Bath Sword Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with the appointed Welfare Officer.

As a member of the club you are expected to abide by the following junior code of conduct:

• All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
• All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
• Members must wear suitable kit – for training and match sessions as defined by British Fencing, and announced by the Junior Administrator.
• Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.
• When fencing at competitions members are the personal representatives of Bath Sword Club and must behave to the highest standards: no smoking, no consumption of alcohol, no drugs, no bad behaviour.
• Junior members must not indulge in inappropriate behaviour or any bullying behaviour.

The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below:

• Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.
• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport (eg fair play).
• Do not criticise refereeing decisions to competitors or spectators.
• Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Follow all guidelines laid down by the BFA, England Fencing and the club.
• Hold appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover.
• Never exert undue influence over participants to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.
• Encourage participants to value their performances and not just results.
• Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
• Always be alert for incidents of bullying or inappropriate behaviour.