Club Code of Conduct

Stewartby Bowls Club Code of Conduct

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to provide an enjoyable, comfortable, safe and rewarding environment for all people associated with the club. It applies equally to members and their guests, as well as visitors including players from other clubs visiting the club for social or other competitions.

Members, visitors and guests of the club have a right to:

·       be treated with fairness and respect;

·       participate in an environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination;

·       have their privacy and confidentiality protected.

Members, or others, may submit their views or concerns to the Bowls Committee in person or in writing.

The Bowls Committee will investigate and deal with concerns in a timely manner. They will

advise all concerned parties of their decision, which will close the matter.

It is expected that members and visitors of the club will at all times:

·       Be friendly, courteous and respectful towards other members, visitors and staff;

·       Respect teammates, opponents, officials and the rules of the game;

·       Refrain from behaviour that would bring the game or the club into disrepute;

·       Refrain from behaviour that could offend or embarrass others;

·       Behave in non-violent and non-abusive ways;

·       Respect the positions of office bearers, committee members and volunteers of the club;

·       Treat the property and facilities of the club with respect;

·       Contribute positively to the sporting and social activities of the club.

Conduct is a matter of concern to all members – poor conduct has a negative impact, and can be harmful and destructive to the club.

It is the responsibility of all members to ensure that their behaviour is appropriate at all times.

If a member is offensive or abusive, responding in the same manner will also be considered a breach of the Code of Conduct. The only reasonable and acceptable response is to not engage in a negative behaviour. It is acceptable to report the concern/matter to the Bowls Committee to be investigated under breaches of the Code of Conduct.

Any member representing the club must not engage in conduct which is violent, aggressive, inappropriate or prejudicial to the interests of the club.

A member representing the club, for the purposes of this rule, is defined as, but not restricted to, anyone who:

·       Is wearing club uniform or any items of uniform that identifies them as a member of the club;

·       Represents the club in any bowls event;

·       Participates in any bowls event at our club or at another club, or attends such event(s) as a spectator.

Any member who has indicated their availability to represent the club in any organized competitions must play in the position(s) and team(s) they are selected in by the club’s selectors.

Bowlers will show respect to their team mates, and opponents, and play the game of bowls to the highest degree of sportsmanship and honesty.

Spectators on the surrounds of the green will conduct themselves in a manner that ensures that bowlers are not distracted.

Members, visitors and guests will ensure that the comfort of other patrons is not unreasonably disturbed.

Members, visitors and guests will respect other patrons and will conduct themselves in a manner that will not cause offense.

Members, visitors and guests must consume alcohol responsibly and will accept any staff or licensee decision to discontinue the serving of alcohol without complaint.

There is strictly no drinking of alcohol on the greens at any time. Glassware is not allowed on the green at any time.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct may be reported to any member of the Bowls Committee. Any breach of the Code of Conduct will be resolved calmly, with honesty, dignity, and as far as possible confidentiality will be maintained.

Where and when required, the Bowls Committee or a Disciplinary Committee appointed by the Bowls Committee, has the right to make decisions, and enforce fair and appropriate measures, to resolve a perceived breach of the Code of Conduct.

Any reported breach of the Code of Conduct will be investigated, discussed and dealt with by the Bowls Committee or by a Disciplinary Committee appointed by the Bowls Committee by imposing either a reprimand, suspension, or revoking of club membership in accordance with the Penalty Matrix adopted by the Bowls Committee. In the case of non-club members or visitors, the Bowls Committee may consider a ban from the club for a set period of time or for life.

Stewartby Bowls Committee