NSWRA CODE OF CONDUCT

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Code of Conduct (Code) is to declare the type of behaviour which is encouraged by NSW Rowing Association Inc. (Association). This is the behaviour the Association is seeking to promote and encourage rowing associations, clubs and schools, their members and supporters, to adopt.

In addition to this Code we have listed some examples of behaviour which shall be deemed by the Association's Board of Directors to be conduct unbecoming', or 'conduct not in the interests of the Association and the promotion or its objects'.

By listing this information, as well as some examples of behaviour deemed to be unbecoming. the Board offers clear direction in this area.

KEY PRINCIPLES

1. The Association seeks to operate in an environment where people show respect for others and their property. Respect is defined as consideration for the well being of another's body, emotions and possessions, to ensure no damage or deprivation is caused to any of them.

2. The Association seeks to operate in an environment which is free from harassment. Harassment is defined as any action directed at an individual or group which creates a hostile, intimidatory or offensive environment.

3. The Association seeks to operate in a non - discriminatory environment. By this it is meant that where everyone has an equal opportunity and receives a fair go in accordance with the law as well as the Association's Rules, By-Laws and Laws of Boat Racing, procedures and guidelines.

4. persons to whom this Code applies acknowledges and agrees to comply with the grievance procedures adopted by the Association. If disciplinary action is taken persons directly effected shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in those proceedings and to appeal against a penalty.

KEY ELEMENTS

Each person who is bound by this Code shall:

• not act in a manner unbecoming, or contrary to the interests of the Association;
• treat people involved in rowing with courtesy, respect and proper regard for their rights and obligations;
• treat another person's property with respect and due consideration of its value;
• demonstrate a positive commitment to the Associations policies, Rules By-Laws and Laws of Boat Racing and procedures;
• not misuse funds or property belonging to third parties;
• respect the law and customs of the places visited including foreign countries;
• respect the confidentiality of information which comes to that person in the course of duty; and
• uphold and not injure or compromise, the standing and reputation of rowing.

GOVERNANCE

This Code shall be known as the NSW Rowing Association Inc. Code of Conduct. The Code shall govern the conduct of all persons associated with rowing within New South Wales and elsewhere. In particular it shall apply to and for;

1. persons acting on behalf of the Association;

2. rowers and scullers, coaches, managers and support staff of touring teams of the Association;

3. Rowers and scullers participating at regattas conducted by the Association, Rowing Australia Inc., and at overseas and interstate regattas;

4. Officials, umpires and support personnel assisting or conducting regattas referred to in paragraph 3; and

5. officers and emploees of and delegates to the Association.

This Code shall act as a guideline for criteria determining decisions and actions under the Rules and Laws of Boat Racing of the Association.

UNSUITABLE BEHAVIOUR

This list describes examples of behaviour which after investigation and a finding by the Board that the like behaviour has occurred, shall be deemed to be unsuitable behaviour and not in the best interests of sport.

1. 'Sledging' other rowers, scullers, officials or event organisers. Sledging is defined as a statement which is deemed to denigrate and/or intimidate another person,

2. Excessive use of alcohol, acting in a way that becomes a public nuisance or creates a public disturbance.

3. Causing damage to another person's property during the conduct of a regatta, or when representing this Association, or depriving that person of that property, during the defined time frames of a tour within Australia or internationally.

4. Sexual relations between a coach, manager or support staff and a rower or sculler who is less than eighteen years of age, irrespective of the wishes and desires of that rower or sculler, are absolutely forbidden.

5. Sexual relations between a coach, manager or support staff personnel and a rower or sculler who is eighteen years of age or more of the same team are discouraged and may amount to unsuitable behaviour. Where a long term relationship exists this should be advised promptly to the team management.

6. The use or encouragement of drugs and banned substances to enhance or inhibit performance. The banned substances list is as outlined under the Rowing Australia's Doping Policy.

7. Statements which are deemed to denigrate the group that an individual is representing.

8. Harassment, sexual or otherwise.

PROCESS FOR DEALING WITH A BREACH OF THE CODE

Each case will be treated in accordance with the facts of the case and surrounding circumstances and so determined by those persons having jurisdiction in the matter.

If a breach, or suspected breach, of this Code has occurred the following process shall be used;

1. The suspected breach will be investigated within 7 days of its occurrence or notification that a breach may have occurred by;

(a) the team manager and Rowing Development Manager in the case of Association teams or,

(b) The Board of Directors or Committee of a Club or of an affiliated rowing Association in the case within the Club's or Association's jurisdiction; or

(c) The Board in cases within the Association's jurisdiction, as may be necessary by those possessing jurisdiction to deal with the matter.

2. The person concerned will be advised of the alleged breach and will be offered the opportunity to present information pertaining to the incident. No-one involved in the incident will take part of the investigation.

3. The persons investigating the alleged breach will decide whether there has been a breach of the Code. If so, it will prepare a written statement and provide it to the person concerned. In all cases the statement will be provided to the Association.

4. All persons who have had a decision made against them shall have a right of appeal. An appeal against a decision of the Board will be dealt with only by way of rescission as provided in By-Law 8 and must be lodged within 7 days of the first decision.

ANTI DOPING

Drugs in sport is a serious topic regulated by federal & state legislation and one that all athletes must understand and accept. Please be aware that many over-the-counter, herbal products and supplements could hold traces of banned substance and therefore leave you with a positive drug test.

Ignorance is never an excuse and athletes, their parents and coaches need to understand that they are completely responsible for what goes into their mouth or is injected into their bodies. Please assist with this process and if there is EVER a question about the status of a substance call the Australian Sports Drug Agency's hotline at 1800 020 506. The hours are 9am - 9pm Monday to Friday and 9 - 5pm on weekends and public holidays.

Please refer to NSWRA Laws of Boat Racing 'Doping and Gender Verification'.

IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT!

The publisher believes all material produced in the N.S.W. Rowing Association Members Handbook is correctly and accurately researched. However, we give no warranty in relation thereto and disclaim liability for all claims against the publication, its employees or any person associated which may arise from any material contained within its pages which may be challenged by any persons.