Athlete's Code of Conduct
1. Definitions and Interpretation
1.1 In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:
- Athlete life development means the Athlete's education, career, and personal development.
- Coach means pathway development coach, youth team coach, and any other coach who is engaged/appointed by the WFS to train and develop the Athlete.
- High Performance Sport development plan for athletes means a comprehensive strategy and operational plan designed to optimize the athletic performance and development of individual athletes or teams, to maximize their potential in pursuit of elite athletic achievement. It typically comprises the yearly planning instrument for the athlete (i.e., training and competition plans), athlete life planning, and sport science support.
- High Performance Sport personnel refers to coaches, trainers, and other professionals appointed by the WFS who provide support to the athletes to perform at the elite level.
- Safe Sport Unified Code shall mean the code that defines the forms of abuse and harassment which may take place in the sporting environment, as set out at www.safesport.sg/safe-sport-programme/unified-code and as may be amended from time to time.
- Safe Sport Programme is a framework for applying, implementing, and enforcing the Safe Sport Unified Code.
- Wrestling Federation of Singapore or WFS refers to the sports association recognized by Sport Singapore and the International Federation as the local governing body for the sport.
- Prohibited Substances and Methods means whether particular substances or methods are banned in particular sports, as listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on WADA's website at: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list. The list is updated by WADA annually and is the International Standard defining what is prohibited In-Competition and Out-of-Competition. WADA reviews and updates the List annually and the updated Prohibited List comes into effect on 1 January every year.
- World Anti-Doping Code refers to the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world. It works in conjunction with the International Standards that aim to foster consistency among anti-doping organizations in various areas.
- Testing Pools means the groups of athletes who are subject to doping control testing.
- Therapeutic Use Exemption or TUE allows an Athlete with a medical condition to use a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, but only if the conditions set out in Article 4.4 of the World Anti-Doping Code are met. Prior approval must be granted by an independent TUE Committee as assigned by the ADS.
2. Athlete's High Performance and Athlete Life Development
2.1 The Athlete will:
- (a) Collaborate and take active ownership with the coach, WFS, and/or SportSG for both his High Performance Sport development and athlete life development.
- (b) For High Performance Sport development, ensure that his coach collaborates with the WFS's high performance personnel and SportSG to fulfill his High Performance plan.
- (c) Comply with his High Performance Sport development plan to the best of his abilities.
- (d) Provide regular updates on his performance progress and personal development to the WFS. This includes the submission of achievements and receipts where necessary.
- (e) Promptly inform the WFS regarding any changes to personal and medical particulars, as well as training, competition, and personal development plans.
- (f) Represent the Republic of Singapore in all WFS designated training camps, competitions, and events. If the Athlete is unable to attend, he must inform the WFS within 3 days of being notified of such camp, competition, or event, citing reasons and documentary proof.
- (g) Refrain from participating in any competition that is not permitted under the policies of the WFS.
3. Medical & Physical Fitness, Information and Research
3.1 The Athlete agrees and consents to:
- (a) Maintain the highest possible level of health and physical well-being. The Athlete should:
- (i) Immediately notify the Coach and WFS as soon as he is injured or ill if his training will be interrupted for three (3) or more consecutive days.
- (ii) Keep WFS updated on changes to his health and physical condition for the duration of this Agreement.
4. Compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code
4.1 The Athlete agrees to:
- (a) Recognize Anti-Doping Singapore (ADS) as the national anti-doping organization of Singapore possessing the primary authority to adopt and implement anti-doping rules, direct the collection of samples, manage test results, and conduct disciplinary hearings, at the national level.
- (b) Be familiar with the rights and responsibilities of an athlete, in the context of anti-doping in sport as stipulated in Anti-Doping Policy of Singapore and the ADS Anti-Doping Rules adopted and implemented in pursuant to the Code.
- (c) Submit to unannounced doping controls tests when required by ADS, the WFS, SportSG, the International Federation, the International Olympic Committee, or any other anti-doping organization.
- (d) Provide prompt and accurate whereabouts information when included into the Testing Pools of ADS or their International Federation, or whenever required by any other anti-doping organization.
- (e) Submit timely Therapeutic Use Exemption applications to ADS or the International Federation, where relevant, as soon as a medical condition requiring the use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method for treatment is diagnosed.
- (f) Take responsibility to ensure he receives anti-doping education by completing appropriate resources provided by ADS and/or other Anti-Doping Organizations (e.g., World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)'s Anti-Doping Education & Learning (ADEL) platform).
4.2 The submission of personal and medical information and data to ADS in accordance with the ADS Anti-Doping Rules shall be deemed to have been made with the agreement by the Athlete that such information and data may be utilized by ADS, such organization or person for the purposes of the implementation of the ADS Anti-Doping Rules.
4.3 The provisions of this section are in addition to and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the obligations set out in the Anti-Doping Policy of Singapore, the ADS Anti-Doping Rules, or to define the ambit of the ADS Anti-Doping Rules.
