This document sets out the behaviour expected of club members, volunteers and
participants in club activities and details the role of the welfare officers.

Club Members

The success of Harold Wood Running Club is dependent on the active participation of all
our members. The club is run and managed by a small committee of volunteers and we ask
all members to support the committee and get involved where possible. The following code
of conduct is mainly ‘common sense’ but we encourage all members to read this and adopt
these principles. As a responsible club member you will:

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all club members, committee members,
coaches, and treat everyone equally.

• Anticipate and be responsible for your own needs including being organised, having
the appropriate equipment and turning up on time to club sessions and events.

• Ensure that payment of annual membership fees is made promptly.

• Consistently promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play and never
condone rule violations or the use of prohibited or age-inappropriate substances.

• Always thank the coaches and officials who enable you to participate in athletics.

• Uphold the same values of sportsmanship off the field as you do when engaged in
athletics.

• Cooperate fully with others involved in the sport such as coaches, officials, team
managers, doctors, physiotherapists, sport scientists and representatives of the
governing body in the best interests of yourself and other athletes.

• Avoid swearing and abusive language and irresponsible behaviour including
behaviour that is dangerous to yourself or others, acts of violence, bullying,
harassment and physical and sexual abuse.

• Never engage in comments on social media which are abusive, offensive or
derogatory to the club or club members.

• Challenge inappropriate behaviour and language by others.

• Never engage in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour.

• Avoid destructive behaviour and leave athletics venues as you find them.

• Not carry or consume alcohol to excess and/or illegal substances.

• Avoid carrying any items that could be dangerous to yourself or others excluding
athletics equipment used in the course of your athletics activity.

Running Group Participants

As a participant in any club-led running group (including ‘Introduction to Running’) you will:

• Listen to your run leader.

• Not divert from planned routes without the knowledge and consent of the run leader.

• Be honest about your ability. Take note of any recommendations given to you by run leaders about which group is right for you and change groups when appropriate.

• Inform your run leader if you have any injury, illness or long term medical condition that may affect your running. We recommend that you carry In Case of Emergency
(ICE) details on your person.

• Anticipate and be responsible for your own needs. Be organised, on time, and have appropriate clothing and equipment. If it’s dark, wear something bright – hi vis or reflective.

• Look after the other runners within your group. If someone is struggling make sure that they are not left on their own or inform your run leader.

• Be responsible for your own safety and the safety of others. Warn other runners
around you of impending hazards.

• Respect and acknowledge other road and footpath users. Be courteous and run in single file where appropriate.

• Not leave a session without first informing your run leader.

Club Committee, Leaders and Coaches

In order to maintain and develop a vibrant club you can expect the committee to uphold the same values as the general membership. In addition the committee and coaches will:

• Adopt national welfare policies and procedures, adhere to the codes of conduct and respond to any suspected breaches in accordance with the welfare procedures.

• Appoint a welfare officer and ensure that they are provided with appropriate training to act as a first point of contact for concerns about welfare issues.

• Ensure that officers & coaches hold the appropriate qualifications for their role and
have undertaken the appropriate checks e.g. DBS checks. Club Welfare Officer Details:

• Louise Hawker
Phone No: 07979 591668

The Welfare Officers will:

• Deal with confidential matters that may arise related to athletes and have an understanding and appropriate manner to deal with such matters.

• Recognise the difference between poor practice according to club rules and matters that would be seen as welfare issue.