Potteries Orienteering Club

Introduction

The codes of conduct and constitution conform to good practice as defined by the Government’s Clubmark criteria which have been adopted by the British Orienteering Federation (BOF) and relate especially to the treatment of young people. References are to items in the Club’s copy of the Clubmark file (e.g. 3b for section 3 item b) and relevant Committee, AGM or EGM minutes.

The Club has adopted the following BOF policies, which are too long for inclusion here:

• 1a; Com 11/03/04, item 3 Protecting Young & Vulnerable People.
• 3b; Com 11/03/04, item 3 Equity.

Com 06/12/07 Concerns about poor practice and about possible abuse of juniors or of vulnerable adults should be reported, in confidence, to the Club Welfare Officer (contact details in POTTER magazine) or the British Orienteering Lead Child Welfare Officer.

1b; Com 13/07/06

Code of Conduct for Club Officials and Volunteers

All volunteers must:

• Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect.
• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play, exercise, respect for countryside).
• Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Follow all guidelines laid down by the British Orienteering Federation and the Club.
• Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover.
• Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.

1e; Com 13/07/06

Guidelines for dealing with an incident/accident

• Stay calm but act swiftly and observe the situation. Is there danger of further injuries?
• Listen to what the injured person is saying.
• Alert the first aider who should take appropriate action for minor injuries.
• In the event of an injury requiring specialist treatment, call the emergency services.
• Deal with the rest of the group and ensure that they are adequately supervised.
• Do not move someone with major injuries. Wait for the emergency medics.
• Contact the injured person’s parent/carer.
• Complete an incident/accident report form and send this immediately to the BOF. There is a BOF incident/accident report form which is available to be downloaded from the BOF website.

For Event/Training Organisers

If you organise any type of orienteering activity then:

• 2b; BOF form ER1c, ER1s, etc Ensure that it is registered with BOF to get insurance cover (The Fixtures Secretary or Local Event Coordinator may have done this for you).
• 1f Follow BOF Safety Guidelines.
• 1g Assess risks: download BOF Risk Assessment form or use the Club’s own form — the Secretary has examples.
• 1h, 1i Have First Aider, accident response kit and telephone available.

3e; Com 13/07/06

Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers

• Encourage your child to learn the rules and compete within them.
• Discourage unfair competition and arguing with officials.
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
• Never force your child to take part in orienteering.
• Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performance of all.
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
• Publicly accept officials’ judgements.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them enjoy their orienteering.
• Use correct and proper language at all times.

3f; Com 13/07/06

Junior Club Rules

Com 06/12/07 The Club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the Club should, at all times, show respect for each other, be encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the Club with the Club Chairman or Vice Chairman.

As a junior member of the Club you are expected to abide by the following junior club rules:

• All members must compete within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
• All members must respect opponents.
• Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
• Members must wear suitable kit for training and competition, as agreed with the coach or team manager.
• Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.
• Junior members are not allowed to smoke, or to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind, at training sessions or when representing the Club in competitions.