CODE OF CONDUCT

• All members of the club members are to be treated equally and with respect.

• Members must not discriminate against others, including race/gender/ethnicity/sexual

  orientation/disability.

• Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play and never condone improper conduct or unsporting behaviour

• Do not behave aggressively, either verbally or physically to others.

• Avoid swearing or abusive language when representing the club, either at training/social

  events or race meets.

• Ensure prompt payment of annual membership fees and any other payments made in connection with the club e.g. social events

• When using social media ensure not to post or upload any material that could be deemed offensive, abusive, discriminatory or derogatory.

• All officers and run leaders should have checks made appropriate to their role e.g. DBS checks if required.

• Any suspected issues related to misconduct or welfare should be reported to the Welfare Officers as soon as possible.

  In addition, young members, and vulnerable adults, should follow these guidelines on safe participation in:

• Notify a responsible adult if you must go somewhere (why, where and when you will return).

• Do not respond if someone seeks private information unrelated to athletics such as personal information, home life information.

• Strictly maintain boundaries between friendship and intimacy with a coach or official.

• Never accept lifts in cars or invitations into homes on your own without the prior knowledge

  and consent of your parent/carer. Use safe transport or travel arrangements.

• Report any accidental injury, distress, misunderstanding or misinterpretation to your parents/carers and club Welfare officer as soon as possible.

• Report any suspected misconduct by coaches or other people involved in athletics to the Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible.

TRAINING SESSIONS

• Always behave with respect for other members of the club and general public.

• All members should take responsibility for their own safety and not compromise the safety

  of other runners.

• Runners should wear clothing appropriate to the conditions, including hi-vis or reflective tops and also consider use of lights/head torches on dark evenings.

• ICE tags with emergency contact details are recommended and should be worn.

• All members should perform a suitable warm up and cool down before and after a club run.

• Inform the run leader of any injuries or medical conditions prior to a club run.

• Listen carefully to any announcements prior to a club run and follow the instructions of the run leader.

• Where feasible and for all larger run groups, a tail runner should be appointed.

• Prior to a club run session ask if there are any new runners and establish a suitable run

  group.

• 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.

• There is to be no diversion from the planned route without knowledge and consent of the run leader.

• Do not run off from the front of a group. Loop back at regular intervals or when requested to by your run leader.

• 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.

• NO-ONE IS TO BE LEFT BEHIND. EVER.

• Be responsible for your own safety and the safety of others. Warn other runners around you

  of impending hazards such as holes, puddles, parked cars, or other potential hazards.

• Respect and acknowledge other road and footpath users. Be courteous and run in single file where appropriate. Close gates after passing through.

• Do not leave a session without first informing your run leader.

CLUB COMMITTEE AND COACHES

To maintain and develop a vibrant club you can expect the Committee to uphold the same values as the general membership. In addition, the Committee, Run Leaders and Coaches will:

• Adopt national welfare policies and procedures, adhere to the codes of conduct, and respond to any suspected breaches in accordance with the welfare procedures.

• Appoint a 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 checks.

CLUB WELFARE OFFICER

Your Club Welfare Officer will:

• Deal with confidential matters that may arise related to club members and have an understanding and appropriate manner to deal with such matters.

• Be responsible for the promotion of codes of conduct to members, parents and young people.

• Receive, record and pass on to the NGB Child Protection officer, any concerns relating to the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.

• Provide advice on the development of activities for young people (where relevant) within the club

• Support the registration of all personnel involved in activities for young people with the club/organisation (DBS checks).

• Recognise the difference between poor practice according to club rules and matters that would be a welfare issue.

Please contact Welfare & DBS Officer welfare@farnhamtownrunningclub.co.uk or Club Chair chair@farnhamtownrunningclub.co.uk if you have any queries on this Code of Conduct or any club policies or procedures.