1) Purpose
This Code of Conduct sets out:
- What behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable
- The standards expected of all members and those involved with the club
- How poor behaviour will be challenged and improved, supporting a safe, welcoming environment
This forms part of new member induction and annual membership renewal (including for juniors and parents/carers).
2) Scope – Who this applies to
This Code applies to:
- All senior members (18+) (as defined in the Club Constitution)
- All junior members (under 18)
- Parents/carers/guardians of juniors
- Anyone representing the club at training, events, races, trips, online spaces, or social activities.
Note: This Code of Conduct is supplementary to the Coaches, Leaders, Volunteers and Welfare Officers Code of Conduct and also the Codes of Conduct as provided by England Athletics and doesn’t supersede those documents.
3) Our shared club standards (Everyone)
All members and participants will:
Respect & Inclusion
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every athlete, coach, technical official and others involved in athletics, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion/belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
- Support an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe, and where concerns can be raised without fear of victimisation or reprisal.
Safety & Welfare
- Put welfare and safety first in all club activities, including training sessions, races, travel and social events.
- Follow club safety instructions, session rules, and event/race organiser requirements.
Sporting Values
- Participate within the rules of the sport, respect officials and leaders, and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
- Uphold club standards inside and outside sport when representing the club.
- Promote positive aspects of athletics (e.g., fair play) and never condone rule violations or prohibited/age-inappropriate substances.
- Accept the current guidelines established by the National Governing Body of our sport on the use of prohibited and performance-enhancing substances.
Behaviour
- Avoid swearing, abusive language, bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or violence.
- Take responsibility for your actions and the impact they may have on others.
- Respect club facilities and equipment; do not misuse or damage venues or property.
Raising concerns
- Challenge and/or report inappropriate behaviour and language, and report safeguarding concerns promptly to the Lead Welfare Officer (or via the club’s reporting route).
Online / Social Media
- Behave online as you would in person: do not post, share or send content that is offensive, discriminatory, bullying, sexualised, threatening, or that compromises confidentiality or safeguarding.
4) Senior Members (18+) – Code of Conduct
As a senior club member, I will:
- Respect others (members, volunteers, officials, event staff, and the public) and treat everyone equitably.
- Co-operate with coaches/run leaders/officials and follow reasonable instructions.
- Be responsible for my own needs (e.g., appropriate kit, hydration, medication, and arriving on time).
- Avoid behaviour that creates risk to myself or others, including irresponsible or illegal conduct.
- Not carry or consume illegal substances at club activities, and not misuse alcohol in a way that risks safety or brings the club into disrepute.
- Report concerns about welfare/safeguarding, poor practice, bullying or harassment.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries – especially around junior members—and support a culture where juniors are protected and respected.
If I breach this code, I understand action may be taken by the club, which may include (proportionate to the issue):
- apology, verbal warning, written warning, conditions on attendance, suspension, or termination of membership (in line with club disciplinary procedures).
5) Junior Members (Under 18) – Code of Conduct
Your rights
As a junior member, you have the right to:
- Be safe and protected
- Be listened to and respected
- Be treated fairly and believed when you raise concerns
- Ask for help
- Be coached/led by appropriately qualified adults
Your responsibilities
As a junior member, I will:
- Be friendly, supportive and respectful to others.
- Help keep myself and others safe; follow safety rules and instructions.
- Tell a leader/coach if I feel unwell or injured.
- Report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations to an adult I trust (e.g., coach, run leader, Welfare Officer, or my parent/carer).
- Compete fairly, respect officials and other athletes, and follow the rules.
- Look after equipment and venues and behave responsibly.
- Not use bad language; not take part in bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or illegal behaviour—including online.
- Stick to agreed timings and let my parent/carer know where I am (or if I’m late).
If I breach this code, I understand the club may take action such as:
- apology, warning, temporary suspension from sessions, or (for serious/repeated issues) suspension/termination of junior membership.
The club will inform my parent/carer if I breach the junior code.
6) Parents/Carers of Juniors – Code of Conduct
As a parent/carer, I will:
- Demonstrate respectful behaviour at all times and set a positive example.
- Encourage my child to learn the rules, focus on effort and development—not just results—and keep athletics fun.
- Never force my child to participate and never punish or belittle them for mistakes or losing.
- Use appropriate language and behaviour at training, events and competitions (good spectator behaviour).
- Ensure the club has up-to-date emergency contact and relevant medical information, and return any consent forms when required.
- Know where my child is and who they are with; take responsibility for safe transport to/from club activity unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- Raise welfare/safeguarding concerns appropriately and promptly via the Junior Welfare Officer / safeguarding route.
- Not undermine, belittle, or disrespect athletes, coaches, officials, or volunteers.
If I breach this code, I understand action may be taken by the club, including warnings, restrictions, suspension, or being required to leave club activities (and/or membership consequences where applicable).
7) Safeguarding & welfare commitment
As an affiliated club, we will:
- Implement and communicate clear codes of conduct and linked policies/processes.
- Ensure members know how to raise concerns and that concerns can be raised without fear of victimisation or reprisal.
- Maintain a welfare/safeguarding function and signpost appropriate reporting routes.
Lead Welfare Officer: Hannah Stewart (welfare@tynebridgeharriers.com)
Junior Welfare Officer: Hannah Stewart
Senior Welfare Officers: Sammie Buzzard; Jessica Hamilton
Emergency: If someone is at immediate risk, call 999.
8) How this code is used
- Members will be asked to agree to this Code at joining and at renewal.
- The Code will be referenced at junior inductions, parent briefings, and periodically during the season as a reminder and improvement tool.
- Breaches will be managed via the club’s disciplinary process, with safeguarding issues handled under safeguarding procedures.
