Brighton & Hove Athletic Club
Junior and U20 Athlete Commitment and Behaviour Policy

 

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the expectations of all athletes who are members of Brighton & Hove Athletic Club.

It ensures that every member contributes positively to the training environment, represents the club with pride, and maintains a strong commitment to both training and competition.

 

2. Behaviour

At Brighton & Hove Athletic Club, we want all our junior and U20 athletes to enjoy their training sessions, develop their skills and have fun in a supportive environment. However, we also have many athletes who train seriously and are working hard to improve and compete at a higher level. Any form of poor behaviour disrupts these sessions and prevents others from getting the most out of their training.

 All athletes are therefore expected to:

  • Arrive before the start time of their training session so they are ready to train when it begins.
  • Display good sportsmanship during training sessions and competitions.
  • Follow the instructions of coaches and officials promptly and respectfully.
  • Contribute to a positive, supportive and focused training atmosphere.

If an athlete’s behaviour falls below the expected standard:

  • The coach will discuss the matter with the athlete and their parent or guardian. If the athlete wishes to have a third party present, such as the Welfare Officer, a fellow athlete, another coach or a committee member, this will be accommodated.
  • If there is no improvement following this discussion, the athlete may be asked to leave the group. In cases where the behaviour is considered sufficiently serious, the club’s disciplinary process may be initiated.

 

3. Commitment to Training

Our training groups are in high demand and can become oversubscribed.
To ensure fairness and maintain the quality of coaching, we expect all athletes to show a consistent commitment to both training and competing.

To support each athlete’s development, athletes are expected to attend training weekly.

We understand that illness, injury or other commitments may occasionally prevent full attendance; however, regular attendance is essential for continued membership and selection in competitions.

 

  • Athletes must register their attendance or non-attendance on the Spond App on the day of each training session.
  • If an athlete will be absent for an extended period, they should discuss this with their coach in advance.

 

Consistent attendance and effort in training are key to continued membership in the club.

 

4. Commitment to Competing

As part of being a member of Brighton & Hove Athletic Club, our coaches commit to helping their athletes reach a competing standard. Therefore, there is an expectation that athletes compete:

Cross Country / Road
Junior (including U20) middle-distance and endurance athletes are expected to be available for and compete in:

  • At least two Sussex League Cross Country races
  • Sussex County Championships
  • Sussex Road Relays 

Summer Track

  • Compete in the Sussex Track and Field County Championships

Athletes are also expected to be available for at least three league matches per summer season from the following competitions:

 

  • U12s – Opportunities to compete will be at Sussex U14 League matches
  • U14s – Four Sussex League Matches and four Lower Youth Development League Matches
  • U16s – Four Sussex League Matches and four Lower Youth Development League Matches
  • U18s and U20s – Four Upper Youth Development League Matches and four Southern Athletic League Matches

 

Competing in additional competitions and events is strongly encouraged to support both the club’s success and team spirit.

 

Athletes should inform coaches and team managers as early as possible if they are unavailable for any event.

Once an athlete has confirmed their availability for a competition, it is expected they will attend unless there are exceptional circumstances (e.g. illness or injury). Any unavoidable withdrawal should be communicated to their coach as soon as possible.

Failure to give adequate notice without a valid reason may result in the athlete being reconsidered for future team selections.

 

5. Agreement

By joining Brighton & Hove Athletic Club, each athlete (and their parent or guardian, where applicable) agrees to uphold this policy and contribute positively to the club community.