Methley Striders  #NORUNNERLEFTBEHIND!

Our Club Code of Conduct.

This code of conduct is for all members and guests of the club. It operates alongside the

  • Methley Striders Club Constitution
  • The Club policies for
  • Grievance and Disciplinary policy
  • Club Privacy notice (GDPR)
  • Inclusion policy
  • Health and safety policy with appropriate risk assessments

Our club has signed and agreed to implement the club safeguarding code of conduct

Methley Striders is a friendly and welcoming club that encourages all members to thrive within a safe and nurturing running environment.  We expect all our members will behave in a manner that promotes positive ‘sportmanship’ and act in a way that is respectful to all others. By joining the club, you will be registered as an individual England Athletics Affiliated member and you are agreeing to abide by these expectations.

The Code of Conduct is created for the safety and benefit of the club itself, its members and guests, whilst also promoting a positive reputation and status within Methley and surrounding areas.  The code is no more than a formalisation of the basic principles of decency, good manners and common sense that the Club would expect from all its members. It covers how its members should act when participating at training sessions, athletics meetings, races, external associated events and social occasions. It accompanies the club constitution and above policies, that have been written in line with guidance from England Athletics.

All club members have obligations to:

  • The Club – to behave in a manner that represents Methley Striders positively.
  • Ourselves – in terms of our safety and well-being
  • All other athletes and the community – by assuring that our behaviour does not threaten the safety of others and promotes well-being and friendship.

Club Member’s Responsibilities to the Club.

Members and guests are expected to:

  • Behave in a manner that will maintain and further promote the reputation of the Club.
  • Show courtesy by paying attention during training and club briefings.
  • Show respect to fellow athletes, coaches, officials, guests.
  • Ensure that language and behaviour is free from discrimination to others. Everyone has a personal responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.
  • Be diligent when attending training sessions with regards safety for themselves and others.
  • Ensure annual subscriptions and race entry fees are paid promptly, including England Athletics affiliation fees where appropriate.
  • Advise the club of any medical condition or injury that may affect their own or others safe participation. This can be done by speaking to our run leaders or Welfare Officer.
  • Advise the Club Captains if you are unavailable to attend team races, such as (but not exclusive to) The Leeds Country Way. Other races (Grand Prix, League and all others are entered and attended at the individual member’s discretion).
  • When representing the club at competitions, athletes must wear club kit (t-shirt / vest) and abide by the rules of the competition organiser. (Charity vests are permitted where a Grand Prix race has been chosen for fundraising).

Responsibilities of the Club Committee, Coaches and Run Leaders.

The Committee, coaches and run leaders must

  • Encourage members to adhere to this code of conduct
  • Foster and implement an inclusive atmosphere to allow access to runners of all abilities and treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social / economic status.
  • Support an inclusive club open to all – we are committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.
  • Provide a structure to enable members to participate and develop as athletes.
  • Provide a coaching infrastructure that complies with UK Athletics Child and Adult Protection procedures.

Club Training Sessions and promoted events.

The club provides a varied programme of coaching which caters for the full spectrum of athletic ability, that is, sessions for social group to faster training sessions. These sessions are for the enjoyment and development of club members. They are not unofficial competitions and members are expected to treat them accordingly, paying attention to the safety of others at all times.

Development of the club.

  • Each committee member is a volunteer who seeks to support the development of the club in their free time.
  • The committee encourages members to support the club in a variety of volunteer roles, including being run leaders, run volunteers and volunteering to support the wider committee role.
  • Anyone can approach the committee to offer extra support at any time.
  • The committee is committed to development of the Club based on member feedback. Suggestions for development are welcomed and will be discussed at committee and training meetings.The club won’t always be able to accommodate every member request, but will make decisions on requests or feedback based on the principles of inclusion, equality and fairness

Complaints.

The Club has a formal grievance and disciplinary policy that should be followed when appropriate.

Social Media.

  • Anyone using the Methley Strider social media pages or private groups must do so with respect and integrity to all other members at all times.These pages exist to promote running and achievements.
  • The group admin reserve the right to refuse posts that are not in line with this and / or any argumentative and potentially disrespectful posts and comments.
  • As a club, Methley Striders will not allow posts promoting businesses unless the business is running related and only when a business has approached the committee for approval via email.
  • Methley Striders cannot accept responsibility for experiences beyond our organisation and club infrastructure.
  • Members must also be respectful of the club, and other clubwhen posting on their personal social media pages.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct.

Any breaches of the code of conduct will be considered under the grievance and disciplinary policy.  This may result in temporary or permanent exclusion from the training sessions, representing the club at races or expulsion from the Club.  If this is the case, no repayment of fees will be made.

THE COMMITTEE

Last updated and agreed February 2025