BFN Code of Conduct

Francis Orbih Esq

Chairman, Legal Committee

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BADMINTON FEDERATION OF NIGERIA

Definitions:

Code of Conduct: Basic rules and regulations that reflect the highest standard of behaviour which is expected of all Badminton players, coaches and umpires in Nigeria. 

Disciplinary sanctions: Players, coaches and umpires who do not meet these standards of behaviour will be subject to the penalties or sanctions specified within this policy.

Ethics: The term refers to high conduct that is desired by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria in general; academically, ethics refers to morals.

Responsibilities: The essence of this code of conduct is to develop and maintain a positive organizational culture.

Transfer Cycle: A period of 2 years as defined by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.

Badminton Federation of Nigeria is committed to providing a safe environment, which is characterized by excellence, fairness, justice, equity, integrity, honesty, open communication and mutual respect.

The Federation also believes these values and ideals should guide all our communications and actions that such conduct is in the best interest of all who participate in the sport of Badminton.


BADMINTON FEDERATION OF NIGERIA CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS

The main objective of Badminton Federation of Nigeria is to become one of the leading competitive Federations in Africa and the World at large. Badminton Federation of Nigeria is committed to providing an enabling environment in which all players are treated with respect, support, equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices.

Players are expected to conduct themselves always in a manner consistent with the values of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria. Any conduct that violates these values may be subject to disciplinary action.

The following specific behaviours will be subject to sanction pursuant to Badminton Federation of Nigeria disciplinary policy.

  1. Inability to comply with the rules and regulations or policies of Badminton Federation of Nigeria as adopted and amended from time to time.
  2. Use of foul language against opponents, officials, spectators, media or sponsors.
  3. Abusive use of Badminton equipment and facilities.
  4. Failure to comply with the conditions of entry for a Badminton tournament, including the rules with regards to clothing or advertising.
  5. Verbal altercation, physical assault or fighting of opponents, officials, spectators, media and sponsors.
  6. Abusive use of alcohol.
  7. Non-medical use of drugs(drugs Abuse).
  8. Non-compliance with the rules and regulations on doping as prescribed by the National anti-doping agency (NADC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
  9. Use of alcohol.
  10. Non-compliance with rules when on local of international training camp.
  11. Any player found guilty of age falsification.
  12. Players can participate only in competitions sanctioned by the Federation, and must obtain the permission of the Federation if such tournament is not sanctioned.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

The coaches/players relationships in Badminton cannot be overemphasized; coaches play a vital role in the life of players as well as the player’s development. Coaches must conduct themselves in such a manner that is worthy of emulation, and their actions and behavior on and off the court must always be aimed at positively impacting their player. 

The following code of conduct has been identified to help coaches maintain a level of behavior, which will allow their players to fulfil their dreams.

COACHES MUST:

  1. Not be involved in age cheating.
  2. Ensure safety and welfare of the players with whom they work.
  3. Respect players, officials, administrators, Board members and other coaches’ dignity.
  4. Not use foul language on players, officials, sponsors, media and board members.
  5. Not get involved in any verbal or physical assault with players, officials, etc.
  6. At no time make sexual advances or become intimate with their players. This includes request for sexual favor or threat of reprisal for the rejection of such request.
  7. Not encourage consumption of alcohol or tobacco product by underage players, and should never be the provider either.
  8. Not advocate, encourage or condone the use of drugs or other prohibited performance enhancing substances.
  9. Respect the rules and regulations on doping as prescribed by the National anti-doping agency (NADC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
  10. Regularly seek ways of increasing professional development and self-awareness in the sport.
  11. Ensure that the activities of coaches will benefit the players in particular and the society in general.
  12. Be honest, sincere and honorable in their relationships with others.
  13. Coaches organizing training program for players must obtain permission from their Association Chairman (should either be moved to section above, or the word Coaches should be replaced with Umpires).
  14. Abstain from consumption of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products when working with players.
  15. Discourage the use of alcohol by players during competition or events while still at the event venue.
  16. In the case of minors, all decisions pertaining to the development or management of such a player must properly communicated to/ and consented by the parents or legal guardian.
  17. All players must obtain permission from their respective State Badminton Association Chairman before embarking on any official out of state training camp/program (except when such is being arranged by the State Association).
  18. Not register or maintain membership of any Umpire/Referee body or Association while registered as a Coach.

