Premier Sabre Academy Code of Conduct at Competitions.

Policy applies to: All Premier Sabre Academy (PSA) fencers, coaches, team managers, parents/carers and representatives attending competitions

1. Purpose

Premier Sabre Academy is committed to creating a positive, respectful and competitive environment in which all fencers can develop and perform to their potential.

When attending a competition, every member of PSA represents not only themselves but also their teammates, coaches, families and the Academy.

This Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behaviour expected from everyone representing Premier Sabre Academy at competitions, whether competing, coaching, supporting or carrying out team-management duties.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote good sportsmanship and respect.

• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

• Establish clear expectations of behaviour.

• Protect the reputation of Premier Sabre Academy and fencing.

• Provide a consistent approach to dealing with unacceptable behaviour.

2. Core Values

All PSA representatives are expected to demonstrate:

Respect – Discipline – Teamwork – Sportsmanship – Accountability

We expect our fencers to be recognised not only for how they fence, but also for how they conduct themselves.

3. Fencer Code of Conduct

3.1 Representing Premier Sabre Academy

Fencers must:

• Represent PSA with pride and professionalism.

• Wear appropriate club kit when required.

• Follow competition rules and the instructions of competition officials.

• Behave appropriately at the venue, hotel, transport locations and any other activities associated with the competition.

• Remember that their behaviour may affect the reputation of themselves, their teammates and the Academy.

3.2 Respect for Opponents

Fencers must:

• Treat every opponent with respect, regardless of their ability, nationality, club or result.

• Salute their opponent appropriately before and after a bout.

• Fence competitively but fairly.

• Avoid deliberately dangerous or intimidating behaviour.

• Avoid taunting, mocking or deliberately provoking an opponent.

• Accept victory with humility and defeat with dignity.

3.3 Respect for Referees and Officials

Fencers must:

• Accept refereeing decisions respectfully.

• Raise legitimate questions or concerns through the appropriate channels.

• Never threaten, intimidate, insult or abuse a referee or official.

• Never make offensive gestures towards officials.

• Accept that disagreements with a decision must be dealt with appropriately and within the rules of the competition.

Where appropriate, a fencer should seek assistance from their coach or team manager rather than attempting to resolve a dispute themselves.

3.4 Emotional Control

Competitive fencing can be emotionally demanding. Fencers are expected to manage their emotions appropriately.

The following behaviour is unacceptable:

• Throwing weapons or equipment.

• Deliberately damaging equipment or venue property.

• Kicking barriers or other objects.

• Aggressive or threatening behaviour.

• Swearing at opponents, officials, teammates, coaches or spectators.

• Making offensive gestures.

• Deliberately intimidating another person.

Fencers are encouraged to take appropriate time to regain composure following difficult or disappointing bouts and to seek support from their coach when necessary.

4. Teamwork and Support

PSA expects fencers to support one another.

Fencers should:

• Encourage teammates positively.

• Celebrate teammates’ achievements.

• Support teammates following difficult performances.

• Offer constructive encouragement rather than criticism.

• Respect differences in experience and ability.

• Contribute positively to the team environment.

Fencers must not:

• Bully or ridicule teammates.

• Deliberately exclude another fencer.

• Make negative comments about another fencer’s performance.

• Undermine a teammate’s confidence.

• Celebrate another fencer’s failure.

A teammate’s success is not a threat to your own development.

5. Relationship with Coaches and Team Managers

Fencers are expected to:

• Listen to coaches and team managers.

• Follow reasonable instructions.

• Attend scheduled warm-ups, meetings and team activities on time.

• Inform a coach or team manager about injuries, illness or other concerns.

• Ask questions when they do not understand an instruction.

• Accept constructive feedback professionally.

Coaches and team managers will make decisions based on the needs of the athlete, team and competition. Fencers are expected to discuss disagreements respectfully and privately rather than publicly challenging staff.

6. Responsibility for Equipment and Preparation

Each fencer is responsible for arriving at competition properly prepared.

This includes:

• Correct fencing clothing and protective equipment.

• Appropriate weapons and spare equipment.

• Charged electronic equipment where applicable.

• Water and appropriate nutrition.

• Club kit where required.

• Arriving at the venue at the required time.

• Ensuring equipment is maintained and suitable for competition.

Fencers should take reasonable responsibility for their own equipment and belongings.

7. Social Media and Digital Conduct

The standards of this Code of Conduct apply online as well as in person.

Fencers must not use social media to:

• Bully, threaten or harass another person.

• Insult opponents, officials, teammates or coaches.

• Publish deliberately humiliating or offensive content.

• Share inappropriate images or videos of others.

• Publish confidential team or competition information without permission.

• Damage the reputation of another individual or the Academy through inappropriate conduct.

Particular care must be taken when posting content recorded at competitions.

Think before you post. If you would not say it respectfully in person, do not post it online.

8. Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination

Premier Sabre Academy does not tolerate:

• Bullying.

• Harassment.

• Threatening behaviour.

• Discrimination.

• Deliberate intimidation.

• Victimisation.

• Deliberate exclusion or isolation of another person.

Concerns should be reported to a coach, team manager or appropriate club representative.

All concerns will be treated seriously and dealt with appropriately.

9. Alcohol, Drugs and Prohibited Behaviour

Fencers must comply with the rules and requirements of the competition organiser, venue and relevant governing bodies.

The use of illegal drugs, possession of prohibited substances, or behaviour resulting from substance misuse that places others at risk or brings the Academy into disrepute will not be accepted.

Where accommodation is provided as part of a team competition, athletes must comply with all accommodation rules and any additional requirements established by PSA.

10. Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in creating a positive competition environment.

Parents and carers are expected to:

• Encourage their child positively.

• Respect coaches, referees, officials and other competitors.

• Avoid coaching from the sidelines unless specifically asked to do so.

• Avoid criticising refereeing decisions.

• Allow coaches to manage the athlete during competition.

• Avoid comparing their child negatively with other fencers.

• Raise concerns privately and appropriately with PSA staff.

Parents and carers must not verbally abuse, threaten or intimidate competitors, officials, coaches, volunteers or other parents.

11. Coaches and Team Managers

PSA coaches and team managers are expected to:

• Lead by example.

• Treat all athletes fairly and respectfully.

• Communicate appropriately and professionally.

• Prioritise athlete welfare and safety.

• Support athletes following both positive and difficult performances.

• Deal with behavioural concerns consistently.

• Avoid public humiliation or inappropriate criticism.

• Follow relevant PSA policies and governing-body requirements.

Coaches and team managers have authority to intervene when behaviour presents a risk to safety, team welfare or the reputation of the Academy.

12. Competition Venue and Accommodation

This Code applies throughout the entire competition experience.

It therefore covers:

• Competition venues.

• Warm-up areas.

• Changing facilities.

• Hotels and accommodation.

• Restaurants and team meals.

• Team transport.

• Social activities organised by PSA.

• Any other activity where an individual is representing PSA.

Athletes are expected to behave appropriately at all times when participating in a PSA competition trip.

13. Breaches of the Code

A breach of this Code will be considered in relation to:

• The seriousness of the behaviour.

• Whether the behaviour was deliberate.

• The impact on others.

• Whether the individual accepts responsibility.

• Whether there is a previous history of similar behaviour.

• Any relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.

Serious incidents may be referred directly to the appropriate PSA management process without following every stage below.

14. Disciplinary Process

Where appropriate, PSA will use a three-stage process.

Stage 1 – Informal Warning

For a minor or first-time breach:

• The athlete may be spoken to by a coach or team manager.

• The behaviour and expected standard will be explained.

• The athlete will be given an opportunity to respond.

• The incident may be recorded.

The purpose is primarily corrective and educational.

Stage 2 – Formal Warning

For repeated or more serious behaviour:

• The athlete and, where appropriate, their parent/carer will be informed.

• The incident will be formally recorded.

• Expectations for future behaviour will be clearly explained.

• Additional conditions or supervision may be introduced.

• Further breaches may result in suspension from competition activities.

Stage 3 – Suspension or Further Disciplinary Action

For serious, repeated or unacceptable behaviour:

PSA may consider:

• Suspension from a competition.

• Removal from a team or competition trip.

• Suspension from training or club activities.

• Withdrawal of selection for future competitions.

• Further disciplinary action under the Academy’s wider policies.

• Referral to the relevant governing body where appropriate.

The action taken will depend on the circumstances and seriousness of the incident.

15. Immediate Action for Serious Incidents

Where behaviour presents an immediate risk to the safety or wellbeing of another person, PSA may take immediate action.

This may include removing an individual from a competition activity or requiring them to leave a team environment while the matter is investigated.

Examples may include:

• Violence or threats of violence.

• Serious intimidation.

• Serious harassment.

• Deliberate dangerous behaviour.

• Serious damage to property.

• Serious abuse of an official or another participant.

Where appropriate, parents/carers and relevant competition or governing-body officials will be informed.

16. Reporting Concerns

Anyone attending a PSA competition who has a concern regarding behaviour should report it to:

Premier Sabre Academy Coach or Team Manager

Concerns should be reported as soon as reasonably possible, particularly where there is a risk to someone’s safety or wellbeing.

Individuals making a genuine report of a concern should not be subject to retaliation or victimisation.

17. Athlete Commitment

By participating in competitions as a representative of Premier Sabre Academy, fencers agree to uphold this Code of Conduct.

The expectation is simple:

Compete hard.

Respect everyone.

Support your team.

Learn from every bout.

Represent Premier Sabre Academy with pride.