one place including British Triathlon’s values of be people-centred, be ambitious, be inclusive and do what’s right.
The Code of Ethics sets out the expected behaviour and conduct for everyone involved in swim, bike, run and has been revised to align with British Triathlon’s values.
These values are now showcased on the new webpage on the British Triathlon website with details and information on all four values, which can be viewed here.
British Triathlon and the Home Nations are committed to upholding and protecting the organisation’s vision and values whilst maintaining the highest possible standards of sporting integrity. The Code of Ethics is there to protect the values and integrity of the sport and can be accessed from the values page.
Following the updated Code of Ethics, new Codes of Practice for Coaches and Technical Officials have also been released.
The purpose of the Codes of Practice is to define what is considered good and correct behaviour in these roles and the standards expected, along with the basis for challenging and improving practices.
As with the Code of Ethics, the Codes of Practice have been produced to align with the values of British Triathlon and are specific to the expected conduct in carrying out the roles within these two key areas of participation.
The Coaches Code of Practice has also been updated to reflect the new positions of trust law which was introduced in England and Wales in June 2022. Coaches as defined in law (in England and Wales only; not a criminal offence in Scotland but breach of Code of Practice) are in a position of trust in relation to children and participants aged 16 and 17.
Coaches must not engage in sexual activity such as inappropriate touching or communication (in person or social media or any other form of verbal or non-verbal communication) with 16 and 17 years olds whilst they hold a position of trust and authority over them and an unequal power relationship exists, to do so would be committing a criminal offence.
The Coaches Code of Practice can be viewed here, and the Technical Official Code of Practice can be found here.
Andy Salmon, British Triathlon CEO, said: “Being people-centred, ambitious, inclusive and doing what’s right is at the centre of everything we do as an organisation, from how we act to making decisions, and we want to extend this right across the sport.
“We strongly believe if everyone in the sport aspires to follow our four values and uphold our Codes of Ethics, it will foster a safe, inclusive and welcoming culture for us all to enjoy great experiences through swim, bike, run and be a welcoming place for anyone wanting to get involved in the sport.”
Beverley Lewis, Welsh Triathlon CEO, added: “Along with British Triathlon and the Home Nations, Welsh Triathlon is pleased to be issuing the updated Code of Ethics and Code of Practice for triathlon.
"Our purpose in Wales is to develop a triathlon community that enhances the wellbeing of current and future and this can only be achieved if we adhere to values, behaviours, policies, and practices that make our sport safe, welcoming, and inclusive.”
A Triathlon Scotland spokesperson added: "Alongside our partners across the UK, we at Triathlon Scotland are committed to ensuring we maintain the highest possible standards across all areas of the organisation in line with triathlon values. The Code of Ethics and accompanying codes for both coaches and technical official ensure people of all abilities and ages have great experiences.”
