Club Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

Penrith Canoe Club aims to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable environment where everyone can participate in paddlesport, develop their skills and enjoy being part of the Club.

Everyone involved with the Club is expected to show respect and consideration for others and to behave in a way that reflects the values of Penrith Canoe Club.

This Code applies to members, paddlers, parents and guardians, coaches, volunteers, Committee members and anyone representing the Club.

Everyone participating in Club activities must also follow the Club's Constitution, policies, safety procedures and reasonable instructions given by coaches and Club officials.

2. All Members and Paddlers

Members and paddlers are expected to:

Treat other members, participants, coaches, volunteers, officials and members of the public with respect.
Help create a friendly, welcoming and inclusive environment.
Behave appropriately both on and off the water when participating in or representing the Club.
Avoid bullying, harassment, discrimination, threatening behaviour, abusive language or behaviour likely to cause unnecessary distress to others.
Show good sportsmanship and respect teammates, opponents, referees and officials.
Listen to and cooperate with coaches, session leaders and Club officials.
Follow safety instructions and Club operating procedures.
Take reasonable care of Club equipment, facilities and the property of other members.
Report damaged or missing Club equipment to a coach, session leader or Equipment Officer.
Take responsibility for their own behaviour and recognise how their actions may affect others.
Raise concerns appropriately rather than behaving aggressively or confrontationally.
Follow the rules and policies of Penrith Canoe Club and, where applicable, Paddle UK.

3. Coaches, Officials, Committee Members and Volunteers

Those undertaking positions of responsibility within the Club are expected to:

Put the safety and wellbeing of participants ahead of performance or competitive results.
Treat participants fairly and with respect.
Maintain appropriate relationships and boundaries with participants.
Ensure activities are appropriate for the age, ability, experience and needs of those taking part.
Provide positive encouragement and help paddlers value development, effort and performance as well as results.
Demonstrate consistently appropriate standards of behaviour and communication.
Follow Penrith Canoe Club and Paddle UK policies, procedures and safeguarding requirements.
Hold, maintain or work towards appropriate qualifications, training and competence for their role where required.
Promote fair play and good sporting behaviour.
Never encourage or condone cheating, deliberate rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.
Act as positive representatives of Penrith Canoe Club.

Coaches, referees, Committee members and relevant volunteers must also comply with the Club's separate Code of Conduct for Coaches, Referees and Committee Members.

4. Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians are expected to:

Support their child's involvement and help them enjoy paddlesport.
Encourage effort, learning, good performance and personal development rather than focusing solely on results.
Never force a child to participate in an activity against their wishes.
Never punish, humiliate or belittle a child for losing, making a mistake or not performing as expected.
Encourage children to respect coaches, teammates, opponents, referees and officials.
Respect the decisions of coaches, referees and officials and raise any concerns appropriately.
Avoid shouting inappropriate instructions or criticism from the side of the water or during competitions.
Use appropriate and respectful language.
Set a positive example by recognising good performances, effort and sporting behaviour from all participants.
Support coaches and volunteers in maintaining a safe and positive environment.
Follow the Club's safeguarding, safety and communication procedures.

5. Competitions and Representing the Club

When representing Penrith Canoe Club at competitions, training events, courses or other activities, members are expected to:

Behave in a way that reflects positively on the Club.
Respect competitors, teammates, coaches, referees, organisers, volunteers and spectators.
Respect venues, facilities and equipment.
Follow the rules of the competition or event.
Accept officials' decisions appropriately.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship whether winning or losing.
Raise disagreements or concerns through the appropriate channels rather than through confrontation or abusive behaviour.

6. Safeguarding and Welfare

Everyone has a responsibility to help maintain a safe environment within the Club.

Any safeguarding or welfare concern involving a child, young person or adult at risk should be reported promptly to the Club Welfare Officer in accordance with the Club's safeguarding procedures.

Where someone is at immediate risk of harm or there is an emergency, the appropriate emergency or statutory services should be contacted without delay.

7. Breaches of this Code

Concerns about behaviour should normally be raised with an appropriate coach, Club official, Welfare Officer or Committee member.

Serious or repeated breaches of this Code may be dealt with under the Club's complaints or disciplinary procedures.

Where necessary for safety, safeguarding or welfare, the Club may temporarily restrict an individual's participation in Club activities while a concern is considered.

8. Declaration

By becoming a member of Penrith Canoe Club, participating in Club activities or undertaking a role on behalf of the Club, individuals agree to follow this Code of Conduct and the Club's relevant policies and procedures.