The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has handed down a Code of Conduct and Ethics policy setting out acceptable conducts and professional practice and ethics to all athletes, officials, staff and members of the wider Nigerian athletics family.
According to the Code of Conduct and Ethics document, signed by the AFN's security and disciplinary committee chair - Navy Captain Omatseye Nesiama, "the purpose of this Code of Conduct and Ethics is to ensure a safe and positive environment prevails within AFN programmes, activities and events, by making all individuals aware that there is an expectation of appropriate behavior, consistent with the values of the AFN, at all times".
The seven-page policy document applies to "all categories of membership within the AFN, as well as all individuals engaged in activities with AFN, including but not limited to athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, spectators and parents of AFN athletes".
"This policy applies to conduct that may occur outside of AFN’s business, activities and events when such conduct is detrimental to the image and reputation of the AFN as well as adversely affects relationships within AFN, its work and sports environment," it reads.
"AFN is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Besides, AFN supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices."
"Members of the AFN and affiliates are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of the AFN that include fairness, integrity, open communication and mutual respect."
Doping taint
The Nigerian federation is fast acquiring a bad reputation for doping misdemeanors after recording more doping violations in the last three years than any other period in its over 50 years of existence.
The Federation warned athletes to "totally abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods" and that "under no circumstances provide, promote or condone the use of drugs or performance-enhancing substances".
They are also to "properly represent themselves and not attempt to enter a competition for which they are not eligible, by reason of age, classification or other reasons" whilst Technical officials are "expected to make independent and objective judgments and above all apply the technical officiating principles in all their dealings".
The document also stipulates that "conducts that violates this Code of Conduct and Ethics may be subject to sanctions pursuant to AFN’s policies related to discipline and complaints".
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AFN Code of Conduct 2011
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