Join the academy

1. Introduction

Legion Darts Academy is committed to a positive, respectful, and safe environment for all participants, including children, parents, staff, volunteers, and visitors. Our Code of Conduct is built on The Pillars of the Legion — Reverence, Honour, Family (Columnae Legionis: Reverentia, Honor, Familia) — and sets clear expectations so everyone upholds high standards of integrity, sportsmanship, and care for others.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and fairness within the Academy.
• Establish clear expectations for behaviour both on and off the darts board.
• Encourage positive relationships among all participants.
• Provide guidelines for managing behaviour that falls below the expected standards.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All children enrolled in the Academy.
• Parents and guardians of enrolled children.
• Academy Directors, coaches, and volunteers.
• Visitors and spectators attending Academy activities or events.

4. Core principles

• Reverence: We treat people, equipment, and venues with care. We listen, speak politely, and value differences.
• Honour: We act with honesty and keep our word. We accept decisions without argument and represent the Academy with pride.
• Family: We look out for each other and create a welcoming space where children feel safe and supported, and parents and volunteers work together.
• Safety: The safety and wellbeing of children come first. All actions must protect the physical and emotional safety of everyone involved.
• Sportsmanship: We play fair, show humility in victory, and grace in defeat. We respect opponents and the spirit of the game.
• Integrity: We are truthful in our words and actions. We take responsibility for mistakes and make things right.
• Inclusivity: Everyone is welcome, regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability. We remove barriers to participation and challenge unkind behaviour.

5.1 Expected behaviour — Children

• Respect for others: treat fellow participants, coaches, volunteers and opponents with kindness and respect.
• Sportsmanship: follow the rules of the game, accept officials’ decisions without complaint, and respect opponents.
• Safety: follow all safety guidelines, listen to instructions from coaches, and report any unsafe behaviour or concerns.
• Responsibility: take care of personal belongings, Academy equipment, and the facilities used.
• Positive attitude: participate with enthusiasm, be open to learning, and support teammates in a positive manner.

5.2 Expected behaviour — Parents and guardians

• Support and encourage: focus on your child’s enjoyment and development rather than just winning.
• Respect coaches and officials: trust their judgment and decisions, and avoid public criticism or undermining their authority.
• Positive role model: demonstrate respect, self-discipline, and a positive attitude in your interactions at the Academy.
• Communication: raise any concerns or issues with the Academy coaches in a constructive and appropriate manner.

5.3 Expected behaviour — Staff, coaches and volunteers

• Professional conduct: maintain the highest standards of professionalism, including appropriate language, behaviour, and dress.
• Child-centred approach: prioritise the needs and wellbeing of children in all activities and decisions.
• Inclusivity and fairness: treat all children equally, providing support and opportunities based on individual needs and abilities.
• Clear communication: give clear instructions, feedback and support to children, and communicate effectively with parents and guardians.
• Confidentiality: respect the privacy of all participants, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis.

5.4 Expected behaviour — Visitors and spectators

• Respect for participants: applaud effort and good play regardless of the result, and encourage all children to enjoy taking part.
• Appropriate behaviour: refrain from inappropriate language, shouting, or anything that could be seen as threatening or disrespectful.
• Support Academy rules: follow the Academy’s rules and policies, including guidelines on photography, social media, and conduct during events.

6. Unacceptable behaviour

• Bullying and harassment: any form of bullying, harassment, or discrimination is strictly prohibited.
• Violence and aggression: physical or verbal aggression towards others will not be tolerated.
• Dishonesty: cheating, lying, or any form of dishonesty undermines the integrity of the Academy.
• Substance use: alcohol, drugs, or other prohibited substances by children or during Academy events are strictly forbidden.

7. Reporting and managing misconduct

• Reporting concerns: raise any concerns or reports of misconduct with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a coach as soon as possible.
• Investigation: reports will be investigated promptly, fairly, and confidentially, following the Academy’s disciplinary procedures.
• Consequences: misconduct may result in verbal warnings, suspension, or permanent exclusion, depending on the severity of the behaviour.

8. Communication of policy

This Code of Conduct is provided to all new participants, parents, staff, and volunteers on joining the Academy. It is reviewed annually, or when significant changes occur, and redistributed to ensure ongoing awareness.

9. Policy review and updates

This policy is reviewed annually by the Academy’s management to ensure it remains effective and up to date. Participants, parents, and staff are encouraged to give feedback to help improve it.

Who we are

Legion Darts Academy is a youth darts coaching community in Colchester, on the first floor of The Boardroom, 71 Crouch Street. We help young players aged 5 to 17 learn and enjoy darts in a friendly, low pressure setting.

Purpose and principles

Social media helps us share the good work of the academy, celebrate progress, and keep our community informed. We value privacy and safety. We only use images in a responsible way and only with clear consent.

Scope

This policy covers photography, video, and live streaming taken during academy sessions or events. Images include photographs, videos, live streams, and stills taken from video.

Consent

We will not publish or share any image of a young person without prior written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Consent is collected using the form below, one per child, and can be changed or withdrawn at any time.

How we use images

Typical uses include celebrating achievements, sharing match results, promoting upcoming sessions, and showing the positive culture of the academy. We aim to use group shots where possible. If a close up is planned we will confirm consent at the time.

Safeguarding standards

A coach will supervise any photography during sessions. No images will be taken in changing areas or toilets. We avoid publishing personal details and use first name only unless a parent has given specific consent to use a full name.

What we will not do

We will not sell images of children to third parties. We will not allow direct messages between children and academy social media accounts. We will not tag a child’s personal account unless a parent has requested it in writing.

Opt out and takedown

Parents or legal guardians can withdraw consent at any time, which stops future use. If you are concerned about an image featuring your child, tell a coach and we will review and remove it from our channels where possible.

Contact

Designated Safeguarding Leads: Peter Gore and Danny Lawrence. 01206 645180 — info@legiondartsacademy.co.uk.