Safeguarding Children
- Children are the lifeblood of our sport and it is crucial that they are cared for in the correct manner. Any rider under the age of 18 is classed as a child and should be respected as such.
- As a parent you will no doubt want your child to enjoy their involvement in off road motorcycle sport in a safe, friendly environment where there are opportunities to learn and develop motorcycle trials skills whilst having fun.
- Trials Training Wales works with the Auto Cycle Union, and member clubs to ensure that young people enjoy off road motorcycling in a constructive environment.
- In order to provide young people with the best possible experience and opportunities in the sport of motorcycle trials, it is imperative that everyone operates within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrates exemplary behaviour.
- This not only ensures the game makes a positive contribution to the development of young people, safeguards them and promotes their welfare but also protects all personnel from allegations of abuse or poor practice.
- Under no circumstances photographs or videos to be taken of the children without consent of the parents and the organisers.
- The Auto Cycle Union provides a wide range of advice, polices and guidance notes that will help Clubs to operate safely and effectively. You can find further information on their website: www.acu.org.uk
Trials Training Wales Safeguarding Children Officer – Mel Handley
Riders Code of Conduct
- Ride for fun-not just to please your parents or Coach.
- Play by the rules – No Rules – No Trial. Don’t cheat.
- Don’t argue with the observer – he/she won’t change their decision, and might penalise you – for arguing.
- Control your temper and your language.
- Never give up – the Trial is not lost until it’s won.
- Be a good sport – recognise good riding – even when it comes from the other riders.
- Be fair.
- Improve your skill – You’ll ride and feel better.
- Don’t show off – even when you have had a excellent ride.
- Be proud of being a member of your club – always wear clothing with the club logo.
Officials Code of Conduct
Event officials are an integral part of the development of young riders. They have responsibility to ensure that the event is managed in such a way as to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of the participants.
- Develop an appropriate working relationship with riders, based on mutual trust and respect.
- Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability, and experience of those taking part.
- Emphasise the spirit of the sport.
- Follow the guidelines laid down by the Auto Cycle Union.
- Hold the appropriate and valid qualifications.
- Explain all decisions – all young riders are still learning.
- Always penalise foul play.
- Never condone rule violations or the use of prohibitive substances.
- Ensure that verbal abuse form riders, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and dealt with by club officials immediately.
Parents and Spectators Code of Conduct
- Never force a child to participate.
- Always remember: children play for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage your child to play by the rules/laws. Make it clear that cheating is just a way to get an unfair advantage by dodging the rules.
- Teach your child that winning isn’t everything-playing as well as you can is just as important. On any day no more than half of the riders can win, so defeat is no disgrace.
- Never yell at a rider for making a mistake. Never sneer or sarcasm- you’ll make the player feel like a total failure. Remember he/she not playing for your benefit.
- Applaud good riding-by either rider. Back up the observers: don’t publicly question their fairness or ability, children learn best by a good example.
- Encourage your child to improve his/her skills through coaching.
- Stay off the course. Coaches and Officials are qualified to be there. They have worked hard to earn their qualifications. If you want to get involved in off road motorcycle sport, join them and learn how. Otherwise please don’t interfere.
- Don’t abuse observers/officials. Like the coaches he/she is a volunteer and unpaid. He/she has given up their spare time. If you abuse them they might not return. And how can your child play without these people?
Coaches Code of Conduct
Coaches have responsibility to ensure that all youngsters are given the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations in a caring environment where the emphasis is on:
- Be a positive role model, look and act the part.
- Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young riders.
- Riders develop at different times and in different ways – make allowances for their physical, emotional and mental maturity and development.
- Appreciate the needs of the riders before the needs of the sport.
- Don’t over play the better riders – include everyone.
- Winning isn’t everything – teach your riders to enjoy taking part and performing to the best of their ability.
- Encourage each rider to reach his/her potential.
- Never abuse, yell, criticise or ridicule children for making mistakes, provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during both coaching sessions and events/trials.
- Make sure riders develop an understanding of rules and laws of trials, that they respect opponents, coaches and officials.
- Have the riders understand the importance of clean and well maintained bikes.
- Never question an official’s judgement, honesty or ancestry.
- Ensure riders and parents behaviour is appropriate and in keeping with the spirit of the sport and expectations of the Club.
All coaches must remember that they have a duty of care for all youngsters with whom they are working. Recognise that young riders should never be exposed to extremes of heat , cold, or unacceptable risk of injury. Coaches must also remember they are in a position of trust and should avoid situations where this position is compromised.
All our coaches are ACU licenced and CRB checked, and have first aid qualifications.
Head Coach: Bryan Puckett
Coaches: James Lamin, Rob Berry, Dai Bedford, Jennifer Huntley, Stuart Lynch and Hugo Jervis
Assistant Coaches: Ian Boyd, Wayne Thomas, Kevin Nedin, George Lynch and Justin Evans
