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Athletics Coach Chris Barnes Receives Lifetime Ban for Misconduct
A prominent athletics race director and coach, Chris Barnes, has been permanently prohibited from the sport after a UK Athletics disciplinary panel found him accountable for multiple infractions of the coaches’ code of conduct. The charges included engaging in inappropriate liaisons with his athletes and employing racist and misogynistic language. This severe penalty underscores the commitment to upholding ethical standards within athletics.
Admitted Charges Against Chris Barnes
Chris Barnes, the former director of the popular Podium 5km series, acknowledged all nine accusations against him. These charges encompassed bringing the sport into disrepute and the use of unsuitable language.
Details of Inappropriate Relationships
- Barnes was found to have engaged in an intimate connection and dispatched a string of explicit images to one athlete between March 2019 and January 2021 while functioning as her coach.
- He also confessed to having an intimate association with another athlete between February and June 2020, without disclosing his marital status to her.
Racist and Misogynistic Remarks
Between September 2013 and August 2020, Barnes admitted he made inappropriate remarks during conversations over Facebook Messenger. The statements included:
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- “It’s simple tomorrow I’ll just blame the pakis for losing our license.”
- When discussing captaincy in a football match: “Yep in a game against blacks and browns” … “with a brown ref”.
Obsessive Behavior Around Athlete’s Weight
Barnes also admitted to being fixated on body weight and dictating to athletes what they could and could not consume. On one instance, he forbade an athlete from purchasing food which incited an argument and led to him stating: “This is why your parents don’t want anything to do with you.”
Derogatory Comments About Female Athletes
He also admitted to making disparaging comments about one female athlete in August 2022, including calling her “she’s a fucking heifer” and “she’s blown up”.
UK Athletics’ Response
The case was adjudicated under UK Athletics’ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures, following an independent inquiry into violations of the UK Athletics code of conduct for coaches.
Permanent Ban Details
UK Athletics affirmed that Barnes is permanently banned from participating in athletics in any capacity within Great Britain and Northern Ireland. “This encompasses any roles involving coaching, the organization of events, and any other activities governed by the UK Athletics competition rules or the rules of World Athletics,” the organization stated.
Statement from UKA Chief Operating Officer
UKA’s chief operating officer, Tom Solesbury, commented: “This was a very serious case, and we are satisfied that the outcome reflects the gravity of the behaviour involved. It demonstrates that regardless of your role or position, if you are active in our sport and your conduct falls short of the standards we expect, we will act to address it.”
He further noted: “The vast majority of coaches in our sport uphold the highest standards and make a hugely positive contribution to athletics – and we owe it to them, and to everyone in the sport, to ensure a safe, respectful and supportive environment for all.”