Highworth Running Club

Code of Conduct

Highworth Running Club

For the safety and continued enjoyment of Club members, Highworth Running Club (HRC) has a code of conduct that we expect all members to follow.

1. Be aware that children maybe present, ensure they behave appropriately and do not use language likely to upset, offend or corrupt.

1. Members should cease talking when Club announcements are made.

1. Runners should be aged 12 or above to participate in training sessions on the road or cross-country club runs. Younger runners may participate if accompanied and closely supervised by a parent.

1. All members should take equal responsibility for ensuring that no runners are alone or left behind at the back of the group.

1. Always wear suitable clothing and proper running shoes. Whilst running on dark evenings wear light colours and hi-vis clothing. You can never be too visible - fluorescent is good in daylight as well as at night

1. On training nights and when competing in races for the Club, runners shouldnot wear headphones, for safety and communication with others.

1. Respect private land, close gates after passing through them and run in single file along footpaths.If you must climb over gates, always climb over at the hinged end. Climbing over the latch end puts pressure on the gate and causes it to drop.

1. Do not use inappropriate or offensive language whilst running with the club.

1. Treat others with the same respect and fairness that you wish to receive.

1. Respect pedestrians and other road users. Follow the Highway Code while training and give way to others when necessary.Do not force pedestrians into the road and don’t step off the pavement without checking behind - cyclists do not make a noise! NEVER run across the road in front of cars!

1. Inform the group leader if you have any injury or illness that may affect your running

1. When competing in all races for the Club, runners should wear a Highworth Running Club vest / top.

1. All members must try to marshal or assist with at least one of the races that the Club organises each year.

1. Members will not bring their dogs to Club runs or races.

1. Members are responsible to ensure that this Code of Conduct is followed and are expected to report any inappropriate actions or behaviour to a committee member.

1. Social Media

• Only post comments or information that is relevant to HRC should be made on the Club Facebook page.
• Keep personal stories, comments, blog/vlogs and fundraising for your own Facebook walls and friends.
• Comments made should not be abusive, offensive or derogatory; if they are, the moderators reserve the right to delete these types of postings and exclude the author.
• The Club recognises that many runners make use of social media in a personal capacity. While they are not acting on behalf of the Highworth Running Club, members must be aware that they could risk damaging our reputation if these are not appropriate. All members are therefore requested to ensure that they continue to recognise and respect this.

Membership may be terminated by resignation of a member, or by a majority vote of the club committee for violations of this Code of Conduct.

HRC London Marathon club place

To be eligible for the club marathon place you must:-

• Be a fully paid up club member for the year prior to and the current year of entrance
• Have a rejection slip for the current year
• Members may not enter the club ballot for two years after winning the club place

Guidelines for Younger Runners

HRC do not have a designated junior section, but in accordance with the guidelines from UKA we allow children to join us under the following criteria:-

• No children under the age of 8
• Age 8 to 11 children may join club runs under the direct supervision of an appropriate adult
• Age 12 and above young runners may join club runs with parental consent, where a UKA appointed level 2 coach is present

Additional Common-Sense advice to Runners:-

At night, ALWAYS wear light-coloured clothing plus a REFLECTIVE (not just fluorescent) bib or sash - a small wristband is not always adequate. Never assume you have been seen – be prepared to jump into the verge and always be cautious with approaching traffic.

ALWAYS FACE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND RUN IN SINGLE FILE (i.e. run on the right-hand side of the road) if there is no pavement. The only exception is right-hand bends - in this case, cross over well beforehand, and cross back afterwards. This way, you can always see what's coming and take evasive action if necessary.

Whilst out and about, avoid running up to or spooking jumpy livestock. Take care when running past horses, especially if you happen to be in the Lambourn area – race horses can be very frisky! SLOW DOWN or WALK!

If running through long grass where livestock have been, always check for ticks when you get home. If you get a tick bite followed by a red ring round the bite, or start getting flu-like symptoms, see your doctor ASAP - Lyme's disease can be serious!

Try and run with someone else - not only for the company and extra motivation, but also for safety. If you do run alone, take a mobile phone in case you need help and let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back.

If you are running in a group, know who is in your group, who is leading, who is at the back. Know your intended route, know the distance, and make sure you are up to it. Stick with your group and try to ensure the group stays together – re-group at intervals and make sure the last person is checked in before you all disappear home / to the pub! If you must depart from the group for any reason, avoid going alone, and make sure you tell someone else in the group where you are going.