# Ethics, Integrity and Safeguarding · Triathlon Level 10: Professional

Triathlon · Level 10: Professional · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/triathlon/level-10/ethics-integrity-and-safeguarding/)

Ethics, Integrity and Safeguarding in Triathlon (Level 10: Professional) on Insporta: 100 sourced facts behind 10 tests. Covers: safeguarding principl.

The ethical side of coaching: safeguarding principles, protecting young athletes, codes of conduct, body image and disordered eating, fair play, technology and mechanical fraud, conflicts of interest, athlete welfare and mental health, ethical decision-making, and privacy and consent.

## Test 1: Safeguarding Principles

- Safeguarding covers policies and actions that keep participants safe from harm. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- The 2016 IOC statement set out these categories, often occurring together. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- Power differences between coaches and athletes create conditions for abuse. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- Emotional or psychological abuse, such as belittling, is often reported as most frequent. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- A named officer ensures concerns are handled and policies followed. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- Coaches should not investigate themselves but pass concerns to designated people or authorities. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- Power imbalances and dependency can affect adults as well as children. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- Examples include ignoring injury, unsafe conditions or inadequate supervision. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- The IOC toolkit guides federations in building safeguarding policies. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- Repeated humiliation and belittling are forms of psychological abuse. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))

## Test 2: Protecting Young Athletes

- Criminal record and suitability checks are standard safeguards. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))
- Having another adult present or within sight reduces opportunities for abuse. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))
- The Center for SafeSport investigates sexual and other misconduct in Olympic and Paralympic sport. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))
- Group messages or copying in a parent keep communication transparent. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))
- Grooming is a gradual process of manipulation to prepare a child for abuse. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))
- Favouritism, gifts and requests for secrecy are classic red flags. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))
- Parental consent and care over identifying details protect children online. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))
- Policies cover supervision, rooming and transport to keep children safe. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))
- Reporting a concern allows trained staff to judge it; waiting for certainty can leave a child at risk. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))
- Coaches must be honest that safety concerns will be passed on. (Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport, SafeSport Code (uscenterforsafesport.org))

## Test 3: Codes of Conduct for Coaches

- Codes describe expected behaviour and provide a basis for complaints. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Respect, integrity, competence and responsibility are common themes. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Coaches should refer on when an issue goes beyond their training. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Integrity involves honesty, fairness and keeping commitments. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Coaches' authority makes genuine consent doubtful and exploitation possible. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- Owning errors builds trust and models good behaviour. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Consistent, fair treatment supports team cohesion and wellbeing. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Federations can warn, suspend or remove coaching licences. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Coaches' actions shape squad culture more than rules on paper. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Codes expect respect towards opponents, officials and other clubs. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)

## Test 4: Body Image, Weight and Disordered Eating

- Prevalence was higher in athletes, especially in leanness-focused sports. (Source: Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, Clin J Sport Med 2004)
- A focus on low body weight for speed creates pressure to restrict eating. (Source: Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, Clin J Sport Med 2004)
- Remarks on body shape are a known trigger for disordered eating. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- Emphasising energy availability and wellbeing reduces risk. (Source: Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, Clin J Sport Med 2004)
- Secrecy, rigid rules and anxiety around food are common signs. (Source: Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, Clin J Sport Med 2004)
- Specialist medical, dietetic and psychological support is needed. (Source: Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, Clin J Sport Med 2004)
- Public weighing increases body-image pressure. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))
- Men are affected too and may be underdiagnosed. (Source: Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, Clin J Sport Med 2004)
- A multidisciplinary team addresses physical and mental aspects together. (Source: Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, Clin J Sport Med 2004)
- Praising weight loss can encourage disordered eating that later harms health and performance. (Source: Sundgot-Borgen & Torstveit, Clin J Sport Med 2004)

## Test 5: Fair Play and Race Integrity

- Taking shelter illegally takes an advantage competitors following the rules do not have. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Skipping parts of the course is cheating and leads to disqualification. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Missing timing splits flag possible course cutting. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Bib transfers without permission undermine results and safety records. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Tactics that stay technically legal but undermine fair play. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Age-group awards and qualification slots depend on honest categories. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Officials handle rule breaches; retaliation risks penalties and safety. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Values like fair play, respect and health underpin sport, including anti-doping. (Source: World Anti-Doping Code (2021))
- Accepting decisions respectfully models integrity. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Honesty requires reporting the error, even if unintentional. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)

