ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT

RESPONSIBILTY

A WSA athlete is responsible for their own actions, attitude and behaviour.

All athletes are expected to be team players and understand that their actions can affect the whole team.

Athletes are responsible for arriving at training, events and competitions on time, prepared and in the correct attire and footwear.

All jewellery and piercings must be removed for training and competitions, and nails must be kept at a safe and appropriate length. Athletes must not get new piercings during the competitive season if they will be unable to remove them for training or competitions. Newly pierced jewellery cannot be covered or taped as an alternative to removal, so any new piercings must be planned for a time when they will be fully healed and removable before returning to training.

Athletes are expected to approach every training session with a positive attitude, give their best effort and be willing to learn, take corrections and work hard.

Athletes should encourage, support and motivate their teammates and contribute positively to the team environment.

Athletes are expected to behave appropriately at all WSA training sessions, events and competitions. WSA has zero tolerance for profanity, bullying, intimidation or deliberately disruptive behaviour.

RESPECT

All athletes are expected to treat their teammates with kindness and respect. Bullying, exclusion, unkind behaviour or deliberately making another athlete feel uncomfortable or unwelcome will not be tolerated.

Athletes must show respect towards all WSA coaches, committee members, team captains and other members of the programme.

Athletes must respect our training venues, facilities, equipment and venue staff and are expected to leave all areas as they found them.

Athletes are expected to listen when coaches are speaking, respond appropriately to corrections and follow instructions given for their own safety and the safety of others.

Athletes are expected to show respect towards other programmes, athletes and coaches at competitions and events, regardless of results.

Athletes must show good sportsmanship and respect all judging decisions and competition results. Disappointment is understandable, but poor sportsmanship or disrespectful behaviour towards judges, officials or other teams will not be accepted.

REPRESENT

I understand that when I am wearing WSA clothing or uniform, attending a WSA training session, event or competition, or representing WSA online, my behaviour reflects on the entire programme.

I understand that good sportsmanship is expected at all times and that I should conduct myself in a way that positively represents WSA, both in person and on social media.

I understand that I must never post or share negative, disrespectful or inappropriate comments or content about WSA, its athletes, coaches or families, competition officials, or athletes and staff from other programmes.

I understand that team matters, disagreements or concerns should not be discussed publicly or on social media and should instead be raised appropriately with a WSA coach.

I understand that photographs, videos, routines, choreography or other team content that has not been approved for public sharing should not be posted or shared without permission from a WSA coach.

I understand that I can speak to my coach if I have a concern, feel uncomfortable, need help or simply need someone to talk to. I will do so at an appropriate time, and I understand that my coaches want WSA to be a safe and supportive environment for every athlete.