Thame Cycling Club Code of Conduct

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Thame cycling club (TCC) has a code of conduct (Code) to help create a culture of respect both within the club and for others who may be affected by the clubs activities. This code of conduct complements but does not replace the advice of the club regarding cycling behaviour during club rides. This Code intended to assist in keeping the membership and others safe and to maintain and enhance the reputation and culture within the club.

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This Code outlines the type of behaviours which members of TCC and guests participating in club events are expected to demonstrate when engaged in club activities or representing the club in any way. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description but summarises the core principles members should adopt as long as they remain members of the club. The Code also describes how the club will deal with breaches of the Code and the treatment members can expect in return for their adherence to the Code.

 

This Code has been approved by the committee of the club who are responsible for its maintenance and are expected to lead its implementation by example.

 

The Code applies to:

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• All members of the club

• All persons acting on behalf of the club, for example coaches or officials assisting or employed by the club to assist in conducting TCC events

• Non-members participating in club events either as part of the three club event trial or as a one off.

 

​Principles of the Code

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The Code is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of club members and to both protect and enhance the reputation of the club in the wider community. All persons who are bound by this code shall:

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• Act in a manner that is in the interests of the club and doesn’t harm its reputation

• Follow the policies, rules, procedures and guidelines published by the club for the activities of the club

• Accord all members, road users and others involved or affected by the activities of the club the appropriate courtesy, respect and regard for their rights and obligations.

 

In return, members have the right to be treated with courtesy, respect and with an even hand by other members of the club and the Committee.

 

This code also explains the approach of the club to members who fail to abide by these principles.

 

​Road Safety

This Code does not replace or duplicate the advice of the club regarding cycling behaviour on club rides, however, that advice (as amended from time to time) forms part of this Code and is a core part of delivering the respect to and from other road users. Adherence to the Highway Code is part of this.

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​Behaviour on Club Events

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TCC expects its members to behave in a way that demonstrates due respect for other members, external stakeholders and their property, including the general public. It also expects its members to be able to enjoy an environment that is free from any form of harassment or discrimination.

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In this context harassment is defined as any action directed at an individual or group that creates or is intended to create a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment.

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Discrimination is defined as not respecting the rights and dignity of every member of the club equally, irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation or religion.

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It is not possible to define all examples of unacceptable behaviour but the following principles will be taken into account when considering whether behaviour is unacceptable:

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• Does the behaviour create significant tension, disharmony or disunity within the Club?

• Will the behaviour have a negative impact on the reputation of the club?

• Could the behaviour be considered to be harassment or discrimination?

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If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, then the behaviour is likely to be unacceptable.

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Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

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• Denigration or intimidation of other individuals, riders or otherwise, in the club or outside especially during organised events.

• Any form of harassment whether physical, mental or sexual, including the use of abusive language, threats or actions.

• Any form of discrimination where an individual or group is treated differently to others

• Damaging or theft of a club or another person’s or public property

• Serious and/or persistent violations of the advice on behaviour during club rides or other activities which have the potential to put other members or road users at risk,

• The use or encouragement of the use of banned substances or any other form of cheating as defined by UCI

• Any behaviour which will harm the long term reputation of the club especially when out on an organised event.

 

​Management of this Code

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The committee of the club is charged with management of this Code and is also therefore expected to lead by example at all times. The committee is subject to this code as all members are and will be held accountable by the membership for that leadership at the AGM.

 

If a member considers that this code has been violated, he/she has the obligation as well as the right to report the matter in the first instance to the event organiser or ride leader. If this is not possible, the member may report the incident to a member or members of the club committee. Any reports received by ride leaders or event organisers must then be reported to the club committee along with whatever action was taken at the time.

 

Reports can also be received from other sources, through complaints or other communication with the club.

 

When any complaint is received, the committee member(s) who are made aware will make the other committee members aware of the report.

 

For minor matters, the matter will normally be dealt with by a committee member proposing a course of action (if any is required after the event). Many such incidents will have been dealt with at the time by the event organiser or ride leader which is preferred where possible.

 

For more serious issues, especially including safety violations and where there has been a major or repeated breach of the principles of this code of conduct, the committee will agree which three committee members or ride leaders will be asked to investigate the matter and make recommendations. This investigation may involve collecting evidence from witnesses and the members involved either in person or in writing. All members have a duty to co-operate in such an investigation and to fail to do so may be considered a breach of the code of conduct as it may harm the long term reputation of the club not to do so.

 

Any member who was involved in this disciplinary process would have the right to bring as much evidence as they felt necessary and would have the right to call witnesses. The investigation team will have the obligation to gather as much evidence as possible before concluding and providing a recommendation for action (if any) to the full committee for ratification. Once ratified, the action approved will then be communicated back to the members involved in the incident.

 

Actions can include (but not be limited to):

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• The committee may issue and record warnings to groups or individuals about future behaviour and compliance with this code. These may range between 1st and final warnings depending on the severity of the breach.

• Exclusion from club events for a period or, if the individual holds a position of responsibility within the club, being removed from that position

• Membership of the club being revoked with no refund

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Normally if the breach was a first offence and relatively minor, action would be limited to warnings. However, for repeated breaches (including repeat of events which would be seen as a breach of this code prior to the date of its formal adoption by the club) or more serious incidents then higher penalties up to and including expulsion from the club can be invoked without prior warnings. If relevant, a member may be reported to the police.

 

TCC Committee June 2017