Sports Equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them and coaches must demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity at all times. As a coach it's your responsibility to: Recognise inequalities; Ensure that disabled people, people from ethnic minorities and women and girls all have the same access to your coaching sessions; Ensure that all participants are treated equally, recognising that different people have different needs and aspirations and take positive action to ensure your sport becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.

It is important that coaches understand and act on their responsibilities whilst maintaining the key concept of participation for fun and enjoyment as well as achievement. The code of conduct defines all that is best in good coaching.

Your governing body for sport may have its own code of conduct for coaches. It is a good idea to contact your sport to find out what information it has available. The code of conduct for sports coaches, developed by sports coach UK. The code focuses on the following four principles:

•  Rights - coaches must respect and champion the rights of every individual to participate in sport;
•  Relationships - coaches must develop a relationship with athletes (and others) based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect;
•  Responsibilities, personal standards - coaches must demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times;
•  Responsibilities , professional standards - to maximise benefits and minimise the risks to athletes, coaches must maintain a high level of competence; through qualifications and a commitment to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice.

This code is highly important and it is recommended that all coaches obtain a copy. This can be bought from Coachwise at a cost of £2.50

Further Information

Further information relating to equity issues can be accessed via the Equity in Your Coaching workshop by sports coach UK. This, three hour workshop will help you, the coach to:

•  Explain what equity means and why it is important;
•  Identify barriers to participation;
•  Use appropriate language and terminology;
•  Identify and challenge inequitable behaviour;
•  Interpret the legal framework that affects coaching;
•  Identify how they can become more equitable.