Outrigger Canoeing Is an Exhilarating Sport That Promotes Fitness, Teamwork and a Healthy

Outrigger canoeing is an exhilarating sport that promotes fitness, teamwork and a healthy

outdoor lifestyle, attracting recreational and competitive paddlers alike.

CODE OF CONDUCT

AND

DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

Acknowledgement: This code of conduct was based on the Sport Rage prevention

kit available from the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation, Office of

Communities located at: www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/sportrage.

Date: 18/2/2015

Introduction

This code of conduct will be provided to existing members and new members

upon joining Central Coast Outrigger Canoe Club and govern their behaviour and

disciplinary action that may apply.

The code of conduct is intended to cover various roles applicable to the Club

including:

Paddler;

Administrator;

Coach;

Official; and

Parent (of Junior paddler, if applicable)

Paddler

·  I will always participate by the rules governing the sport of outrigger canoeing;

·  I will give new paddlers respect and understanding;

·  I will remember that fellow paddlers participate for enjoyment of the sport of

outrigger canoeing;

·  I will not use offensive language while paddling, during club activities or on

club premises;

·  I will refrain from any form of sexual harassment towards fellow club

members;

If I am an experienced paddler:

·  I will always attempt to provide appropriate advice to newer paddlers

delivered in a non-threatening, courteous, patient manner and not

denigrate newer paddlers because they do not possess the experience

sometimes necessary in certain paddling situations;

·  I will persevere in a patient manner with any appropriate advice,

particularly if it is invited from newer paddlers;

·  I will attempt different, alternative ways in providing this advice,

recognising that the newer paddler may not initially understand what is

being suggested;

·  I will recognise not to overload newer paddlers with advice, particularly

in the one training session as it may leave the newer paddler feeling

overwhelmed or not competent;

If I am a novice paddler: (less than 12 months experience)

·  I will seek advice on various aspects of outrigger canoeing from the

club coach or experienced paddlers;

·  I will respectfully listen to well-intentioned advice from an experienced

paddler while offered in a non-threatening, courteous, patient manner

and ask relevant questions to fully appreciate the basis of the advice

given;

·  I reserve the right to request the experienced paddler giving advice to

stop providing the advice, if I feel overwhelmed or that I am being

overly singled-out or harassed in a manner where I feel uncomfortable;

·  I will never argue with an official. If I disagree with a decision I will inform the

coach or member of the management committee during or after the regatta or

training session;

·  I will control my temper;

·  I understand that verbal abuse of officials and sledging other paddlers and

deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or

permitted behaviours in any sport;

·  I will work equally hard for myself and/or my team;

·  I will be a good sport and applaud all good efforts whether they are made by

my team or the opposition;

·  I will treat all paddlers in my sport as I like to be treated;

·  I will not bully or take unfair advantage of another paddler;

·  I will cooperate with my coach, team mates and opponents;

·  I will display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat;

·  I will participate for my own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents

and coaches;

·  I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior regattas;

·  I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their

gender, ability, cultural background or religion;

·  I will thank my crew mates at the end of a training session or regatta and the

opposition and officials at the end of the regatta;

·  I will comply with anti-doping policies;

·  I acknowledge that all steerers of all types of canoes shall be deemed to be

the “MASTER OF THE VESSEL”;

·  I acknowledge that the steerer of a canoe or Safety Boat is responsible for the

safety of both his or her crew and vessel and that the steerer is in charge of

the vessel and his or her directions and commands are to be strictly adhered

to at all times;

·  I will respect the club’s canoes and equipment by observing the following and

general paddling etiquette:

·  Always return the canoe to the beach/water’s edge stern first;

·  Always keep the canoe off the sea bed to protect the hull (place on a

tyre, if necessary);

·  Always get into and out of a canoe on the port (left hand side when

looking toward the front) side;

·  Never swear around the canoe;

·  Do not sit on the edge of the canoe when on land;

·  Do not stand in the canoe; and

·  Always ensure all Safety Procedures are followed

Administrator

·  I will provide opportunities for paddlers to be involved in planning, leadership,

evaluation and decision-making related to their activity;

·  I will create pathways for paddlers to participate not just as a paddler but also

as a coach, administrator etc.;

·  I will ensure that equipment, length of training schedules are modified to suit

the age, ability and maturity level of paddlers;

·  I will ensure quality supervision and instruction for paddlers;

·  I will remember that paddlers participate for their enjoyment and benefit. I will

not over emphasise awards;

·  I will help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill

development, and help to improve the standards of coaching and officiating;

·  I will ensure that everyone involved in outrigger canoeing emphasises fair

play, and not winning at all costs;

·  I will distribute a code of conduct to paddlers, coaches, officials and parents

(if applicable) and encourage them to follow it;

·  I will not arrive at the training or regatta venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at

junior events;

·  I will not allow the unlawful supply of alcohol at training, regattas or club

functions

·  I will not use bad language, nor will I harass paddlers, coaches, officials or

spectators;

·  I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the sport of

outrigger canoeing, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background;

and

·  I will promote adherence to anti-doping policies.

