Code of Conduct

1. Our Mission

Heroes of Hope UAE Organisation and Events LLC (“Heroes of Hope”) exists to expand the number of opportunities available to People of Determination within sport and fitness.

We strive to provide diverse, inclusive and meaningful opportunities for individuals with additional needs to participate, develop and achieve their potential.

Our core purpose is to empower our athletes, promote self-worth, wellbeing, health and confidence, and provide a supportive and accepting community for athletes, families and friends.

2. Our Vision

Our vision is to progress the mindset of society by removing barriers and stigma and shifting the focus towards what our Heroes CAN do.

We aim to achieve this through inclusive, elite and competitive sporting activities that challenge traditional perceptions of People of Determination and demonstrate ability, potential and achievement.

3. Our Values

Inclusion

Every athlete belongs, regardless of ability.

Dignity

Athletes are coached with respect, patience and high expectations.

Safety

Physical and emotional safety come before performance.

Community

Athletes, families, volunteers and staff succeed together.

Growth

We support growth and development for athletes and volunteers, both on and off the field.

4. Our Goals

One of our main goals is to create an inclusive community that provides equal and fair opportunities for People of Determination, with continued access to sport, health and fitness opportunities that enhance quality of life.

We aim to create an environment where every athlete has the opportunity to:

• Participate.
• Develop.
• Build confidence.
• Improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Develop sporting skills.
• Experience competition.
• Build friendships and community.
• Discover and demonstrate what they can do.

5. Codes of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to:

• Coaches.
• Junior Coaches.
• Athletes.
• Volunteers.
• Staff.
• Management.
• Parents, guardians and caregivers when participating in or representing Heroes of Hope.
• Any person representing or acting on behalf of Heroes of Hope.

The Code applies during Heroes of Hope training sessions, competitions, events, trips, transport arrangements, activities and communications, including online communications and social media where they relate to Heroes of Hope.

Everyone representing Heroes of Hope is expected to uphold the organisation’s values and contribute to a safe, inclusive, respectful and positive environment.

Introduction

Heroes of Hope is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, positive and empowering environment for every athlete.

Our coaches are trusted with the wellbeing of children, young people, adults and People of Determination. With that trust comes a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of behaviour, professionalism, safety, confidentiality and safeguarding.

Every coach represents Heroes of Hope and is expected to uphold our values during sessions and whenever representing the organisation within the wider community.

1. Put the Athlete First

Every coaching decision should have the athlete’s safety, wellbeing, dignity and development at its centre. Coaches must:

• Treat every athlete with kindness, patience, dignity and respect.
• Recognise each athlete as an individual with their own abilities, needs and goals.
• Adapt coaching wherever reasonably possible to support successful participation.
• Follow relevant information contained within the Athlete Support Snapshot where necessary for safe and appropriate participation.
• Celebrate effort, progress, courage and participation, not simply winning.
• Never humiliate, ridicule, intimidate or deliberately exclude an athlete.
• Never use physical activity or exercise as punishment.
• Never make assumptions about an athlete’s ability based on disability, diagnosis or support needs.

We coach the person, not the disability.

2. Inclusion and Respect

Heroes of Hope welcomes people of different abilities, nationalities, cultures, religions, backgrounds and experiences. Coaches must:

• Promote inclusion at all times.
• Use respectful and appropriate language.
• Never discriminate against, bully, harass or make degrading comments about another person.
• Encourage athletes to respect and support one another.
• Challenge bullying or discriminatory behaviour appropriately.
• Never underestimate an athlete because of disability or additional support needs.

Our responsibility is to help every athlete discover what they can do.

3. Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of our athletes is non-negotiable. Coaches must:

• Follow all Heroes of Hope safeguarding procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with athletes.
• Never engage in inappropriate physical contact.
• Never engage in sexual, romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationships with athletes.
• Never make sexual, suggestive or otherwise inappropriate comments.
• Avoid situations where they are unnecessarily alone with a child or athlete requiring additional support.
• Follow Heroes of Hope procedures for one-to-one support.
• Never transport an athlete privately without appropriate prior authorisation.
• Immediately report any safeguarding concern, disclosure, suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or inappropriate behaviour to the designated Heroes of Hope Safeguarding Lead or Management Team.
• Follow the Emergency Safeguarding Procedure where there is an immediate risk of serious harm.

Coaches must not investigate safeguarding concerns themselves. Concerns should be reported promptly so that the appropriate people or authorities can manage the matter.

