Members Code of Conduct: 2022 / 2023
It is the policy of RWBSWC that all members, visitors, sailing participants, coaches, instructors and officials, show respect and understanding for each other, treat everyone equally and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the club. The aim is for all members to enjoy their sport and the friendships and camaraderie / comradeship that ensues as a member of a club.
Abusive language, swearing, intimidation, aggressive behaviour or lack of respect for others and their property will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action.
Participants - young sailors, windsurfers, powerboaters, jet skiers and all others above and below the surface of the water.
- Listen to and accept what you are asked to do to improve your performance and keep you safe
- Respect other participants, coaches, instructors, officials and volunteers
- Abide by the rules and play fairly
- Do your best at all times
- Never bully others either in person, by phone, by text or online
- Take care of all property belonging to other participants, the club or its members
Parents
- Support your child’s involvement and help them enjoy their sport
- Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results
- Never force your child to take part in sport
- Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes
- Encourage and guide your child to accept responsibility for their own conduct and performance
- Respect and support the coach
- Accept officials’ judgements and recognise good performance by all participants
- Use established procedures where there is a genuine concern or dispute
- Inform the club or event organisers of relevant medical information
- Ensure that your child wears suitable clothing and has appropriate food and drink
- Provide contact details and be available when required
- Take responsibility for your child’s safety and conduct in and around the Clubhouse/event venue
Coaches, Instructors, Officials and Volunteers
- Consider the welfare and safety of participants before the development of performance
- Encourage participants to value their performance and not just results
- Promote fair play and never condone cheating
- Ensure that all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part
- Build relationships based on mutual trust and respect
- Work in an open environment
- Avoid unnecessary physical contact with young people
- Be an excellent role model and display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke when working directly with young people
- Communicate clearly with parents and participants
- Be aware of any relevant medical information
- Follow RYA and club/class guidelines and policies
- Holders of RYA Instructor and Coach qualifications must also comply with the RYA Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Holders of RYA Race Official appointments must also comply with the RYA Race Officials Code of Conduct.
Social Activities and Clubhouse Use
This is a club run primarily by volunteers and we hope that all members will become involved in the functions and activities.
- Treat the Clubhouse and its contents with care and respect and report any issues to a committee member.
- Ensure behaviour is appropriate to the function and age range of participants.
- When consuming food and drink on the club premises ensure everything is cleared away appropriately and tables are cleaned after use.
- Support the organisers of any function/activity appropriately.
- If you are the last to leave the Clubhouse in the evening, ensure windows and doors are locked.
- When leaving after an evening function, keep quiet and be considerate to our neighbours.
Casual Use of Clubhouse
- This includes use of the kitchen, deck, BBQ, tables, chairs etc. Members can use the Clubhouse any time up to 10 pm within reason, provided there is not a clash with any sailing event, social function or paid hire, which are typically posted as events on the website.
- Reasonable use includes families and friends of members in small groups, ensuring there is no disruption to other members or neighbours. For example, on non-sailing day afternoons having a swim, using the BBQ, kitchen and bathrooms.
- Access to and use of Club watercraft and equipment, including support craft, is ONLY permitted during the sailing season (from Good Friday to 7th November) for safety and maintenance reasons. Access to and use of such assets may be granted outside of the above dates and under such conditions as shall be determined by not less than 3 Senior Officers of the Club, one of whom must be the Commodore.
- Gatherings of more than 20 people are not considered casual use, and require formal approval through Clubhouse Hire (below).
- Members must ensure the Clubhouse is left clean and tidy. Specifically, that the Kitchen, BBQ, crockery etc are cleaned and put away, rubbish disposed of, and noise kept reasonable.
Hiring of Clubhouse
- The Clubhouse is available for approved events provided the hirer is a current member. Minimising noise and impact to neighbours and other members is critical.
- There are costs and conditions associated with Clubhouse hire, which are documented on the Hiring Agreement Form. Please email the Honorary Secretary for details and approval.
If you are concerned that someone is not following the Code of Conduct, you should inform your Club Welfare Officer or the person in charge of the activity.
Correct as at 25th November 2022………………………John Thorpe: Honorary Secretary