UMPIRES CODE OF CONDUCT

Umpires Must:

  1. Dress properly at National sanctioned events according to the Badminton standard and present a meticulous appearance.
  2. Respect the rules and regulations guiding the Officiating the games of Badminton.
  3. Be prepared physically, mentally and emotionally to administer the game.
  4. Abstain from the use of tobacco products during championships.
  5. Abstain from drinking alcohol beverages during championships.
  6. Be constantly alert to the possibility of player’s injury so that injured player can be properly attended to accordingly to the BWF ruling under such situations.
  7. Shall act in a correct and courteous manner at all times to coaches.
  8. Shall offer and explanation after declaring a call, if appropriate.
  9. Shall be prepared to share opinions and comments on their mutual abilities with a view to maintaining a high level of professional skill.
  10. Shall act in a courteous and correct manner in public.
  11. Not register or maintain membership of any coaching body or association while registered as an umpire.

Sanctions

A breach of any of the codes shall be visited with a 3 months suspension and the matter handed over to the Disciplinary Committee for further sanctions where appropriate.

RULES / CONDITIONS GUIDING THE TRANSFER OF PLAYERS REGISTERED UNDER STATE BADMINTON ASSOCIATIONS AND/OR SPORTS COUNCILS

  1. A Player with a Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) Identity Card number seeking transfer must seek approval through a written application to Badminton Federation of Nigeria duly accompanied with a “transfer form”.
  2. When a player is seeking transfer or registering with a State, such a player must be guided by the “Term restriction” and “Player Transfer Cycle” both of which would be provided by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria periodically.
  3. The player’s application must pass through the Chairman of the State Association.
  4. The onus is on the player and their handlers to ensure that any information provided is correct, as any incorrect information provided at the time of the application will be visited with appropriate disciplinary action as contained in player’s code of conduct.
  5. Any player under disciplinary action will not be eligible for transfer.
  6. All rules and procedures of Badminton Federation of Nigeria shall be deemed as rules governing such movement of players.
  7. Any player who fails to follow this process will not be allowed to take part in Badminton Federation of Nigeria sanctioned tournament or event.
  8. A player registered with the Federation under a particular State Association remains their player for at least one Transfer Cycle (a period of 2 years), after which he/she is at liberty to transfer to any other state upon fulfilling the transfer requirements, and as such a player signed under a state will not be allowed to represent another state in any BFN sanctioned event.
  9. Players serving with Military and Para-military agencies would be expected to register with their State of service or of their choice. However in the event of a transfer of service to a new state outside the transfer window, players must notify the BFN with confirmation from their agency of such transfer before they can register with the new state if they so wish.
  10. A Transfer Window shall be for a period of One (1) Month after which the Transfer Cycle begins for a period of Two (2) years.
  11. The current Transfer window ends on the 31st of January 2018, and the Transfer Cycle begins on the 1st of February 2018.
  12. The Player Transfer window and transfer cycle restriction both of which are spelt out above must guide every registered player’s transfer.
  13. Any player that wishes to represent a different State at the beginning of the new transfer cycle must obtain a release certificate from the State Badminton Association.

  14. Any violation of these rules will be regarded as a breach of the Code of Conduct and treated accordingly.

RULES FOR SPONSORSHIP TO INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

  1. All applications for sponsorship of players for international events must be routed through the State Association Chairman and the Director of Sports of the State.
  2. The Chairman will also produce a letter of good conduct in respect of the player(s).
  3. Where an individual intends to sponsor a player, the State Association must confirm to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria the sponsor’s financial wherewithal to bear the cost of sponsorship.
  4. Where a State Government intends to sponsor some of its players, it will be on a condition that it sponsors additional players as selected by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria to complete the team.
  5. The State Association must ensure that the player(s) has the ability to do the Country proud where ranking of players is yet to be determined, but where effective ranking exist must be a player within the top twenty ranking bracket for men and women or as determined by the Board.
  6. The player must be medically fit (certified by a Government Hospital) and this must be followed with a confirmation from the State Association.
  7. The player must be presented and screened by Badminton Federation of Nigeria.
  8. Where a player entered for an international tournament withdraws or is unable to attend as a result of the sponsor’s default, the State Association shall be responsible for the penalty for withdrawal or non-attendance.

COMPETITION HOSTING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

The following document is designed to stipulate the conditions that need to be met by competition organizers that wish to host any of the National and Age-Grade Championships; or have their events sanctioned by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria. Each competition is unique, and therefore this is only an administrative guideline and planning tool that will be modified to meet the particular needs of each event.

  1. TERMINOLOGIES : The following list of abbreviation will be used in this document
    • BFN Badminton Federation of Nigeria
    • BWF Badminton World Federation
    • GCR General Competition Rules
    • HC  (Host Club)
    • HA  (Host Association)
    • LOC Local Organizing Committee
 
  1. GOALS: BFN plans to host competitions of the highest global standards for the following reasons:
    • To give our players the opportunity to participate in competitions regularly
    • To have a basis for ranking of our players
    • To discover and nurture new talents to replace the aging crop of players
    • To promote badminton at all levels
    • To provide avenue to train umpires and coaches
    • To generate revenue for the Federation.
 