Where a concern involves a child or young person, Heroes of Hope will act in accordance with applicable UAE child-protection requirements, including Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 Concerning Child Rights (Wadeema’s Law) where applicable.

4. Professional Boundaries

Athletes may develop strong relationships with their coaches. Coaches must always remember that these are professional relationships. Coaches must not:

• Develop inappropriate personal relationships with athletes.
• Regularly socialise privately with athletes outside Heroes of Hope activities.
• Invite athletes to their homes or visit athletes socially without appropriate organisational and, where appropriate, parental or guardian involvement.
• Give preferential treatment or create relationships that could reasonably be viewed as favouritism.
• Share inappropriate personal information with athletes.
• Borrow money from or lend money to athletes.
• Accept significant personal gifts that could compromise professional boundaries.
• Use their position to obtain personal, financial or other inappropriate benefit from an athlete or family.

Being caring and supportive is encouraged. Being professional is essential.

5. Communication with Athletes

Communication must always be appropriate, professional and proportionate to the athlete’s age, needs and circumstances. Where possible, communication concerning younger athletes should take place through their parent or guardian or through approved Heroes of Hope communication channels. Coaches must not:

• Send inappropriate private messages to athletes.
• Engage in sexual, suggestive or overly personal conversations.
• Request inappropriate photographs or videos.
• Communicate with athletes through personal channels where an approved Heroes of Hope channel is reasonably available.
• Communicate with athletes in a manner that would reasonably cause concern if seen by a parent, guardian or Heroes of Hope management.
• Ask an athlete to keep communications or interactions secret.

If an athlete contacts a coach about something concerning their safety or wellbeing, the coach must respond appropriately and report the matter through the correct safeguarding process.

6. Social Media, Photographs and Videos

The privacy and dignity of our athletes must always be protected. Coaches must:

• Follow Heroes of Hope photography, media and consent/authorisation procedures.
• Never post photographs or videos of athletes without appropriate permission or authorisation.
• Never photograph or record athletes in changing, toileting or other private areas.
• Never share embarrassing, compromising or inappropriate content involving an athlete.
• Never use an athlete’s disability, diagnosis, medical information or personal circumstances for personal social media attention.
• Never disclose an athlete’s health, disability, behavioural or support information through social media.
• Maintain professional boundaries when interacting with athletes online.
• Use only approved Heroes of Hope channels and accounts when representing the organisation.

Images, videos and other records that identify an athlete are personal information and must be handled securely and in accordance with applicable Heroes of Hope data-protection requirements, including Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Regarding the Protection of Personal Data, as applicable.

All content involving Heroes of Hope should represent athletes with dignity, ability and respect.

7. Physical Contact

Sport may require appropriate physical contact for instruction, assistance, spotting or safety. Any physical contact must:

• Have a clear coaching, assistance or safety purpose.
• Be appropriate to the activity and the athlete’s needs.
• Be explained to the athlete where reasonably possible.
• Respect the athlete’s comfort and personal boundaries.
• Stop immediately if an athlete appears uncomfortable or asks the coach to stop, unless immediate physical intervention is necessary to prevent serious harm.
• Be consistent with relevant support arrangements identified in the Athlete Support Snapshot.

Coaches should be particularly mindful that some athletes may experience touch, sensory input or personal space differently. Physical assistance must never be used as punishment, intimidation or humiliation.

8. Safety During Sessions

Coaches are responsible for providing a safe coaching environment. Before and during sessions, coaches should:

• Assess the environment and equipment for obvious risks.
• Understand relevant athlete support and safety needs.
• Review the Athlete Support Snapshot where appropriate and necessary.
• Provide appropriate supervision.
• Adapt activities when necessary.
• Ensure athletes have appropriate access to hydration and rest.
• Follow relevant medical, emergency and safety procedures.
• Respond appropriately to injuries or medical emergencies.
• Never knowingly encourage an athlete to continue an activity where doing so would create an unreasonable risk to their health or safety.

Any accident, injury, safeguarding concern or significant incident must be reported in accordance with Heroes of Hope procedures.

9. Positive Coaching

Heroes of Hope coaches are role models. Coaches are expected to:

• Arrive prepared and on time.
• Create sessions that are purposeful, enjoyable and appropriate.
• Give clear and positive instructions.
• Encourage athletes rather than intimidate them.
• Recognise progress at every level.
• Be patient when athletes need additional time or explanation.
• Use appropriate communication methods for individual athletes where identified.
• Encourage independence rather than unnecessarily doing things for athletes.
• Help athletes build confidence both in sport and in themselves.

