Code of Conduct and Club Rules
INTRODUCTION
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1. The aim of the Royal Dean Forest Cycle Club (RDFCC) is to provide a safe and friendly place for people to enjoy their cycling regardless of age, race, gender, religion or disability. As a British Cycling affiliated club, we employ and support the Code of Conduct and Equality Policy set out in the British Cycling Constitution. British Cycling – Code of Conduct British Cycling – Equality Policy
2. Members of RDFCC are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct and treat each other with respect and not bring themselves, the club nor the sport of cycling into disrepute.
3. Any form of bullying, abuse, discrimination or harassment is unacceptable. Non-compliance with this code of conduct could result in your membership of the club being cancelled.
4. If you have any concerns about the treatment or behaviour of club members, then please contact a member of the Club Committee. You can send an email to any of the Committee members directly or get in touch through the Contact page on the club website.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
5. The aim of all club activities is to provide club members with a safe, fun and enjoyable experience while cycling, or during any other club event/meeting.
6. In order to foster an environment where members can enjoy themselves and have fun, the conduct of all members must be such that they do not cause upset or foster a negative environment for other members.
7. It is important that the club be represented in the right way by all its members in the events and rides they participate in, such as: • Official RDFCC events (rides and evening social events) • Official British Cycling events (sportives and races) • Non-BC affiliated sportives
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RDFCC MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT
8. As a member of the club, you also represent RDFCC. You should follow the Highway Code and act in a respectful manner to fellow club members and all other cyclists and road users at all times.
SOCIAL MEDIA
9. RDFCC relies on social media to communicate with club members and provide non-members with a view of the club. As such, all comments posted on the club social media sites, and blogs reflect the club.
10. It is also important that the club is represented online, in the right way by club members. As a club member, your comments/posts also represent RDFCC.
11. Comments/posts on social media sites or blogs, must be made in a respectful and considerate manner. The club committee will moderate all posts.
12. If any club members read any posts/comments which they believe are inappropriate, they should notify any committee member directly or use the website Contact page.
PARENTS AND CARERS
13. If you are a parent of a youth rider participating in RDFCC activities, you must agree to and follow this Parent & Carer Code of Conduct.
14. Inform the coach of any specific health requirements or medical conditions of my child in advance of the coaching session by completion of a club membership form or a parental consent form.
15. Advise the coach if my child has to leave early or is being collected by someone other than a parent/carer, giving details of the arrangement including who will be collecting my child, when and at what time.
16. Encourage my child to learn the rules and play within them.
17. Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
18. Help my child to recognise good performance, not just results.
RDFCC MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT
19. Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all.
20. Never punish or abuse a child for losing or making mistakes.
21. Publicly accept officials’ judgement and teach children to do likewise.
22. Support my child’s involvement and help him/her to enjoy his/her sport.
23. Use correct and proper language at all times.
24. Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not the parents/carers.
25. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
26. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, disability, cultural background or religion.
27. Show appreciation and respect for coaches, officials and administrators. Remember, without them, your child could not participate.
28. If any member is concerned about the behaviour/conduct of any individual towards a junior/youth at a club event, they must inform a club welfare officer as soon as possible. If any member believes any child is in any form of danger, at any time they must contact the police.
JUNIOR MEMBERS (UNDER 18)
29. If you are a junior rider taking part in RDFCC activities, you must read and follow this Junior Member Code of Conduct.
30. Arrive for training and competition in good time to prepare properly.
31. Wear suitable kit (including a helmet) and clothing for all cycling activity sessions, as agreed with the coach.
32. Play within the rules and respect officials and all their decisions.
33. Control my temper – verbal abuse of officials and other riders, or deliberately distracting/provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted behaviour in any sport. RDFCC MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT V1.0 10/10/2019
34. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, disability, cultural background or religion.
35. Pay any fees promptly.
36. Abide by the rule that junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or while representing the club at competitions.
37. Abide by the rule that junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or while representing the club.
38. Treat all participants in cycling as I would like to be treated – not bullying or taking unfair advantage of another participant.
39. Cooperate with my coach, club mates and opponents – remember, without them there would be no competition.
40. Thank officials and opponents after competition.
41. If any member is concerned about the behaviour/conduct of any individual towards a junior/youth at a club event, they must inform a club welfare officer as soon as possible. If any member believes any child is in any form of danger, at any time they must contact the police.
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COMPAINTS/FEEDBACK
42. All complaints/feedback will be taken seriously and reviewed by the committee.
43. If club members have a complaint regarding another club member or the committee, or any feedback which might not represent the club in a positive light, then the committee should be contacted directly in writing by email or through the Contact page on the club website, NOT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA channels.