  1. BFN EVENTS DEFINITIONS
    • Annual BFN Tournaments – This category refers to annual national tournaments which include: I) National Championships ii) National Age-grade Championships iii) National Badminton Festival
    • National Championship – This would require States registering a stipulated number of active players that would compete in the various events.
    • National Age-Grade Championships – This is a competition for younger players competing in the different age grade groups.
    • National Badminton Festival – This is a competition that would require clubs registering players to compete in both the active and veteran categories
    • Special Events – These are events sanctioned by BFN that are organized by clubs, Associations, corporate bodies or individuals. Events in this category are organized in collaboration with the Federation.
  1. BFN BADMINTON CALENDAR DOCUMENT: The Federation will at the beginning of each year collate and publish all events that will hold within the calendar year. This will contain the following:
    • Listing of proposed dates for National Championships the Federation plans to organize
    • Listing of proposed dates for Age-Grade competitions that the Federation plans to organize.
    • Listing of proposed dates for international competitions, courses, seminars and other activities the Federation will collaborate or partner with others
 
  1. BIDDING FOR EVENTS
    • The Board reserves the right to determine the host for events without going through a public bid process. The determination of the location of any event is a BFN operational decision.
    • Bids to host BFN events should be submitted directly to the Federation secretariat. All other things being equal, preference will be given to bids submitted with evidence of State commitment and support.
    • Annual BFN Tournaments – Bids for these events can be made up to 1year in advance of the desired date for the event, but no less than 2 months. The timing of the decision on granting the event to the host is dependent on fulfilment of BFN requirements.
      • At the minimum, all bids must contain the following information:
      • Contact details for the Host Committee Chairman or main contact person
      • Venue specification and location (indicating number of courts and estimated sitting capacity for spectators)
      • Proposed accommodation provision
      • Proposed prize money and prizes
      • Budget projection
      • Transportation arrangement
      • Desired dates of the tournament
      • Other activities to be run in conjunction with the event
      • Any other pertinent information (government support, sponsors etc).
      • Shuttlecocks
        • In addition to the above, Host Committee must commit to provide the following:
        • Excellent court lighting
        • Changing room/Toilet facility
        • BWF approved post
        • Very good dark net
        • Public Address System
        • Players baskets on court
        • Court mop
        • Waste bin around the hall facility
        • Adequate parking facility
        • Medical arrangement
        • Security
  1. EVENT AGREEMENT CONTRACT
    • No event will be officially granted to a host unless an event agreement contract between BFN and the Host is signed
    • In general, all national events will remain under the ultimate authority of BFN. No HA or HC will be granted an event without agreeing to have BFN representatives in the LOC.

    • The terms of the contract will be dependent on the specific event in question, but will cover (at the minimum) the following items:

      • Financial arrangement. BFN’s goal for all national events is to limit financial risk for the HA, HC and BFN, while maximizing the potential returns to both parties.
      • The roles and responsibility of all parties involved in the hosting of the event.
      • The rights associated with naming rights, sponsorship, media rights, etc. BFN will retain the right to be a signatory party on all contracts related to any of such events.
      • Host Obligations: The HA or HC will be required to ensure that all BFN regulations for the events are adhered to. The specific requirements will be outlined in each contract.
      • The laws of Nigeria will govern all contracts between BFN and the Host. As BFN in some cases may have to sign contracts with any international badminton body, portions of the agreement may be subject to foreign laws as well.
      • The Host will be expected to provide a report at the conclusion of the event.
      • The Host will not be allowed to assign any of its rights or obligations to another party without the express written consent of BFN.
 
 
 
  1. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
    2. The number of entries allowed for tournaments would be determined by the duration of tournaments (number of days) and the number of available courts. This will help the organizers plan the program of events and maintain the schedule. Though there is no restriction for the duration of a badminton match however, on the average, a professional match of 21point lasts around 20-30minutes. A set of 3 games may therefore last for between 60-90minutes on the average. Using these statistics, organizers can estimate the maximum number of games that can be played on each court in a day.

BADMINTON PLAYERS REGISTRATION PROCESS

  1. Each player will fill and submit a registration form duly signed by his State Association Chairman.
  2. The State Association Chairman will pass same to the Secretary General of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.
  3. The technical sub-committee will do the screening of the players.
  4. A report of this will be presented to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria Board for approval after which they will be allocated player Identity Card.
  5. A non-refundable annual registration fee of N2,000.00 will be paid by the players to cover identification cards and insurance.
    6. Note: In an event a situation arises, and it is not provided for in this document, the Technical Committee with the approval of the Board would review the matter, and any decision reached will be binding on all involved.