Code of Conduct

PARENTS / GUARDIANS

Parents and guardians are vital volunteers within our rowing programme, and the Club thanks you for the time and effort you contribute to supporting MBC Rowing. We appreciate your help and support at regattas and camps, as well as your involvement in ensuring best practice policies are followed.

Your Responsibilities

• Agree to abide by the Code of Conduct – Non Rowers.

• Ensure that your child/children abide by the Code of Conduct – Rowers & Coxswains.

• Agree to abide by the Club’s Health and Safety policies.

• Support all efforts to remove verbal abuse, physical abuse, and unsportsmanlike behaviour from sporting activities.

• Model good behaviour at all times and at all events. This includes respectful communication, maintaining a smoke-free environment, and making responsible choices around alcohol.

• Respect and abide by officials’ decisions, and teach children to do likewise.

• Understand the complaints process and follow the appropriate procedure if you feel unjustly treated.

• Respect coaches, officials, volunteers, and administrators, and their roles within the Club.

• Ensure your child’s coach is informed regarding absenteeism, medical conditions, or any other relevant matters.

• Provide the Club with up-to-date emergency contact information and be reasonably available in case of an emergency.

• Abide by the MBC Rowing Club Child Protection Policy.

• Agree to undertake a Police vetting check if you are a member of the Regatta Management Team.

COACHES

Coaches play a key role in shaping the culture, performance, and wellbeing of athletes within the programme. Coaches are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism.

Your Responsibilities

• Agree to abide by the Code of Conduct – Non Rowers.

• Agree to abide by the Club’s Health and Safety policies.

• Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every individual.

• Model good behaviour at all times and at all events. This includes respectful communication, maintaining a smoke-free environment, and making responsible choices around alcohol.

• Be a positive role model for the sport and for athletes.

• Understand and comply with the rules and regulations of Rowing New Zealand and the MBC Rowing Club, particularly with respect to water safety.

• Work collaboratively with other coaches and Club members, and contribute positively to development and competition discussions.

• Not participate in, or benefit from, sports betting or gambling activity associated with rowing events and/or rowing results in which you are involved.

• Operate within the rules of the sport and the spirit of fair play, and encourage athletes to do the same.

• Advocate for a sporting environment free of drugs and performance-enhancing substances, in line with Drug Free Sport New Zealand guidelines.

• Not disclose confidential information relating to athletes without prior consent.

• Refrain from initiating a relationship with an athlete under the age of 18, and discourage any attempt by an athlete to initiate an inappropriate relationship.

• Seek advice and assistance from others when additional expertise is required.

• Adopt appropriate risk management strategies to ensure that the training and competition environment is safe.

• Encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required.

• Be alert to any forms of abuse directed towards athletes from other sources while they are in your care.

• Agree to undertake a Police vetting check.

• Abide by the Child Protection Policy.

MBC ROWING CLUB MANAGEMENT

Committee members are expected to lead and manage MBC Rowing Club to the best of their ability, for the benefit of all rowers and the wider programme.

Your Responsibilities

• Agree to abide by the Code of Conduct – Non Rowers.

• Agree to abide by the Club’s Health and Safety policies.

• Be professional, fair, considerate, and honest in dealings with others.

• Resolve conflicts fairly and promptly through established procedures.

• Keep and store all documentation relating to meetings, correspondence, and committee minutes (either electronically or as physical copies).

• Establish, maintain, and revise rules when required in the best interests of the Club, and ensure these rules are clearly communicated to relevant members.

• Ensure effective communication with members through recognised channels (e.g. email, newsletters, social media, etc.).

• Respect confidential or sensitive information gained through your role.

• Model good behaviour at all times and at all events. This includes respectful communication, maintaining a smoke-free environment, and making responsible choices around alcohol.

• Abide by the Child Protection Policy.

VOLUNTEERS

As a volunteer, you represent yourself and MBC Rowing Club. All volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.

Your Responsibilities

• Agree to abide by the Code of Conduct – Non Rowers.

• Agree to abide by the Club’s Health and Safety policies.

• Model good behaviour at all times and at all events. This includes respectful communication, maintaining a smoke-free environment, and making responsible choices around alcohol.

• Not use abusive language or display disrespectful behaviour towards other volunteers, club members, athletes, officials, or the public, either verbally or physically.

• Place the safety and welfare of participants above all else.

• Respect the possessions and property of MBC Rowing Club and any facilities used.

• Respect other volunteers, club members, and members of the public.

• Not consume or use illegal drugs or substances during any volunteering event or activity.

• Respect confidential or sensitive information you may become aware of through your role.

• Treat representatives of other clubs and regions with respect, and encourage rowers and coaches to do the same.

• Abide by the Child Protection Policy.