Dink Scotland Kids MTB Club – Coach Code of Conduct & Responsibilities

A responsible Dink Scotland Kids MTB Club coach plays a vital role in developing young mountain bikers by building their skills, confidence, and passion for riding. This is achieved by:

  • Identifying and responding to the individual needs of each young rider
  • Supporting progress through a structured, age-appropriate programme of safe and enjoyable trail skills, technique development, and where suitable, friendly competition or group challenges
  • Creating a positive, inclusive environment where young riders feel motivated, safe, and genuinely excited to get on their bikes

Ethical Standards – What We Expect of All Coaches

All Dink Scotland Kids MTB Club coaches must uphold the following principles at all times:

  • Hold relevant, up-to-date coaching qualifications recognised by Scottish Cycling, British Cycling, or another internationally recognised governing body
  • Hold a valid PVG Scheme membership, which is mandatory for all coaches working with children and young people at Dink Scotland
  • Make every session fun, engaging, and built on the values of fair play, mutual respect, and a love of riding
  • Always work in an open, visible environment — avoid one-to-one situations that are unobserved or away from the group, including on trail
  • Recognise and respect the physical and emotional developmental stage of each young rider — never push a child beyond their limits, apply undue pressure to attempt features or terrain they are not ready for, or prioritise progression over wellbeing
  • Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every young person and treat all riders equally, regardless of ability, experience, background, or identity
  • Place the safety and wellbeing of the child above all else, including skill progression, performance outcomes, or competitive results
  • Empower young riders by offering enthusiastic, constructive, and age-appropriate feedback — celebrate effort and bravery, never resort to negative criticism or ridicule
  • Build trusting, respectful relationships with riders and their families, involving young people in decisions about their own development and club experience
  • Ensure all riding activities, trail choices, and challenges are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience, and ability of each individual rider — progression must always be led by the child’s readiness, not external expectation
  • Be transparent from the outset with riders and their parents/carers about what is expected at sessions and what they can expect in return from their coach and the club
  • Actively promote the positive values of mountain biking — trail respect, sportsmanship, inclusion, environmental responsibility, and enjoyment — and never condone reckless behaviour, rule-breaking, or the use of any prohibited substances
  • Consistently model the behaviour and standards you expect from young riders — this includes not smoking, vaping, or consuming alcohol at any club session, ride, or event
  • Work collaboratively with other coaches, trail centre staff, schools, medical professionals, physiotherapists, and any other relevant specialists in the best interests of each young rider
  • Never engage in, ignore, or tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour, language, or conduct — whether directed at riders, parents, or fellow coaches
  • Never use a position of trust or authority within the club to seek personal gain, and never pursue a romantic, sexual, or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a rider or anyone closely connected to them
  • Adhere to the Scottish Government’s GIRFEC (Getting It Right for Every Child) policy framework in all interactions with young people
  • Never allow a concern, allegation, or disclosure to go unrecorded, unchallenged, or unaddressed — all safeguarding matters must be reported promptly to the Club Welfare Officer

Coach Rights – What Dink Scotland Kids MTB Club Commits to You

Dink Scotland values its coaches and is committed to ensuring every coach is supported, protected, and well-equipped to deliver outstanding sessions. All coaches have the right to:

  • Access ongoing training, development opportunities, and up-to-date guidance relevant to their coaching role, including safeguarding, first aid, and rider welfare
  • Receive clear support and guidance when reporting concerns about suspected abuse, neglect, or poor practice
  • Access professional support services where needed
  • Be treated fairly, consistently, and with respect by the club and its leadership
  • Be protected from abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behaviour from riders, parents, spectators, or other club members
  • Carry out their role without being placed in unnecessarily vulnerable or unsupported situations

This Code of Conduct forms part of the Dink Scotland Kids MTB Club Safeguarding & Welfare Framework and should be read alongside the Club’s Child Protection Policy and GIRFEC guidelines.