What is the code of ethics of Kins?

The Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (CKA) accepts responsibility for delineating the ethical behaviour expected of Kinesiologists and has developed and approved this code of ethics as a guide.

As you complete your application form, you must read and agree to abide by the code of ethics.

The code is an ethical document. Its sources are the traditional codes of ethics as well as developments in human rights. Legislation and court decisions may also influence ethics, and therefore, Kinesiologists should be aware of the legal and regulatory requirements in their practice. However, the code may set out different standards of behaviour than does the law.

The code has been prepared by Kinesiologists for Kinesiologists. It is based on the fundamental principles of kinesiology, especially compassion, beneficence, non-malfeasance, and respect for persons. It interprets these principles with respect to the responsibilities of Kinesiologists to individual clients, their families, their colleagues, other health care professionals, and society.

The code is not, and cannot be, exhaustive. Its statements are general in nature, to be interpreted and applied in particular situations.

Kinesiologists may experience conflict between ethical principles, between ethical and legal or regulatory requirements, or between their own ethical convictions and demands of clients, proxy decision makers, other health professionals, employers, or other involved parties. Training and consultation with colleagues, ethicists, or others who have expertise are recommended.

All Affiliated Kinesiologists of the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (CKA / ACK), as a condition of obtaining and maintaining their affiliation, shall abide by this code of ethics in all their professional activities.

Definition of Terms

Affiliated Kinesiologist – Any person identified by the by-laws of the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance as a professional affiliated with the association.

kinesiology services – Any act or activity within the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (CKA / ACK) scope of practice (“the application of scientifically based principles to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals with or without functional limitations, and the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, biomechanical, physiological, psychological, and task-specific tests, assessments, and measures") that an Affiliated Kinesiologist performs as part of their professional activities.

conflict of interest – An interest that could adversely affect a Kinesiologist's judgment on behalf of, or loyalty to, a patient or prospective patient. A potential conflict of interest exists in all situations where a private interest might influence a Kinesiologist's duties and responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities towards the Client and the Public

• Hold paramount the health and safety of the client and/or the public at all times
• Not take physical, psychological, sexual, or financial advantage of a client
• Offer and/or advise on kinesiology services in areas of their specific competence
• Practise in a careful and diligent manner, and encourage a client to seek other professional assistance when such action is in the best interest of the client
• Apply only accepted scientific principles and professional practices when providing kinesiology services
• Continue their professional development to maintain a high level of competence
• Conduct themselves with fairness, respect, and good faith towards their clients, colleagues, and the profession
• Declare to a client any conflict of interest that may adversely affect their professional relationship with a client and/or employers
• Render services to those who seek it without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ethnic origin, language, political affiliation, and societal or health status
• Respect the client’s or surrogate’s right to be informed about the effects of the services provided, and give opportunity to consent to or decline a service
• Protect the confidentiality of all professionally acquired information, and disclose such information only when properly authorized or when legally obligated to do so

Duties and Responsibilities towards the Profession

• Give credit where it is due, and accept, as well as give, objective and fair professional criticism
• Act in a way that is beyond reproach, and report to the appropriate authorities any affiliate of the CKA who appears to be incompetent or whose conduct appears to be unethical, illegal, or, in general, unbecoming to the profession
• Strive to promote the advancement of the science and profession of kinesiology
• Commit to encouraging equity, diversity, and inclusion in the practice of kinesiology and in the administration of programs and activities; that is, to hold the duty, the right, and the legal and moral responsibility to ensure that all participants/clients/patients are treated fairly, equitably, and respectfully, and to provide a learning, treatment, working, and living environment that is free from discrimination on the basis of characteristics of identity, including but not limited to age, sex, gender expression, gender, race, sexuality, disability, religion, ethnicity, and creed.

Become affiliated or renew your CKA affiliation