As coaches, it is part of our duty to be protecting the physical and emotional welfare of gymnasts. In the Coach's Code of Ethics, there are three broad principles form the framework for the coach's code of ethics and are illustrated by a list of key ethical standards related to coaching.

The three principles are:

1. Respect for Individuals
2. Responsible Coaching
3. Integrity in Actions 

For more information for each principle, you can refer to https://www.sportsingapore.gov.sg/Athletes-Coaches/Coaches-Corner/Code-of-Ethics

In particular, the principle of Responsible Coaching requires that the coach be competent and that sufficient duty of care to the participants is being exercised such that the participants are not harmed. It encompasses the concept that risks to the participants are minimised and benefits to their holistic development are maximised. That's where having a valid and current Standard First Aid accreditation comes into play.

Coaches may encounter incidences of emergency or injury during the course of coaching. Thus it is essential that coaches are trained in the knowledge and skills in Standard First Aid, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and usage of Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This will better prepare coaches for emergency situations and manage the risks involved in sports coaching.

Besides it being a duty of care towards your athletes, having a valid Standard First Aid (SFA) certificate is also an important requirement in the following scenarios:

1. to be NROC registered
2. to complete and receive the Singapore Gymnastics Fundamental Gymnastics Coaching accreditation, which is the minimum accreditation to be coaching Gymnastics in Singapore. 
3. to register and attend the next levels of coaching courses including the discipline-specific Intermediate Gymnastics Coaching courses and FIG Academies

Where you receive your SFA training is also crucial. On 1st April 2018, the Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council (SRFAC) was formed and we are the national body that is responsible for setting guidelines and accrediting both resuscitation and first aid training centres in Singapore. The SRFAC accredits Standard First Aid (SFA) Courses by various training centres. The objective of this process is to ensure they have met the requirements for training facilities and training standards. Any SFA courses done with non-accredited training providers will be be accepted in view of the different course content and contextualization.

Please refer to the SRFAC's website at https://srfac.sg/directory/training-centre/ for the latest list of valid and accredited SFA training centres. 

Don't wait till your SFA accreditation has fully expired, go for a refresher and get it renewed to ensure your SFA certification does not lapse. Once successfully attained or renewed, please sure to update your National Sporting Association as well as COACHSG to keep your technical membership details up to date.