## Test 6: Technology and Mechanical Fraud

- Concealed motors give assistance and are treated as technological fraud. (Source: UCI Regulations, technological fraud (uci.org))
- A motor was found in a bike at the 2016 cyclo-cross world championships. (Source: UCI Regulations, technological fraud (uci.org))
- The rider received a six-year ban. (Source: UCI Regulations, technological fraud (uci.org))
- Tablets that detect magnetic fields and imaging are used at races. (Source: UCI Regulations, technological fraud (uci.org))
- Road shoes are limited to a 40 mm stack, with further conditions on availability. (Source: World Athletics, Athletic Shoe Regulations (2020))
- Rules aim to keep competition fair and centred on human performance. (Source: World Athletics, Athletic Shoe Regulations (2020))
- Availability rules stop prototypes giving a secret advantage to a few. (Source: World Athletics, Athletic Shoe Regulations (2020))
- The term covers equipment that breaches or bends technology rules. (Source: UCI Regulations, technological fraud (uci.org))
- Rules restrict devices that distract or allow coaching during races. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Knowingly using illegal equipment breaches rules and integrity. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)

## Test 7: Conflicts of Interest

- Conflicts arise when personal gain could influence professional judgement. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Transparency lets athletes judge advice fairly. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Declaring and managing conflicts protects trust in selection. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Documenting and excluding the conflicted person is standard practice. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- It is possible if both know and the coach treats them fairly. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Roles that overlap create risks of bias or perceived bias. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Even without actual bias, the appearance of it damages trust. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Undisclosed inducements compromise professional duty. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)
- Loans or business ventures with athletes create conflicts and pressure. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Stepping aside keeps the process fair. (Source: World Triathlon Code of Ethics)

## Test 8: Athlete Welfare and Mental Health

- The statement called for better recognition and management of mental health symptoms. (Source: Reardon et al., Br J Sports Med 2019 (IOC consensus on mental health))
- Coaches are not clinicians but play a key role in spotting concerns and referring. (Source: Reardon et al., Br J Sports Med 2019 (IOC consensus on mental health))
- Changes in mood, sleep, behaviour and engagement are warning signs. (Source: Reardon et al., Br J Sports Med 2019 (IOC consensus on mental health))
- Injury can trigger low mood and anxiety, especially for athletes with strong sport identity. (Source: Reardon et al., Br J Sports Med 2019 (IOC consensus on mental health))
- Transition out of sport can bring loss and adjustment difficulties. (Source: Reardon et al., Br J Sports Med 2019 (IOC consensus on mental health))
- Any mention of self-harm warrants an immediate referral or emergency support. (Source: Reardon et al., Br J Sports Med 2019 (IOC consensus on mental health))
- Planning sessions and races with heat and health risks in mind is part of duty of care. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Coaches are often first on the scene when an athlete is hurt. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Athletes may hide symptoms to avoid appearing weak. (Source: Reardon et al., Br J Sports Med 2019 (IOC consensus on mental health))
- A supportive conversation and referral are appropriate. (Source: Reardon et al., Br J Sports Med 2019 (IOC consensus on mental health))

## Test 9: Ethical Decision-Making

- Consequentialist thinking weighs the results of choices for everyone affected. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Duty-based thinking holds some actions right or wrong in themselves. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Virtue ethics focuses on character traits such as honesty and fairness. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Real situations often pit legitimate aims against each other. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Whistleblowers report misconduct such as doping or abuse. (Source: World Anti-Doping Code (2021))
- Protection encourages reporting of wrongdoing. (Source: World Anti-Doping Code (2021))
- Clarifying facts and interests makes a sound decision more likely. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Talking it through tests reasoning and exposes assumptions. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Welfare and medical guidance should take priority over a single race. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Safeguarding duties apply regardless of an athlete's importance. (Source: Mountjoy et al., Br J Sports Med 2016 (IOC consensus on harassment and abuse))

## Test 10: Privacy, Data and Consent

- GDPR sets rules on collecting, storing and sharing personal data in the EU. (Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR))
- Health information is a special category under data protection law. (Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR))
- Athletes should agree to how their data is used and shared. (Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR))
- Consent is valid only if people understand and agree freely. (Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR))
- Secure storage prevents leaks of personal and health information. (Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR))
- Data subjects have rights to access their personal data. (Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR))
- Public routes and times can expose where athletes live and train. (Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR))
- Breaching confidence damages trust and may breach the law. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))
- Data minimisation limits retention to what is necessary. (Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR))
- Injury details are private health information. (Source: Lyle, Sports Coaching Concepts (2002))

Sources: Coaching science and sport psychology literature, WADA and federation codes, and established coaching texts

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