Devizes Canoe Club Codes of Conduct

Club Code of Conduct

Intent

Devizes Canoe Club is affiliated to Paddle UK. This code of conduct supports our efforts to treat everyone equally, regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or political persuasion.

This code of conduct follows the Paddle UK template. It supplements our current Club Rules, DCC’s Sport Equality Policy, our club values, other DCC policies and codes of conduct.

It is the policy of Devizes Canoe Club that all paddlers, volunteers, coaches and parents show respect and understanding for each other and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club.

The aim is for all paddlers to improve performance and have fun. Everyone involved in the Club should abide by the Club Rules and Policies.

Paddlers

• Take care of all property belonging to the club or club members.

• Treat other club members with respect at all times – on and off the water – treat other paddlers as you would want to be treated yourself.

• Control tempers and avoid behaviour which may affect or upset others, in particular the general public including our near neighbours and those who live on or near the canal.

• Co-operate and listen to your coach or club officials.

Club Officials, Coaches and Volunteers

• Consider the wellbeing and safety of paddlers before the development of performance.

• Develop an appropriate working relationship with paddlers/performers, based on mutual trust and respect.

• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, abilities and experience of those taking part.

• Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.

• Follow Paddle UK and club guidelines and policies.

• Comply with Paddle UK Standards for Deployment in delivering club activities.

• Hold the appropriate, up-dated qualifications and insurance.

• Encourage paddlers to value their performance and not just results.

• Never condone the use of prohibited substances.

Parents/Guardians

• 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.

• Publicly accept officials’ judgements.

• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy the sport.

• Use correct and proper language at all times.

• Set a good example by applauding good performances of all paddlers.

Local rules applying to all club members and supporters

• Every club member is individually responsible for raising safety concerns and conducting themselves in a way that ensures their own safety and the safety of others.

• The word of a club coach or any club official is final.

• Visit the club on foot or by bike unless you need to bring a vehicle to load/unload a boat, or you need to arrive by car because your mobility is restricted.

• Use offsite public parking. Do not park at the club, Lower Wharf or the private visitor’s spaces at Dundas Court.

• Only use the private parking at Wansborough’s Solicitors outside of working hours.

Breaches of the code of conduct will be addressed using the club’s disciplinary, disputes and appeals policy. This policy is published on the club’s website.

Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent or carer you play an essential part in encouraging, supporting and influencing your child’s participation in canoeing. Sometimes, despite best intentions, your behaviour can have a negative impact on your child’s (or other children’s) enjoyment of the sport- often without you even realising! The following helps highlight a few things to consider.

Set a good example:

• Applaud good performances of all paddlers, not just your child’s.

• Behave responsibly; try not to embarrass your child,

• Use appropriate language at all times.

• Show appreciation and support for the coaches, staff and volunteers.

• Publicly accept judges or official’s decisions.

As parents/carers you should:

• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy the sport, promote playing sport for fun.

• Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their chosen activity.

• Never force your child to take part in sport or place your child under pressure or push them into activities they do not want to do.

• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.

• Never punish or belittle a child for loosing or making mistakes.

• Be realistic and supportive, teach them that they can only do their best.

• Encourage your child to follow the rules of the sport and any codes of conduct for the activity and club.

• Do not attempt to coach your junior paddler during a coached supervised session.

• When requested, complete and return any registration, medical and consent forms and ensure you update these straight away with any changes.

• Deliver and collect your child punctually, inform the coach/organiser prior to the activity starting if your child is to be collected early or by someone else.

Sessions are scheduled and booked via the Spon app, please use this to confirm attendance so coaches and resources can be deployed, any changes will be notified via Spond.

• Ensure your child has clothing, kit, food and drink appropriate to the activity and weather conditions.

• Don’t park cars at the club, Lower Wharf or the visitor’s spaces at Dundas Court.

As a parents/carer you have the right to:

• Be assured that your child is safeguarded during their participation in the activity.

• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to your child.

• Be informed if your child is injured.

• Be informed via Spond of any changes to scheduled sessions.

• Have your consent sought for attendance on club trips or photography of your child.

• Contribute to decisions that affect your child.

• Have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s welfare, listened to and responded to.

Any breaches of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by a Devizes Canoe Club Committee member. Persistent concerns or breaches may result in you being asked not to attend club activities or events if your attendance is considered detrimental to the welfare of young participants. The ultimate action should a parent/guardian continue to breach the code of behaviour may be the Devizes Canoe Club Committee regrettably asking your child to leave the session, event or club.

Membership and subsequent renewal is confirmation of acceptance of the code of conduct.

Junior Paddler Code of Conduct

As a young Paddler taking part in a Devizes Canoe Club activity, you should:

• Help create and maintain an environment free of fear and harassment.

• Demonstrate fair play and apply Paddle UK’s standards both on and off the water.

• Understand that you have the right to be treated as an individual.

• Respect the advice that you receive.

• Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself.

• Respect other people and their differences.

• Look out for yourself and for the welfare of others.

• Speak out (to your parents or a club representative) if you consider that you or others have been poorly treated.

• Tell someone in authority if you are leaving the venue.

• Accept that these guidelines are in place for the well-being of all concerned.

• Treat organisers and coaches with respect.

• Observe instructions or restrictions requested by the adults looking after you.

• Be organised and on time, or inform your coach if you are going to be late.

• Sessions are scheduled and booked via the Spon app, please use this to confirm

attendance so coaches and resources can be deployed, any changes will be notified via Spond.

• Take care of all club facilities and property belonging to the club or any club member – and be responsible for caring for your own equipment and clothing.

You should not take part in any irresponsible, abusive, inappropriate or illegal behaviour which includes:

• Using offensive language.

• Publicly using critical or disrespectful descriptions of others either in person or through text,

email or social network sites.

• Smoking or consumption of alcohol / drugs of any kind whilst on club premises or representing the club at events.

Membership and subsequent renewal is confirmation of acceptance of the code of conduct.