FITREC delivers Code of Practice for outdoor fitness training in public spaces

With an increase demand for outdoor fitness sessions, Melbourne-based fitness registration organisation FITREC has collaborated with stakeholders and experts to deliver a new Code of Practice for outdoor fitness training in public spaces.

As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, Personal Trainers have had to adapt to a series of new and ever-changing restrictions which has resulted in a rise of outdoor training during periods where indoor sessions are not possible or heavily restricted.

In the state of Victoria, the opportunity to train clients outdoors will be the first chance there is to run face-to-face sessions.

Realising that there was no Code of Practice tailored specific to working in public spaces, FITREC recruited stakeholders and experts to help develop a document that is plain-speaking and functional.  

FITREC advises that its Code of Practice offers more than just a document to assure local governments that registered professionals understand best practices as the FITREC Code of Practice for Public Spaces provides a practical framework for the operation of outdoor sessions.

The key principles of the FITREC Code of Practice for Public Spaces focus on:

• Safety of clients, professionals and the general public is the highest priority

• Adopt an attitude of ‘Minimal touch’ to the surrounding community, environment, and others sharing the space

• ‘Do not destroy what you’re there to enjoy’ - Leave the activity location in the identical or improved state/condition upon completion/departure than what it was upon arrival

• High standards of compliance to relevant codes and regulations.

• Continuous improvement in standards of professionalism and performance - We don’t just represent ourselves, we represent the industry as a whole.

• Everyone who works in our industry should equally treat and show respect to others, from all walks of life at all times.

A key element in the development of the new Code of Practice for Public Spaces was to ensure it was a resource that professionals will refer back to.

To achieve this, FITREC has made it easy to read and wholly specific to running outdoor sessions. Professionals referring to the code will find the following:

• Clarity around obligations as a professional using public spaces

• The importance of building and maintaining connection with council officers.

• Key parameters and expectations professionals need to be aware of when working in public spaces

• Clarifying activity workflow - including 'arrive, activate, pack up & depart'

• Key considerations for risk assessment, including minimising the spread of COVID-19

• Complaints resolutions, emergency procedures, information resources and more.

Since launching in 2015, FITREC has led a number of major innovations around registration, all designed to raise standards and smooth the path toward best practice. The new FITREC Code of Practice for Public Spaces continues in this trend.

In 2013, Fitness Australia released Outdoor Training Guidelines to provide best practice standards and risk management for fitness operations in outdoor settings.

The FITREC Code of Practice for Public Spaces is available to FITREC registered professionals via fitrec.org 

Article amended 4am, 11th September 2020 from its previous title FITREC delivers first Code of Practice for outdoor fitness training in public spaces and to include Fitness Australia's prior work.