Codes of Conduct & Complaints
Setting clear expectations and providing a fair way to raise concerns.
At Lasswade Gymnastics Club, we want everyone to feel respected, supported and valued. Our Codes of Conduct set out the standards of behaviour we expect from gymnasts, coaches, volunteers, officials and parents, helping us create a positive environment for everyone.
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We also recognise that concerns can arise. We encourage open and respectful communication and have a clear complaints process to ensure concerns are listened to and dealt with fairly and appropriately.
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Our codes of conduct are aligned with the policies and procedures of Scottish Gymnastics, as an affiliated club.​​
Coaches, Officials & Volunteers
Our coaches, officials and volunteers are responsible for creating a safe, positive and supportive environment where gymnasts can develop and enjoy their sport.
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Put the safety, wellbeing and development of gymnasts first.
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Treat everyone with respect and professionalism.
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Provide age- and ability-appropriate coaching.
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Set a positive example through behaviour and communication.
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Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
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Follow club and Scottish Gymnastics policies and procedures.
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Report safeguarding, welfare and safety concerns appropriately.
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Take responsibility for maintaining a safe training environment.
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Gymnast Code of conduct
We expect our gymnasts to contribute to a positive training environment and take responsibility for their behaviour, effort and development.
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Respect coaches, officials, teammates and other participants.
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Listen to coaching instructions and follow club rules.
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Treat others fairly and never intimidate or discriminate against others.
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Arrive prepared and on time for training and competitions.
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Look after equipment and facilities.
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Tell a coach about injuries, illness or anything that may affect their ability to train safely.
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Take responsibility for their attitude, effort and behaviour.
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Support and encourage teammates.
parents Code of conduct
Parents and carers play an important role in creating a positive environment for gymnasts. We ask families to support their children while respecting the role of coaches, officials and other members of our club community.
Encourage effort, enjoyment and personal progress rather than focusing solely on results.
Treat coaches, officials, gymnasts and other families with respect.
Allow coaches to coach.
Raise concerns through the appropriate club channels rather than through social media or informal group chats.
Respect coaching decisions and allow time for constructive discussions about your child's progress.
Support your child's commitment to training and competitions.
Encourage your child to take responsibility for their own development.
Support a positive and inclusive club environment.
Practical Responsibilities
Ensure your child arrives on time and is collected promptly.
Keep contact and medical information up to date.
Ensure fees are paid on time.
Follow club procedures for absence, illness and injuries.
RAISING A CONCERN OR MAKING A COMPLAINT
At Lasswade Gymnastics Club, we want concerns to be raised early so that, wherever possible, they can be resolved quickly and constructively.
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We encourage parents, gymnasts, coaches and other members of our club community to speak to us if something is not working as it should. We will listen to concerns, treat them seriously and aim to deal with them fairly and respectfully.
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If you have a concern, please use the appropriate route below. We will listen, treat concerns seriously and handle them fairly and respectfully.
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Before making a formal complaint
Where appropriate, we encourage concerns to be raised with the person best placed to help resolve them. This may be your gymnast's coach, the relevant Head of Section, Head Coach or Business Manager, depending on the nature of the concern.
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Many concerns can be resolved through an open conversation without needing to follow the formal complaints process.
Is it a Safeguarding Concern?
If it relates to the safety, welfare or well being of a child, contact the Safeguarding Team.
Is it a Coaching Concern?
For example:
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Coaching quality
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Training arrangements
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Progression
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Communication with a coach
Is it a General Club Complaint?
For example:
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Administration
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Fees
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Communication
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Facilities
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Club processes
Our Complaints Process
Stage 1 – Informal Resolution
Where possible, concerns should initially be raised informally with the appropriate member of the club team. This may be by email, telephone or conversation. We will aim to understand the concern, discuss the circumstances and work towards a suitable resolution.
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We encourage concerns to be raised as soon as reasonably possible so that they can be addressed promptly.
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Stage 2 – Formal Complaint
If your concern cannot be resolved informally, or if the nature of the concern means that a formal response is appropriate, you can submit a formal complaint in writing.
Your complaint should include:
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What you are concerned about
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The relevant dates or circumstances
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Who the concern relates to, where appropriate
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Any steps you have already taken to try to resolve the issue
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The outcome or resolution you are seeking, where appropriate
The complaint will be reviewed by the appropriate member of the club's management team and investigated fairly and objectively. You will receive an acknowledgement and be kept informed of the outcome in accordance with the club's complaints procedure.
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Stage 3 – Appeal
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of a formal complaint, you may request an appeal.
The appeal should explain why you believe the original complaint has not been appropriately resolved or why you believe the process or outcome should be reviewed. Where appropriate, the appeal will be considered by a person or panel who was not directly involved in the original decision.
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Safeguarding Concerns
Safeguarding concerns should not be raised through the general complaints process.
If your concern relates to the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or young person, please contact our Safeguarding Team directly.
You do not need to be certain that something is wrong before raising a safeguarding concern.
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For more information, please visit our Safeguarding & Child Protection page.
What We Ask From Everyone
We understand that raising a concern can sometimes be difficult. We ask everyone involved to communicate respectfully and allow the club an appropriate opportunity to understand and respond to the concern.
We will:
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Listen to concerns and take them seriously.
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Treat people fairly and respectfully.
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Handle information sensitively and only share it with those who need to know.
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Investigate complaints objectively where appropriate.
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Keep those involved informed of progress where possible.
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Take appropriate action when a concern is upheld.
We ask that concerns are raised through the appropriate club channels rather than through social media, public forums or group chats.
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