High expectations and kindness can exist together.

10. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Coaches may become aware of private or sensitive information concerning athletes and their families, including health, disability, communication, behavioural, sensory, medical and support information. This information must:

• Be treated as confidential.
• Be accessed only where there is a legitimate need to know.
• Be used only for the purpose for which it has been provided, or another lawful and appropriate purpose.
• Not be discussed with other athletes, families or unauthorised persons.
• Be stored and communicated through appropriate secure channels.
• Not be copied, photographed, downloaded or retained unnecessarily.
• Be handled in accordance with Heroes of Hope data-protection procedures.

Information contained within an Athlete Support Snapshot must be used only to provide safe and appropriate support. Coaches must not disclose an athlete’s diagnosis, medical condition, behavioural information or support needs to another person unless there is a legitimate safeguarding, safety, support, operational or legal reason to do so.

Heroes of Hope will handle personal and sensitive information in accordance with applicable UAE data-protection requirements, including Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Regarding the Protection of Personal Data, as applicable.

Confidentiality must never prevent a coach from reporting a safeguarding concern or taking necessary action to protect an athlete. If an athlete discloses something concerning, coaches must never promise to keep it secret.

11. Parents, Families and Caregivers

Families are an important part of the Heroes of Hope community. Coaches should:

• Communicate respectfully with parents, guardians and caregivers.
• Listen to relevant information concerning an athlete’s needs.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Protect the confidentiality of athlete and family information.
• Avoid discussing another athlete or family’s private information.
• Refer serious complaints, disputes or sensitive issues to Heroes of Hope Management or the Safeguarding Lead where appropriate.

12. Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking

Coaches must never:

• Coach while under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.
• Consume alcohol during Heroes of Hope sporting activities involving athletes.
• Smoke or vape while actively coaching athletes.
• Possess or distribute illegal substances.
• Attend an athlete-facing activity when impaired in a way that could compromise athlete safety.

Any medication that could significantly impair a coach’s ability to safely supervise athletes must be managed responsibly.

13. Conflict of Interest

Coaches must act in the best interests of Heroes of Hope and its athletes. Coaches must:

• Disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest to Management.
• Avoid using their position to improperly obtain personal, financial or commercial benefit from athletes or their families.
• Act honestly and professionally when representing Heroes of Hope.

14. Respect Between Coaches

Coaches are expected to model the same inclusion and respect that we ask of our athletes. Coaches must:

• Treat colleagues and volunteers respectfully.
• Support one another.
• Communicate concerns professionally.
• Avoid gossiping about athletes, families, volunteers or colleagues.
• Never bully, intimidate or deliberately undermine another coach.
• Respect confidentiality.
• Raise disagreements through appropriate channels.

We are one team serving one community.

15. Reporting Concerns

If you see something that concerns you, say something. This includes concerns involving:

• Athlete welfare.
• Safeguarding.
• Bullying.
• Discrimination.
• Inappropriate coach behaviour.
• Unsafe coaching practices.
• Serious breaches of professional boundaries.
• Suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• Significant breaches of confidentiality or data protection.

Concerns should be reported promptly to the appropriate Heroes of Hope Manager or Safeguarding Lead. Where there is an immediate risk of serious harm, the Emergency Safeguarding Procedure must be followed and emergency or statutory assistance contacted where necessary.

Where a concern involves a child or young person, applicable UAE child-protection requirements must be followed, including Wadeema’s Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2016) where applicable.

A coach will not be criticised, penalised or subjected to retaliation for raising a genuine safeguarding concern in good faith.

16. Screening and Training

All Coaches and Junior Coaches must complete the safeguarding screening and training requirements applicable to their role before working with athletes. This includes, as applicable:

• Role-appropriate identity and suitability checks.
• Appropriate references.
• Criminal record, police clearance or equivalent background screening for roles involving regular or unsupervised contact with children or young people, subject to applicable UAE requirements.
• Safeguarding and child-protection induction.
• Role-appropriate safeguarding training.
• Data-protection and confidentiality awareness.
• Ongoing supervision and support.

Required screening and training must be kept current in accordance with Heroes of Hope procedures.

Our Coaching Promise

As a Heroes of Hope coach, I understand that being part of this organisation is more than delivering a sports session.

I have been trusted to help create an environment where athletes feel safe, included, respected, challenged and valued.

