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Code of Conduct

Team Northants Handball Academy

Code of Conduct

Our Values

At Team Northants Handball Academy, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where every member can enjoy handball, develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Everyone involved with the club, players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and spectators, is expected to demonstrate:

  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork
  • Fair Play
  • Inclusion
  • Excellence
  • Responsibility

Winning is important, but never more important than respect, enjoyment, learning and player welfare.

Every member contributes to our club culture. Senior players have a particular responsibility to act as positive role models, helping to inspire, support and develop the next generation of Team Northants Handball players.

Code of Conduct for Senior Players (18+)

Senior players are ambassadors for Team Northants Handball Academy and play an important role in shaping the culture of the club. Younger players look up to senior members both on and off the court.

As a senior player, you are expected to:

Lead by Example

  • Demonstrate excellent sportsmanship, respect and self-discipline at all times.
  • Show a positive attitude in training, matches and club events.
  • Display humility in victory and dignity in defeat.

Support Young Players

  • Welcome new and younger players into the club.
  • Encourage and motivate younger players during training and competitions.
  • Celebrate effort, improvement and teamwork, not just results.
  • Offer advice and support when appropriate, while respecting the role of coaches.

Promote Club Values

  • Be a positive ambassador for Team Northants Handball Academy both inside and outside the sports hall.
  • Represent the club professionally at competitions, tournaments and community events.
  • Use positive language and encourage an inclusive, respectful environment.

Set High Standards

  • Arrive on time and prepared for training and matches.
  • Demonstrate commitment, reliability and a strong work ethic.
  • Respect referees, coaches, volunteers and opponents without exception.
  • Accept coaching positively and encourage others to do the same.

Be a Positive Influence

  • Understand that younger players often copy the behaviour of senior players.
  • Avoid inappropriate language, unsporting behaviour or negative attitudes.
  • Help create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone.
  • Challenge bullying, discrimination or unacceptable behaviour whenever it occurs, and report concerns to a coach or club official.

Support Club Development

  • Volunteer to assist with junior sessions, festivals or club events whenever possible.
  • Encourage lifelong participation in handball by inspiring the next generation.
  • Take pride in helping Team Northants grow as one club, where every member feels valued.

A great senior player is measured not only by their performance on the court, but by the example they set for others.

Code of Conduct for Players U18

All players are expected to:

Respect

  • Respect teammates, opponents, coaches, referees and volunteers at all times.
  • Accept referees’ decisions without arguing or showing dissent.
  • Treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability or background.

Commitment

  • Attend training and matches regularly.
  • Arrive on time and prepared.
  • Inform coaches in advance if unable to attend.
  • Give your best effort in every session and every match.

Behaviour

  • Play within the rules and spirit of handball.
  • Show good sportsmanship in victory and defeat.
  • Never bully, intimidate or discriminate against anyone.
  • Use appropriate language at all times.
  • Respect club facilities and equipment.

Development

  • Listen positively to coaching.
  • Be willing to learn from mistakes.
  • Support your teammates.
  • Focus on continuous improvement rather than simply winning.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

Coaches play a vital role in developing both players and people.

Coaches will:

  • Put player welfare before results.
  • Create a positive, safe and enjoyable learning environment.
  • Treat every player fairly and equally.
  • Encourage respect, teamwork and sportsmanship.
  • Coach according to England Handball safeguarding and coaching guidelines.
  • Plan age-appropriate and enjoyable sessions.
  • Give constructive feedback.
  • Promote confidence and personal development.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Never use abusive language or behaviour.
  • Continue their own coaching education.

Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators

Parents and spectators are an important part of our club.

We ask that you:

  • Encourage every player, not just your own child.
  • Respect coaches and referees.
  • Allow coaches to coach.
  • Applaud effort as well as success.
  • Never shout abuse from the sidelines.
  • Support positive behaviour.
  • Help create an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
  • Report concerns through the appropriate club channels rather than confronting officials during matches.

Remember:

Children play sport to have fun, make friends and improve, not simply to win.

Code of Conduct for Volunteers and Team Officials

All volunteers and officials will:

  • Act honestly and with integrity.
  • Put the welfare of players first.
  • Promote equality and inclusion.
  • Follow England Handball policies and safeguarding procedures.
  • Work cooperatively with coaches, officials and parents.
  • Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
  • Set a positive example through their behaviour.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Team Northants Handball Club welcomes everyone.

We do not tolerate:

  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Racism
  • Sexism
  • Homophobia
  • Discrimination of any kind

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued.

Social Media

Members should:

  • Represent the club positively online.
  • Never post offensive or abusive comments.
  • Respect the privacy of other members.
  • Never publish images of young players without appropriate consent.
  • Report online bullying immediately.

Safeguarding

The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is our highest priority.

All concerns regarding safeguarding should be reported immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.

Match Day Expectations

Everyone should:

  • Respect referees.
  • Respect opponents.
  • Respect facilities.
  • Encourage fair play.
  • Win with humility.
  • Lose with dignity.

Breaches of the Code

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in:

  • A verbal warning
  • A written warning
  • Temporary suspension
  • Removal from training or matches
  • Permanent removal from the club in serious cases

The committee reserves the right to investigate any breach and take appropriate action.

Club Motto

Respect Every Person.

Play with Passion.

Learn Every Day.

One Club. One Team.