Equity Statement.

The British Ice Teachers Association is fully committed to the principles of the equality of opportunity. It is responsible for ensuring that no job applicant, employee or volunteer receives less favourable treatment, on the grounds of age, colour, disability, ethnic minority, parental or marital status, nationality, religious belief, social status or sexual preference, than any other.

The Association will ensure that there is open access for all those who wish to participate in the sport and that they are treated fairly.

Ethics, as defined in the Webster's New World Dictionary:

"The system or code of morals of a particular group or profession; conforming to the standards of conduct of a given profession."

Both the BITA and NISA coaching committees have recently been confronted with various ethical issues, ranging from the 'simple concern' to 'full legal litigation' about coaches, skaters parents and ice rink managers. Given the number of legal procedures involved in dealing with even the smallest of complaints it has been agreed that the guidelines, as listed below, are the best way forward for a coach should the coach have a concern or complaint. It should also be noted that the data protection acts precludes an association from holding on to written allegations against an individual without the individual in question having sight of the allegations! Therefore, care must be taken when writing letters of complaint, that unless the complainant is prepared to agree to the release of the letter no such letters should be written.

Recommended course of action.

Consult the NCF Code of Conduct and Ethics.

Consult the legal advice team at the Sports Coach UK.

Citizens Advice Bureau.

(Please note that complaints made to NISA must follow the procedures as set out in the NISA rules and general regulations, all complaints will then be reviewed by the NISA Board of Directors).

The following procedures should be followed in all cases of complaint.

Coaches Should: -

In the first instance try to resolve the problem amicably at source and seek the advice of the senior coach, (if appropriate and applicable).

The coach should inform rink management of concern / complaint. Supply a written report and request internal mediation / investigation.

Coach or management to seek independent local authority investigation. (This applies to both private and council run facilities).

Final action would be for the coach to take legal action against complainant if appropriate.

You may inform BITA and or NISA at any stage in the above process, however BITA / NISA cannot take any action against an individual until it has been proved by an independent source that mal practise has taken place.