ASI – Academy of Surfing Instructors

ASI Instructor Code of Conduct & Ehics

Introduction

ASI is committed to maintaining and promoting excellence in coaching and instruction.

It is expected that ASI Instructors, at all times, act in a manner which is professional, ethical, and morally responsible and in no way compromises any individual with whom they have professional contact, irrespective of position, situation, or condition in society.

Sport and outdoor recreation activities provide positive development for individuals, including physical, mental, personal, social, and emotional development. The ASI Coach contributes greatly to the development of individuals by acting professionally, in a caring manner, and with full regard to the individual’s personal aspirations and capabilities.

This Code of Ethics and Conduct provides guidelines founded on honesty, veracity, confidentiality, justice, respect, and autonomy to assist ASI Instructors in discharging their professional duties.

1. Relationships with and Responsibilities to Clients

Confidentiality

ASI Instructors may be privy to personal information. They must at all times:

  • Privacy Protection: Protect clients’ privacy and right to confidentiality.
  • Information Security: Treat all information about clients as confidential and refrain from divulging sensitive details.
  • Data Compliance: Store and dispose of personal records in full accordance with applicable Data Protection legislation.

Personal Relationships

ASI Instructors shall not enter into personal relationships that may damage the establishment and maintenance of professional trust. Instructors must:

  • Make a firm commitment to providing quality service.
  • Show care, concern, and caution towards individuals who are sick or injured.
  • Act as a positive, professional role model at all times.
  • Demonstrate high individual responsibility when dealing with minors (under 18 years), as words and actions serve as an example.
  • Avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with persons under 18 years of age wherever possible.

Respecting Client Rights

ASI Instructors must promote and protect the dignity, privacy, autonomy, and safety of all individuals:

  • Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all participants.
  • Maintain fairness, consideration, and honesty in all professional interactions.
  • Accept responsibility for professional actions and maintain a safe activity environment.
  • Physical Contact Protocols: Where physical contact is necessary for coaching, obtain client consent first and strictly avoid sensitive areas.

2. Professional Integrity

Advertising and Fee Transparency

  • Accurate Representation: Accurately state qualifications and experience; refrain from misleading, false, or sensational promotion.
  • Financial Costs: Inform clients of all costs in advance. Fees must be fair, reasonable, and agreed upon in writing to prevent confusion.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

  • Refrain from discrimination based on ethnicity, culture, impairment, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, or social status.
  • Strictly avoid any form of harassment, intimidation, or victimisation.

Conduct & Ethical Integrity

  • Encourage fair play, uphold rules, and accept victory or defeat with respect and dignity.
  • Accept responsibility for athlete conduct under their direction and refrain from exerting undue influence for personal benefit.
  • Protect organizational reputation by avoiding actions that bring themselves, their employer, or ASI Accredited Schools into disrepute.
  • Do not promote or use personal beliefs in ways inconsistent with ASI policies.
  • Prohibit smoking and alcohol promotion in connection with the sport or in the presence of clients during professional duties.
  • Refrain from public criticism of fellow instructors, members, or officials.

Substance Use Policy

ASI Instructors must never be under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs while performing professional coaching duties.

3. Professional Relationships and Responsibilities

  • Loyalty & Cooperation: Maintain loyalty to ASI and cooperate with other professionals in the best interests of the athlete.
  • Public Comment: Clearly distinguish between personal opinions and official statements representing the profession.
  • Working Relationships: Respect the practices, competencies, and boundaries of affiliated institutions and agencies.
  • Conflict of Interest: Disclose any real or potential conflicts of interest, offer to withdraw when conflicts arise, and disclose third-party payments or referral fees.

4. Professional Standards

Professional Development & Competence

Instructors have an individual duty to maintain competence, update skills, promote best practice, and contribute to industry R&D, apprenticeships, and continuing education.

Instructors must recognize the limits of their competence and only provide services for which they are qualified by formal training and experience.

Legal & Disciplinary Matters

  • Criminal Convictions: Report any alleged criminal offence to ASI Head Office immediately. While minor issues may not constitute a breach, all cases are reviewed.
  • Employer Disciplinary Actions: Employer dismissal following disciplinary proceedings is considered a breach of this Code. Reprimands are reviewed individually.

Misconduct & Accreditation Status

Operating outside ASI policies will lead to disciplinary action or revocation of accreditation. Actionable grounds include:

  • Personal Misconduct: Unexplained absences, lack of application, or damage to property/equipment.
  • Gross Misconduct: Theft, record falsification, breach of confidentiality, workplace alcohol use, dishonesty, violence, sexual harassment, indecency, or child abuse.

5. Complaints Procedure

All instructors must understand the consequences of code breaches. When complaints arise:

  1. Complaints should initially be directed to the employing school or organisation.
  2. If unresolved, complaints can be formally escalated to ASI Head Office to be handled under the official complaints process.
  3. Child Safety Matters: Any complaints involving child abuse or child protection must be reported directly to local Police and Social Services immediately.