Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

General Introduction and Aims

It is the aim of Ruislip Bowl Club to promote high standards of conduct and ethical values within the sport and to provide an enjoyable, comfortable, safe and rewarding environment for members and their guests, including players from visiting clubs.

Members of, and visitors to, the Club are required to behave in a way which upholds the values and good reputation of the Club.  Members are reminded that Ruislip Bowls Club has been built and developed over the years by its members for the benefit of all members and for the advancement of the sport of lawn bowls. It is the responsibility of everyone involved with the club to ensure that it continues to develop and progress and that no person/s is/are allowed to degrade or damage the property or interests of the club or bring the club or the sport of bowls into disrepute.

All club officials agree to act for the benefit of the club when making decisions that affect, or may affect, Ruislip Bowls Club and to do so without reference to their own personal interests, either financial or otherwise. Should a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, arise between the club and any official, or if there is a danger of such conflict arising, the individual concerned must refrain from taking any further part in the handling of the matter.

The resources of Ruislip Bowls Club may only be used in respect of the activities of the club.

Members and Visitors have a right to:

• Be treated equitably, courteously and with respect;
• Participate in an environment free from all forms of harassment, bullying  and discrimination;
• Have their privacy and confidentiality treated lawfully and with respect;

 

Members are expected to:

• Display good standards of behaviour both on and off the green.
• Display a sporting approach to team colleagues, opponents, officials and spectators.
• Act with honesty and integrity.
• Comply with Club rules and follow all safety requirements and practices of the Club.
• Observe the laws and etiquette of the sport of bowls
• Comply with any lawful and/or reasonable direction given by someone who has authority to give the direction.
• Use Ruislip Bowls Club resources in an appropriate manner
• Be good ambassadors for Ruislip Bowls Club.

Members must not:­

• Use obscene or offensive language, or abusive or threatening behaviour towards others,
• Behave in a disorderly manner or in a way that could offend or embarrass others.
• Harass, bully or abuse other persons, physically, verbally or emotionally.

• Show any form of discrimination against other persons.
• Cheat or use any form of gamesmanship in order to gain unfair advantage.

• Render themselves unfit through alcohol or drugs, whilst on club premises or when representing the club elsewhere.
• Bet on Lawn Bowls and carry out other corrupt practices relating to the sport of Lawn Bowls, including improperly influencing the outcome and results of an event or competition.

 

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Any breach of the Code of Conduct must be reported to the Committee who will arrange for the matter to be investigated/considered. Every effort should be made by all concerned to maintain confidentiality.

If, following an investigation and having considered all relevant circumstances, it is concluded that a breach has occurred, then the Committee or Disciplinary Committee shall take what it deems to be appropriate action, in line with the club’s Disciplinary Procedure.

Ruislip Bowls Club, through its Committee or a Disciplinary Committee, reserves the right to make decisions and enforce fair and reasonable measures following a breach of the Code of Conduct. This may include issuing a formal reprimand in writing, a temporary suspension of club membership or fully revoking club membership, following disciplinary proceedings.

In the case of non‐members, action may include a ban from club premises for a set limited period or for life.

 

Monitoring and Review

 

This code of conduct will be reviewed by the Committee, and amended as appropriate, every three years or at other times as necessary, or in accordance with changes in policies or guidance of the Club’s National Governing Body and/or the Bowls Development Alliance.

 

 

 

Signed   David Barnes                                   Print    David Barnes

 

(Chairman)

 

Date:   16 October 2023

 

Date document introduced: 16 October 2023

 

Committee Document – Author: Ken Scott