I will:

• Protect their safety.
• Respect their dignity.
• Believe in their ability.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Protect their privacy.
• Lead through my actions.
• Always put the athlete first.

Coach Declaration

Our Community

Heroes of Hope is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, positive and empowering environment where every athlete has the opportunity to participate, develop and belong.

Parents and guardians are an essential part of the Heroes of Hope community. The behaviour and support of families have a significant impact on the experience of our athletes, coaches, volunteers and other families.

By participating in Heroes of Hope programmes, parents and guardians agree to uphold the following standards.

1. Respect Our Athletes

Every Heroes of Hope athlete deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Parents and guardians must:

• Celebrate athletes for their effort, progress and participation.
• Encourage positive behaviour and sportsmanship.
• Never ridicule, criticise or negatively compare athletes.
• Respect the different abilities, needs and development pathways of every athlete.
• Never discriminate against another athlete or family.
• Encourage their child to respect coaches, volunteers, teammates, officials and other participants.

Every athlete’s journey is different, and every achievement matters.

2. Communication — Parent Responsibility

Heroes of Hope communicates important information through email, WhatsApp and other official Heroes of Hope communication channels. Parents and guardians are responsible for:

• Regularly checking official Heroes of Hope communications.
• Reading information provided regarding schedules, training, competitions, events, registration and programme changes.
• Ensuring Heroes of Hope has their correct and current contact information.
• Responding to requests for information, confirmations or registrations within stated deadlines.
• Informing Heroes of Hope if their contact details change.

Parents should use official communication channels wherever reasonably possible and should not expect coaches to use personal communication channels for routine programme administration.

3. Respectful Communication

We understand that parents will sometimes have questions, concerns or disagreements. These should always be communicated respectfully and through the appropriate channels. Parents and guardians must not:

• Shout at, intimidate or verbally abuse coaches, volunteers, athletes or other parents.
• Confront coaches during a session or competition in a way that disrupts athletes.
• Use WhatsApp groups or social media to publicly criticise or disclose private information about coaches, athletes, families or Heroes of Hope.
• Engage in aggressive, threatening or discriminatory communication.
• Attempt to resolve safeguarding concerns through public discussion or social media.

Concerns are welcome. Disrespectful behaviour is not.

4. Athlete Selection

Heroes of Hope provides both recreational opportunities and competitive pathways. Selection for competitions, teams, squads, events and representative opportunities may be based on a range of factors, including:

• Athlete ability and development.
• Attendance and commitment.
• Behaviour and sportsmanship.
• Training performance.
• Competition readiness.
• Safety.
• Team requirements.
• Classification, age or competition regulations.
• The specific requirements of an event or governing body.

Selection decisions are made by the relevant Heroes of Hope coaches and Management and are final. Selection is not guaranteed simply because an athlete attends training or has previously participated in a team or competition.

Parents are welcome to respectfully ask coaches for feedback regarding their child’s development. However, coaches will not discuss another athlete’s selection, ability or personal circumstances. Pressure, intimidation or inappropriate behaviour towards coaches regarding selection decisions will not be accepted.

Coaches will not discuss another athlete’s selection, ability, disability, medical information, support needs or personal circumstances.

5. Training and Competition

Parents should allow coaches to coach and athletes to participate independently wherever appropriate. During sessions and competitions, parents must:

• Follow instructions from Heroes of Hope coaches and event organisers.
• Remain within designated spectator areas where applicable.
• Avoid coaching their child from the sidelines unless specifically requested.
• Avoid interfering with coaching decisions.
• Demonstrate positive sportsmanship.
• Respect officials and their decisions.
• Respect reasonable safety and safeguarding instructions.

6. Attendance and Punctuality

Consistency is important for athlete development and for the successful running of our programmes. Parents and guardians are responsible for:

• Ensuring athletes arrive on time.
• Collecting athletes promptly after sessions.
• Informing coaches when an athlete will be absent where required.
• Committing to regular attendance when accepting a place within a programme or competitive team.

Repeated unexplained absences may affect an athlete’s place within a programme or their consideration for competitive opportunities.

7. Registration and Places

Many Heroes of Hope programmes have limited spaces. Parents must:

• Follow registration procedures and deadlines communicated by Heroes of Hope.
• Attend sessions only where the athlete has been appropriately registered or confirmed.
• Understand that a previous place within a programme does not necessarily guarantee a place in a future term, event or competition.

Please do not attend a session without registration or confirmation where registration is required.

