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

September 10, 2020

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.

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24th March 2020 - FITREC’s Dennis Hosking slams ‘cavalier and irresponsible approach’ of Fitness Australia in promoting continuation of outdoor training services

23rd March 2020 - Fitness Australia flags outdoor exercise as an alternative to imminent gym closures

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27th September 2018 - FITREC names Mel Tempest as Global Ambassador

16th September 2018 - FITREC to stage inaugural Summit

13th August 2018 - FITREC introduces transparency and accountability feature for registered professionals

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28th May 2018 - State and Territory Governments recognise FITREC registration

26th February 2018 - FITREC adopts .org extension to reflect industry service role

12th November 2014 - Fitness Australia app to improve issues of permit systems for outdoor training

2nd October 2013 - Fitness Australia releases new national guidelines for outdoor fitness training

27th August 2014 - Fitness Australia and Parks and Leisure Australia join to advance training in parks guidelines

16th May 2013 - Fitness Australia backs objections to Wollongong City Council’s ‘sweat taxes’

30th April 2010 - Fitness Australia takes lead on council ‘sweat taxes’

19th April 2010 - Heart Foundation slams council ‘sweat taxes’

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