This document sets out the behaviour expected of all club members, volunteers and participants in all club activities, including training sessions, races, on social media, and other events attended on behalf of the club.
Breaches of the Code of Conduct will be dealt with under the Grievance and Disciplinary Policy and/or the Safeguarding Policy.
Club Members
The success of Harold Wood Running Club is dependent on the active participation of all our members. The club is run and managed by a small committee of volunteers and the committee ask all members to support the club and get involved where possible.
The following code of conduct is mainly ‘common sense’ but we encourage all members to read this and adopt these principles.
As a responsible club member you will:
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all club members, committee members, coaches.
• Adhere to other club policies, eg Inclusion Policy, H&S Policy.
• Anticipate and be responsible for your own needs including being organised, having the appropriate equipment and turning up on time to club sessions and events.
• Ensure that payment of annual membership fees is made promptly.
• Consistently promote positive aspects of running and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited or age-inappropriate substances.
• Always thank the volunteers, coaches and officials who enable you to participate in running and other club activities.
• Uphold the same values of sportsmanship off the field as you do when engaged in running or other events.
• Co-operate fully with others involved in the sport such as coaches, officials, team managers, doctors, physiotherapists, sport scientists and representatives of the governing body in the best interests of yourself and other athletes.
• Avoid swearing and abusive language and irresponsible behaviour including behaviour that is dangerous to yourself or others, acts of violence, bullying, harassment and physical and sexual abuse.
• Never engage in comments on social media which are abusive, offensive orderogatory to the club or club members, and respect the privacy of others at the event, particularly children and vulnerable adults.
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others, when safe and appropriate to do so.
• Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour.
• Avoid destructive behaviour; always leave event venues as you find them.
• Not carry or consume alcohol to excess and/or illegal substances.
• Avoid carrying any items that could be dangerous to yourself or others excluding athletics equipment used in the course of your athletics activity.
Running Group Participants
As a participant in any club-led running group (including ‘Introduction to Running’) you will:
• Listen to your run leader.
• Not divert from planned routes without the knowledge and consent of the run leader.
• Be honest about your ability.
• Take note of any recommendations given to you by run leaders about which group is right for you and change groups when appropriate.
• Inform your run leader if you have any injury, illness or long term medical condition that may affect your running. We recommend that you carry In Case of Emergency (ICE) details on your person.
• Anticipate and be responsible for your own needs. Be organised, on time, and have appropriate clothing and equipment. If it’s dark, wear something bright – hi vis or reflective.
• Look after the other runners within your group. If someone is struggling make sure that they are not left on their own or inform your run leader.
• Be responsible for your own safety and the safety of others. Warn other runners around you of impending hazards.
• Respect and acknowledge other road and footpath users. Be courteous and run in single file where appropriate.
• Not leave a session without first informing your run leader.
Club Committee, Leaders and Coaches
In order to maintain and develop an inclusive and vibrant club you can expect the committee to uphold the same values as the general membership. In addition, the committee and coaches will:
• Adopt national welfare policies and procedures (from England Athletics or UK Athletics), adhere to the codes of conduct and respond to any suspected breaches in accordance with the welfare procedures.
• Appoint a lead welfare officer and ensure that they are provided with appropriate training to act as a first point of contact for concerns about welfare issues.
• Ensure that officers & coaches hold the appropriate qualifications for their role and have undertaken the appropriate checks e.g. DBS certified.
Club Welfare Officer Details:
• Lead Welfare Officer: Jonny Waterfield
• Welfare Officer: Clare Whitby
The Welfare Officers will:
• Deal with confidential matters that may arise related to athletes and have an understanding and appropriate manner to deal with such matters.
• Recognise the difference between poor practice according to club rules and matters that would be seen as welfare issue.