Coach

·  I will remember that paddlers participate for enjoyment and winning is only

part of the fun;

·  I will never ridicule or yell at paddlers for making a mistake or not winning;

·  I will be reasonable in my demands on paddlers’ time, energy and

enthusiasm;

·  I will operate within the rules and spirit of the sport of outrigger canoeing and

teach my paddlers to do the same;

·  I will ensure that the time paddlers spend with me is a positive experience. All

paddlers are deserving of equal attention and opportunities;

·  I will avoid overplaying the talented paddlers and understand that the average

paddlers need and deserve equal time;

·  I will not use bad language nor will I harass paddlers, officials, spectators or

other coaches;

·  I will ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are

appropriate to the age and ability of all paddlers;

·  I will display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport

including opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents

and spectators. I will encourage my paddlers to do the same;

·  I will show concern and caution toward sick and injured paddlers and follow

the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured paddler is

ready to recommence training or competition;

·  I will obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest

coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young

paddlers;

·  I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior regattas;

·  I will not allow the unlawful supply of alcohol at training, regattas or club

functions;

·  I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the sport of

outrigger canoeing, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background;

and

·  I will promote adherence to anti-doping policies.

Official

·  I will place the safety and welfare of paddlers above all else;

·  I will show concern and caution towards sick and injured paddlers;

·  I will give all paddlers a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, cultural

background or religion;

·  I will be impartial, consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions;

·  I will accept responsibility for my actions and decisions;

·  I will condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for the individuality

of paddlers;

·  I will avoid any situations which may lead to or be construed as a conflict of

interest;

·  I will be a positive role model in behaviour and personal appearance and

ensure my comments are positive and supportive;

·  I will be a good sport as I understand that actions speak louder than words;

·  I will always respect, remain loyal to and support other officials;

·  I will refrain from any form of personal abuse towards paddlers or other

officials;

·  I will refrain from any form of sexual harassment towards paddlers or other

officials;

·  I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches; and

·  I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the sport of

outrigger canoeing, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background.

Parent

·  I will not pressure my child in any way – I know that this is their sport of

outrigger canoeing not mine;

·  I will not use bad language, nor will I harass paddlers, coaches, officials or

other spectators;

·  I will encourage my child to play within the rules and respect officials’ and

coaches’ decisions – no matter what;

·  I will teach my child to respect the efforts of their opponents;

·  I will remember that children learn best by example so I will applaud good

plays/performances by both my child’s team and their opponents;

·  I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort;

·  I will focus on my child’s efforts and performance

·  I will thank the coaches, officials and other volunteers who give their time to

conduct the event for my child;

·  I will help when asked by a coach or official;

·  I will not criticise or ridicule my child’s performance after the sport of outrigger

canoeing;

·  I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches; and

·  I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the sport of

·  outrigger canoeing, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background.

PROCEDURE FOR BREACHES OF CODE OF

CONDUCT

In the first instance, any procedure for Breaches of AOCRA Rules shall follow

the procedure laid down under the AOCRA Rules or Constitution;

  If the AOCRA Rules or Club Constitution does not provide otherwise, the

following procedure shall apply:

·  All members upon joining the club shall commence with zero (0)

demerit points;

·  If any member believes a breach of this code of conduct has occurred,

they must within one (1) week of the occurrence, advise the Secretary

in writing of the alleged breach providing any evidence or names of

witnesses to the incident;

·  The Secretary shall provide written acknowledgement advice to the

complainant following receipt;

·  The Secretary shall convene a Management Committee meeting at the

earliest opportunity to review the particulars of the incident;

·  If deemed necessary by the Management Committee, the Secretary

shall send a letter on behalf of the Management Committee to the

alleged transgressor as a “Show Cause Notice” why one (1) demerit

point should not be recorded against them;

·  The response from the alleged transgressor must be provided in

writing within one (1) week of receipt of the Notice and allows for the

alleged transgressor to provide their side of the incident and whether

any mitigating circumstances may have been involved. Failure to

respond within one (1) week, will result in one (1) demerit point being

recorded;

·  If provided, the Management Committee shall review the written

response within one (1) week of receipt and decide whether to accept

the explanation where the alleged transgressor retains their previous

demerit point balance or for the deduction of one (1) demerit point;

·  The complainant and alleged transgressor shall be advised in writing

within one (1) week of the Management Committee decision;

·  Should the member have accrued three (3) points by following the

above process, their membership will be terminated and any

membership fees held in credit, will be forfeited.