To ensure that athletes and Parents are aware of what is expected of Young Athletes within the Club, the following advice has been prepared and agreed by the Coaches:

As an athlete you will

• Be on time for training and competitions.
• Show respect to the coaches who give up their time to coach you. Listen to what they have to say.
• Do your best in training and competitions.
• Compete. Athletes aged 11 plus should compete at least three times a year. (The Mid-Lancs League is open to all our members aged 11 plus, and there are also open meetings, Championships, XC and Sportshall events open to our members.)
• Treat other athletes with respect, and never laugh at others who are trying their best.
• Always thank the coaches and officials who give up their time for you to take part in athletics.
• Don’t cheat, or encourage others to do so.
• Be responsible for making sure you have your own equipment ready before setting off to train or compete.
• Dress appropriately for doing athletics. Being sensibly dressed is better than being fashionable, and will let you perform your best.
• Be a good loser, and a good winner. Respect your competitors.
• Don’t swear, be polite. If others are behaving badly don’t join in.

For your own safety

• Tell the coach if you leave the session.
• Don’t give out personal information without knowing why it is needed. Check with your parents first.
• Don’t accept lifts or invitations without your parents being aware first.
• Report anything you think is wrong to your coach and your parents.
• Report any bad behaviour by coaches or other athletics officials to your parents, and the club welfare officer, as soon as possible.

Coaches within the Club have expressed their unwillingness to give up their time and expertise in the Wednesday general sessions to athletes who do not comply with the Code of Conduct above.

At the present time the Club has a waiting list for Membership in the younger age groups, and those athletes already within the Club who fail to meet the criteria set out above may therefore be denied further coaching in order to free resources to accommodate those on the waiting list whose membership cannot currently be accepted.

If in any doubt about the implications of any of the above, please speak to the lead coach for the session you normally attend.