Club Code of Conduct
The Club has adopted the following code of conduct:
Steel City Striders Running Club respects the rights, dignity and worth of everyone and expects all members to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Club’s ethos. By becoming a member of the Club you agree to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner at all Club events, including social events, and events attended by Club members. You will also be expected to communicate on the Club’s social media sites in a way that is respectful to others.
The following will not be tolerated:
- Verbal or physical aggression
- Offensive or discriminatory language
- Harassment of any kind
Members who conduct themselves in breach of this Code of Conduct may be asked to leave the event by a run leader, coach, Welfare Officer or Committee member. Any member subjected to such conduct or observing the same should report this immediately to the Club member responsible for the run or event and thereafter to a Welfare Officer as soon as possible after the incident. Once in receipt of a complaint the Welfare Officer will consider what procedure to follow in accordance with EA guidelines. Steps taken can include referral to the local authority and police, referral to EA or to the Committee for investigation. In the event that referral is to the Committee, if it is found that a member has breached this code, the Committee will consider the imposition of sanctions which can include termination of Club membership, suspension of membership or conditions on participation in Club activities.
In addition, Steel City Striders Running Club is compliant with UKA Adult Safeguarding Policy as follows:
UK Athletics and the four HCAFs believe everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect, regardless of age, ability, disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution. We collectively acknowledge that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and we are committed to the prevention of abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults involved in our sport. UK Athletics and the four HCAFs recognise that health, wellbeing, ability, disability and need for care and support can affect a person’s resilience. We recognise that some people experience barriers, for example, to communication in raising concerns or seeking help. We recognise that these factors can vary at different points in people’s lives. We recognise that there is a legal framework within which sports need to work to safeguard adults who have needs for care and support, and for protecting those who are unable to take action to protect themselves. We will act in accordance with the relevant safeguarding adult legislation and with local statutory safeguarding procedures. Actions taken by UK Athletics and the four HCAFs will be consistent with the principles of adult safeguarding, ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adult concerned.
All members are asked to acknowledge, and thereby consent to, the code of conduct when they join the club, and when they renew their membership on an annual basis.
Response to misconduct
All committee members, coaches, run leaders and club members should be able to recognise possible misconduct and follow it up when it is reported. If in doubt, advice may be sought from one of the Welfare Officers. You can contact the Welfare Officers via the Get in Touch page.
All committee members, coaches and run leaders should be familiar with the Club policy on misconduct and follow it when possible misconduct is reported.
All club members should be assured that misconduct will be taken seriously and they will be supported when this is reported.
Procedures:
In the event that behaviour is observed that may be misconduct, it should be reported to a Club Welfare Officer.
The alleged perpetrator concerned may be asked to leave the event by the event organiser, run leader or coach, Welfare Officer or a committee member.
In the event that inappropriate entries are found on social media as outlined above the matter should be reported immediately to the Welfare Officer or Club Chair.
Concerns reported to another club member, run leader, coach or committee member should also be reported to a Welfare Officer.
Members reporting concerns are asked to keep a note of what happened, when and where it happened, and who was involved.
The Welfare Officer will keep a note of the concern.
In the event that EA Guidance indicates that the matter can be dealt with by way of investigation by the Club, the matter will be referred to the Club Conduct Sub-Committee when the following provisions will apply.
Conduct Sub-Committee
The Club Committee shall appoint a conduct sub-committee.
The sub-committee shall consist of three members of the club, including at least one club committee member and including at least one woman and one man.
Role of the Conduct Sub-Committee:
Upon receipt of a concern the sub-committee shall satisfy itself that the decision to proceed within the Club Code of Practice is correct and that there is no need for intervention by EA or any other authority.
If the sub-committee decide is so satisfied it shall:
- Establish whether there is sufficient information from the complainant or witnesses to the concern upon which to proceed and, if not, decide what further enquiries should be made.
- Prepare a summary of the allegations made and forward the same to the alleged perpetrator.
- Invite the alleged perpetrator to respond to the allegations including by way of face to face meeting at a venue at which confidentiality can be maintained and at which the alleged perpetrator feels comfortable. A minute will be made of this meeting of which a copy will be supplied to the alleged perpetrator.
Then consider whether misconduct has occurred and:
- If not, to notify both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator.
- If so, to decide what actions should be taken.
In either case to make a note of the decision to be maintained in confidential Club records.
Actions and Sanctions:
The sub-committee will recommend to the Committee appropriate actions including imposing sanctions on the alleged perpetrator. The Committee will decide, by majority vote of those present at a meeting of the Committee called in accordance with the Club Constitution, whether to accept, vary or reject any such recommendations.
Before any sanctions are imposed the alleged perpetrator will be given 14 days’ notice of the matter, in writing, and be given the opportunity to make representations to the Committee about the matter.
Actions that may be taken include arranging reconciliation between the parties or facilitating an apology.
Sanctions may include limiting the perpetrator’s engagement in club activities, or suspension or exclusion from the Club. A note shall be made of the reasons for the sanction being imposed.
Where it is proposed sanctions are to be imposed the alleged perpetrator shall be advised of the services offered by England Athletics.
Date reviewed: October 2024