It is an expectation of Comeragh Cycling Club that all those associated with the Club will, when representing the Club, act in a way which will promote, safeguard and protect the welfare of everyone, including children, young people, coaches, volunteers, parents, members, participants and guests.
“…Fair play is much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing with the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship, doping, violence either verbal or physical, exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialism and corruption”.
For Senior Club Members
- Members competing or representing Comeragh cc in any open events are obliged to wear club gear at all times.
- Members placed in events and in receipt of a prize are required to wear the club colours when accepting said prize and for any photo opportunities.
- Helmets must be worn by all members while participating in club spins. In the interest of safety the committee recommend that members wear their protective headgear at all times out training.
- Show respect for fellow club members at all times.
- Show respect for other competitors at all times.
- Should not take any banned or dangerous substances
- Members should understand and follow all relevant policies and procedures of the Club
- Club members should show respect for the committee at all times, any issues with a committee member should be addressed to the Chairperson or Club Secretary.
- The reputation of Comeragh cc should be upheld at all times and by all members. Issues within the club will be dealt with in a timely manner within the club.
- Members must understand the concept of, and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
- Members must be aware of the guidelines on the use of e-mail, web-forms, mobile phone and test messaging with fellow members.
Email Use
The purpose of the Comeragh email is to notify members of:
- Last minute changes to event details.
- Last minute events (please check for other event clashes first).
- Advanced notices of events (where the next bulletin will be too late).
- Any other important news regarding an event.
- Related news items from the committee.
The following are not acceptable (common sense should be used): - Sale of goods or services, or promotion of a business.
- Jokes, junk mail, or other general messages not concerning events or the Club.
- Virus warnings.
- E-mails containing racist, sexist, abusive, personal criticism or other inappropriate language (e.g. swear words).
- Change of address or contact details (please send these to the membership Secretary only – sineadpower@comeraghcc.com).
General Guidelines for messages:
- Consideration should be given to the fact that many members receive Group messages to their work e-mail address. Therefore choice of language and content should be carefully considered.
- Messages should ideally be short and to the point, with the subject line of the e-mail containing the name and date of the event. This will ensure that subscribers can quickly determine if the message is relevant to them.
- Attachments to e-mails should also be avoided where possible – some people will be receiving their e-mail by a slow modem connection.
- Event photos should be submitted through the club secretary for uploading onto the website.. Maps are better sent to those attending the event, or a link to a website such as multimap.com or streetmap.co.uk should be used.
- Reminders of events should not be regularly sent, unless by not doing so the event would be in danger of ‘failing’ or being significantly under attended, or there is a genuine reason to promote the event.
- Be mindful of member security and when copying in others use the BCC option to with hold e mail addresses from general circulation.
- Where organizing a discrete event, it might be advantageous to set up an email user group solely for that event. That way, only members who have a direct interest will receive e mails.
Email moderation
- Should anyone send one or more messages that breach these guidelines, then the committee will review the situation, and the sender of such emails may be subject to disciplinary action decided upon by the committee.
Email Policy;
- Be professional and careful what you say about others. E-mail is easily forwarded, an email message may go to persons other than the intended recipient
- Personal e-mail should not be forwarded to mailing lists or other users without the
original author’s permission.( use BCC where appropriate) - Email is a fast form of communication. Often messages are written and sent simultaneously, without the opportunity to check for accuracy. If you send emails with any, defamatory, offensive, racist or obscene remarks, you can be held liable.
- If you receive any offensive, unpleasant, harassing or intimidating messages via email you are requested to inform the Club committee.
For those involved with Junior Members – Coaches, Volunteers, Members, Participants and Guests:
Should
- Be aware of bullying as an issue
- Treat everyone with respect
- Provide an example you wish others to follow
- Ensure that parents of junior members are always kept informed of what is going on in the Club
- Ensure that relationships formed are appropriate and that the conduct of any member, adult or child, do not give rise to adverse speculation and comment
- Any physical touch should be in response to a child or young person’s needs, be appropriate to the particular circumstances, and appropriate to the age and development of the child or young person
- Understand and follow all relevant policies and procedures
- Understand the concept of, and maintain, appropriate confidentiality
- Be aware of the guidelines on the use of e-mail, mobile phone and text messaging with young people
Should never
- Treat any allegation or disclosure lightly
- Engage in sexually provocative or rough physical games, including horseplay
- Use, or allow children or young people to use inappropriate language without challenging them
- Engage in any behaviour or banter which causes the child or young person to be concerned of feel uncomfortable
- Allow themselves to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour
- Take or use photographs or video images without permission from the children’s parents
- Use any form of corporal punishment or physical force against a child or young person
Should avoid
- Spending excessive amounts of time alone with a child or young person, away from easy view of other adults
- Take a child or young person alone on a car journey, however short, except in a an emergency situation, such as seeking urgent medical attention for the child
Following any incident where a Club member feels his or her actions have been or may be misconstrued, they should write a detailed report and pass this to one of the Club’s Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults officers.
Parents Should
- Show an active interest in the activities and programmes offered.
- Encourage enjoyment and participation for their child or young person.
- Behave responsibly on the sideline/during events/ training
- Get to know and respect coaches and volunteers and their roles with the youth section of the club.
- Liaise with club officials regarding times, venues and medical conditions in respect of your child or young person.
- Arrive on time for the beginning and end of events, coaching sessions, or other training.
- Focus on the effort of your child or young person rather than their performance.
- Encourage your child or young person to abide by the rules and participate fairly.
Parents Should not
- Ignore or dismiss complaints expressed by a child or young person.
- Ridicule or yell at a child or young person for making a mistake or losing.
- Put undue pressure on a child or young person to perform well.
- Treat the club as a minding service.
- Allow children or young people to break rules-especially safety rules.
Children and Young People
Children and young people participating in any activity organised by the Club are expected to treat others with fairness and respect; and
- Play fairly at all times
- Have fun
- Always shake hands with other competitors before and after events
- Show respect for officials or coaches from any Club
- Show respect for fellow Club members
- Show respect for opponents or other competitors
- Always offer to help team mates or opponents who are hurt
- Talk to the identified Club member or other person you trust if you have any concerns about yourself or others
Should never
- Bully or use violence or violent or abusive language
- Shout or argue with officials, coaches, or other participants
- Take any banned or dangerous substances
- Tell lies or spread rumours about any other people you come into contact with through the Club
- Keep any secrets about anyone who may have caused you or any other child or young person harm, or made you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed
There is an expectation that all members will sign to say they agree to abide by the above Code of Conduct.
Children and those with learning disabilities should have this Code of Conduct explained to them in age appropriate language either by a parent or other appropriate Club member.