8. Athlete Information

Parents and guardians are responsible for providing accurate and relevant information that may affect their child’s safe participation. This may include:

• Medical information.
• Allergies.
• Medication requirements.
• Behavioural or sensory needs.
• Relevant injuries.
• Emergency contact information.
• Communication or accessibility needs.
• Changes that could affect participation.

Heroes of Hope must be informed of significant changes that could affect an athlete’s health, safety or participation. Information provided to Heroes of Hope will be handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable UAE data-protection requirements, including Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Regarding the Protection of Personal Data, as applicable.

Parents and guardians must not share another athlete’s health, disability, diagnosis, behavioural, support or emergency information without appropriate authorisation.

9. Safeguarding

Safeguarding our athletes is everyone’s responsibility. Parents and guardians must respect Heroes of Hope safeguarding procedures and professional boundaries between athletes, coaches and volunteers.

Any safeguarding concern should be reported promptly to the appropriate Heroes of Hope representative or Safeguarding Lead. Parents and guardians should never attempt to investigate a safeguarding concern themselves.

Where there is an immediate risk of serious harm, the appropriate emergency or statutory service should be contacted and the Heroes of Hope Safeguarding Lead or Management Team notified as soon as reasonably possible.

Where a concern involves a child or young person, Heroes of Hope will act in accordance with applicable UAE child-protection requirements, including Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 Concerning Child Rights (Wadeema’s Law) where applicable.

10. Photography, Video and Social Media

Please respect the privacy and dignity of all Heroes of Hope athletes. Parents and guardians should:

• Follow Heroes of Hope photography and media guidelines.
• Respect photography or recording restrictions communicated by Heroes of Hope or event organisers.
• Be mindful when posting images containing other athletes.
• Obtain appropriate permission before publicly sharing identifiable images of another athlete.
• Never post content that humiliates, compromises or places another athlete at risk.
• Never publicly share another athlete’s diagnosis, medical information, disability, support needs or personal circumstances.
• Never share confidential information from Heroes of Hope groups outside the intended community.
• Raise concerns privately through the appropriate Heroes of Hope channel rather than through social media.

11. Respect Our Coaches and Volunteers

Many people give significant time and energy to creating opportunities for our athletes. Parents and guardians are expected to treat all coaches, Junior Coaches, volunteers, partners and staff with respect.

Disagreement with a decision does not justify disrespectful behaviour. Heroes of Hope welcomes constructive feedback and believes respectful conversations help our organisation improve.

12. Behaviour at Events and Competitions

When attending an event as part of Heroes of Hope, parents and families represent our wider community. We ask families to:

• Support all Heroes of Hope athletes.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
• Respect opposition teams and athletes.
• Respect officials.
• Follow venue and event rules.
• Celebrate appropriately and positively.

Winning is wonderful, but how we represent Heroes of Hope matters more than a medal.

13. Confidentiality and Respect for Other Families

Our community includes families with many different circumstances and support needs. Parents and guardians must not:

• Discuss another athlete’s diagnosis, medical information, disability, support needs or personal circumstances without appropriate permission.
• Share private information from Heroes of Hope groups outside the intended community.
• Photograph, record or distribute private information about another athlete without appropriate authorisation.
• Gossip about or publicly criticise athletes or families.
• Use information learned through Heroes of Hope to embarrass, intimidate or disadvantage another person.

Please treat other families with the same dignity and privacy you would expect for your own.

14. Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Heroes of Hope reserves the right to address behaviour that negatively affects the safety, wellbeing or experience of our athletes and community. Depending on the circumstances, action may include:

• A conversation with the parent or guardian.
• A formal warning.
• Additional safeguarding or behavioural measures.
• Restrictions around attendance at sessions or events.
• Removal from WhatsApp or communication groups where appropriate.
• Suspension from Heroes of Hope activities.
• In serious or repeated circumstances, removal from Heroes of Hope programmes.
• Referral to relevant authorities where safeguarding, safety or legal requirements apply.

Where safeguarding or safety is involved, immediate protective action may be taken.

Our Parent Promise

Heroes of Hope works best when athletes, families, coaches and volunteers work together. As a parent or guardian, I agree to:

• Support my athlete.
• Respect the coaches.
• Stay informed.
• Respect selection decisions.
• Communicate appropriately.
• Celebrate every athlete.
• Protect the inclusive spirit of Heroes of Hope.

Together, we can create a community where every athlete has the opportunity to belong, develop and thrive.

Parent / Guardian Declaration

Being a Hero

At Heroes of Hope, everyone deserves to feel safe, happy, included and respected.

