Welfare Policy
Aims
Velosport Cycling Club (VSCC) regards the health, safety and welfare of all members to be of paramount importance. The fundamental basis for our welfare policy is the desire to treat our members responsibly and with respect and to support them in their pursuit of their cycling goals.
The Club recognises that welfare is not just about safety on the bike but covers the full breadth of Club activities from training and competition through to socials and our media presence.
To this end, the VSCC aims to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that policies, procedures and practices are in place to maintain a safe and healthy environment and promote a positive club culture, not only for its members but also for other people and organisations that may be affected by the activities of the Club.
Roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in the club
Everyone involved within the club, whether participating within the club on a social basis, training, racing, volunteering or spectating is expected to:
• Respect the rights, dignity and values of others
• Operate within the rules of the sport and respect the decisions of officials, making all appeals through the appropriate formal process and respect any final decisions
• Treat facilities, staff and fellow members at VSCC with respect and abide by any rules that may apply
• Be aware of how their actions may be perceived by others
• Conduct themselves in a reasonable manner relating to offensive language and temperament
• Refrain from any form of bullying or harassment of others
• Not act in any way that is, or could be deemed as, discriminatory. Discriminatory behaviour may include giving different treatment to an individual or group based on a protected characteristic, such as: race, sex, gender identity, national origin, colour, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion or any other status protected by law
• Not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination if witnessed. It is not the responsibility of club members to judge whether or not a welfare violation has taken place, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns that they may have
• Refrain from the use of and involvement with illegal or prohibited substances at all times
• Not act in an unlawful manner
The Club Committee
Overall responsibility for the management of welfare within VSCC rests with the Club Committee. As such, the Committee will aim, as far as is reasonably practical, to:
• Create, promote and maintain an equitable, safe and positive environment for all club members to participate and/or compete in cycling
• Develop, implement and monitor policies, procedures and codes of conduct that are suitable for the club environment and that these are well publicised and/or formally endorsed by the relevant individuals and/or governing bodies
• Support and take steps to ensure members feel able to raise concerns without fear of negative repercussions
• Ensure that confidentiality is maintained in relation to concerns and referrals, and information is only shared on a genuine ‘need to know’ basis
Any questions or concerns should be put to the committee for review.