5. Apparel, Equipment, and Presentation
5.1 The Athlete agrees to:
- (a) Wear and use designated team clothing and equipment whilst competing or carrying out any sports-related activities required by the WFS.
- (b) Neither use nor permit the use of such designated team clothing and equipment for any commercial purpose without prior written consent.
- (c) Not wear a political emblem when identified as a national athlete of Singapore.
- (d) Maintain a neat and professional appearance during training, competitions, and official events.
- (e) Wear appropriate team attire as prescribed by the WFS for all official functions and activities.
6. National Representative, Sports Ambassador & Role Model
6.1 The Athlete recognizes that his/her behavior will reflect on the country, WFS, and SportSG. The Athlete is expected to:
- (a) Display responsible and exemplary behavior, at all times, on or off the field.
- (b) Maintain good conduct and sportsmanship in training, competition, or on duty as a sports ambassador in a manner that does not bring SportSG, the WFS, or Singapore into disrepute and tarnish the image of the Sport.
- (c) Compete fairly and abide by the rule and the spirit of his sport, and accept victory and defeat with dignity and grace.
- (d) Behave and dress in a respectable, professional, and sporting manner when representing Singapore both in and out of competition.
- (e) Be responsible for maintaining an environment that is fair, supportive, equitable, and free from harassment and abuse.
- (f) Not engage in any sexual, physical, and/or psychological misconduct under Article 4 of the Safe Sport Unified Code.
- (g) Not engage in activities that may violate the laws of Singapore or that of any other country where training or competition is held.
- (h) Obtain prior consent and approval of the WFS and SportSG before engaging directly/indirectly in any occupation, business, or trade, including product endorsements and sponsorship agreements.
- (i) Not make any public statement which is derogatory of SportSG, the WFS, or any of the bodies working to promote sport in Singapore, nor make any critical statement or disparaging remarks in respect of another sporting competitor on a personal basis. Fair comments about a fellow competitor made honestly and without the use of offensive language and related to the sporting event/competition or the sport where the substance of the comment is known (or can be shown) to be true will not constitute a critical statement or disparaging remark for the purposes of this Agreement.
7. Compliance with the Safe Sport Unified Code
7.1 In playing his part to maintain an environment that is free from abuse and harassment, the Athlete agrees:
- (a) To be responsible for knowing the behaviors which constitute misconduct under the Safe Sport Unified Code, the Athlete's Code of Conduct, and relevant Safe Sport policy (e.g., WFS, Singapore National Olympic Council, Singapore National Paralympic Council).
- (b) To comply with his obligations and avoid any behaviors which would constitute misconduct under the codes and policies at Clause 7.1(a) above.
- (c) To complete the Safe Sport course and to familiarize himself with the Safe Sport Unified Code and policies published by SportSG, the Singapore National Olympic Council, Singapore National Paralympic Council, the WFS, and/or their respective affiliates, as necessary to educate himself on the behaviors which constitute misconduct under the Safe Sport Unified Code and policies.
8. Compliance with Laws
8.1 The Athlete agrees to:
- (a) Comply with the laws of Singapore and other countries where he is competing/training as a national athlete.
- (b) Be responsible for any expenses arising out of any non-compliance or violation of any applicable laws and this Agreement.
9. Consent for Collection and Use of Data
9.1 The Athlete consents to the collection, use, and/or disclosure of his/her personal data for the purposes of:
- (a) Administering and managing High Performance Sport development, the Safe Sport Programme, and other sports-related matters.
- (b) Managing the Athlete's performance and safeguarding the Athlete's physical and mental well-being.
- (c) Ensuring compliance with anti-doping policies and regulations, including information-sharing with relevant anti-doping organizations.
10. Amendments and Updates
10.1 The WFS reserves the right to make amendments to this Athlete's Code of Conduct as necessary. The Athlete will be informed of any amendments or updates to this document.
11. General Behavior and Responsibilities
11.1 The Athlete shall:
- (a) Exhibit dignified and courteous behavior at all times.
- (b) Adhere to team rules and respect the authority of team officials and coaches.
- (c) Ensure fair play and respect for opponents, officials, and teammates.
- (d) Accept victory and defeat with equal grace.
- (e) Abstain from drug use and any other substance abuse.
- (f) Refrain from engaging in harassment, discrimination, or any other form of inappropriate behavior.
12. Team Participation
12.1 The Athlete is required to:
- (a) Attend all training sessions and team meetings, unless excused by the coach or WFS due to valid reasons.
- (b) Participate in WFS-organized events and competitions as a representative of the team and country.
- (c) Follow instructions and strategies provided by the coach and team officials during competitions.
13. Conflict Resolution
13.1 The Athlete agrees to:
- (a) Address any conflicts or grievances through appropriate channels within the WFS.
- (b) Seek mediation or resolution assistance from designated WFS officials if required.
14. Termination of Agreement
14.1 The Athlete acknowledges that:
- (a) Breach of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of the athlete's membership with the WFS.
- (b) The WFS reserves the right to terminate this Agreement if the Athlete fails to comply with the terms outlined in this Code of Conduct.
Approved and published on 21st October 2024