Being a Hero isn’t about being the fastest, strongest or winning the most medals. Being a Hero means trying your best, being kind, supporting others and never giving up.

When you take part in Heroes of Hope, we ask you to follow our Hero Code.

1. Be Kind

Heroes look after each other. I will:

• Be kind to other athletes.
• Be kind to my coaches and volunteers.
• Use respectful words.
• Help and encourage my teammates.
• Celebrate other people’s achievements.
• Include others and help them feel welcome.

There is no place for bullying at Heroes of Hope.

2. Respect Everyone

Everyone at Heroes of Hope is different — and that is what makes our community special. I will respect people regardless of their:

• Ability or disability.
• Nationality.
• Culture.
• Religion.
• Gender.
• Age.
• Appearance.
• Sporting ability.

Different is never less.

3. Listen to My Coaches

My coaches are here to help me learn, improve and stay safe. I will:

• Listen when my coach is speaking.
• Try to follow instructions.
• Ask for help when I need it.
• Respect coaching decisions.
• Allow my coach to help other athletes too.
• Try my best during training.

It is okay if I don’t understand something. I can always ask my coach to explain it again.

4. Keep Myself and Others Safe

Safety is very important. I will:

• Follow safety instructions.
• Use equipment correctly.
• Tell my coach if I feel unwell or something hurts.
• Tell someone if I feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
• Never deliberately hurt another athlete.
• Respect other people’s personal space.
• Follow reasonable instructions designed to keep me and others safe.

If something doesn’t feel right, I can always speak to a coach, parent, guardian or trusted adult.

5. Try My Best

Nobody expects me to be perfect. Heroes of Hope asks me to try. Some days will be easier than others, and that is okay. I will:

• Give activities a go.
• Keep learning.
• Ask for help when I need it.
• Celebrate my progress.
• Encourage my teammates.
• Remember that mistakes help me learn.

My best might look different every day — but I will keep trying.

6. Be a Good Teammate

At Heroes of Hope, we are one team. I will:

• Encourage my teammates.
• Celebrate their success.
• Help someone when they are struggling.
• Never laugh at someone for making a mistake.
• Never deliberately leave someone out.
• Shake hands, congratulate or show respect to other athletes after competition.

When one Hero succeeds, we all celebrate.

7. Winning and Losing

We love competing and we love seeing our athletes succeed. But being a Hero is about more than winning.

If I win, I will be humble and respectful. If I lose, I will congratulate the other athletes and keep trying. I will respect:

• My teammates.
• My opponents.
• My coaches.
• Officials and referees.
• Competition decisions.

A medal shows what happened in one competition. Character shows who you are every day.

8. Attend and Be Ready

If I join a team or programme, I will try to:

• Attend regularly.
• Arrive on time.
• Bring the equipment I need.
• Wear the correct clothing or uniform when required.
• Tell my parent, guardian or coach if I cannot attend.

Regular training helps me improve and helps my team.

9. Representing Heroes of Hope

When I wear my Heroes of Hope uniform or attend an event with the team, I represent our whole community. I will:

• Be respectful.
• Show good sportsmanship.
• Listen to my coaches.
• Be kind to other teams.
• Respect the venue and equipment.
• Be proud to represent Heroes of Hope.

10. Social Media and Phones

I will use my phone and social media respectfully. I will not:

• Post mean or hurtful comments about another athlete.
• Bully someone online.
• Share embarrassing, compromising or private photographs or videos of another athlete.
• Record someone when I have been asked not to.
• Share another athlete’s private information, diagnosis, disability or personal circumstances.
• Send inappropriate messages.
• Share private Heroes of Hope communications outside the intended group without permission.

Being kind online is just as important as being kind in person.

11. Tell Someone

If someone:

• Hurts me.
• Bullies me.
• Frightens me.
• Makes me uncomfortable.
• Asks me to do something that feels wrong.
• Says something inappropriate to me.
• Asks me to keep a secret about something that makes me feel unsafe.

I should tell someone I trust. This could be my parent, guardian, coach or another trusted Heroes of Hope adult.

I will never be in trouble for asking for help.

The Hero Promise

As a Heroes of Hope athlete:

• I will be kind.
• I will show respect.
• I will listen.
• I will try my best.
• I will support my teammates.
• I will celebrate others.
• I will ask for help when I need it.
• I will never give up on myself.

I am included. I am valued. I am capable. I am a Hero.

Athlete Promise