Code of Conduct
The Velosport Cycling Club (VSCC) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience.
All those involved in VSCC activities, whether they are involved as participants, coaches, officials or spectators, are therefore required to adhere to the standards of behaviour – set out within this Code of Conduct – and to support the mission of the VSCC.
This Code of Conduct has been developed to ensure the highest possible standards of competition and sportsmanship as well as promoting fairness, honesty and positive behaviour in relation to the conduct of all those representing VSCC.
Our commitment
VSCC respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person involved in its activities. VSCC is committed to team members enjoying cycling in an environment free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment and abuse. VSCC believes that it is the responsibility of all of its members to challenge discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.
Health and Safety guidelines
Cycling can have risks and carelessness or irresponsible behaviour can lead to serious injury.
To minimise the risks, Members of VSCC must abide by the following conditions at all times when riding under the alias of VSCC:
1. All accidents must be reported to the ride leader
2. Do not attempt to move anyone who has fallen and/or is unconscious or is unable to move. SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY
3. You must wear appropriate safely wear such as a helmet and lights
4. Always ride a well-maintained bike
5. All instructions given by the ride leader must be followed
6. Do not overestimate your cycling abilities. Tell the instructor, if you have doubts about what you have been asked to do
7. Always ride safely, considerately and courteously
8. Always obey the Highway Code and ride safely, considerately and courteously. You must Learn and use all common hand signals and use verbal warnings when riding on the road or racing
Disciplinary Procedure
Any member who is found to be in breach of the conditions set out in this Code of Conduct may be expelled from VSCC at the discretion of the Committee. Any Member who is found to have endangered themselves, those around them while acting under the alias of the club may also be expelled from VSCC at the discretion of the Committee.
Complaints Procedure
In the first instance, all complaints regarding Health and Safety should be brought to the attention of the Committee by e-mailing info@velosport.co.uk
Standards of behaviour
Members of VSCC are solely responsible for their conduct when representing the VSCC.
Members must therefore:
• Respect the rights, dignity and values of others
• Operate within the rules of the sport
• Treat facilities and members with respect and abide by any rules that may apply
• Be aware of how their actions may be perceived by others
• Maintain high standards of personal behaviour at all times
• Conduct themselves in a reasonable manner relating to offensive language and temperament
• Refrain from any form of bullying or harassment of others. Harassment is any offensive conduct based on a person`s 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
• Refrain from the use of and involvement with illegal substances at all times.
• Not act in an unlawful manner
• Not encourage or pressure others into acting against the code
• Understand the repercussions of any breaches of this Code of Conduct
Publications, internet & social media
VSCC wishes to promote the club. It recognises that its publications, online, print and social media are important tools in recruiting new members and engaging with potential sponsors. It is the responsibility of all VSCC members to manage their personal social media presence responsibly. As such, all members are responsible for ensuring that they:
• Refrain from publishing comments about other clubs, players or judges and any controversial or potentially inflammatory subjects
• Avoid hostile or harassing communications in any posts or other online communications
• Identify all copyrighted or borrowed material with citations and links. When publishing direct paraphrased quotes, thoughts, ideas, photos or videos, give credit to the original publisher or author
• Review responses to online posts and resolve any concerns before they are posted
Social events
Social functions form an important part of a club’s activities. VSCC is committed to ensuring that all members are able and encouraged to participate in VSCC activities in an atmosphere free from discrimination or fear. As such, VSCC will aim to organise a range of social events that are as inclusive as possible. Members should be aware that:
• Participation in any form of initiation or social activity is completely optional
• They must not force others to participate in initiations and/or other social and sporting events run by the VSCC and can opt-out without fear of undue pressure, reprisal or any other form of discrimination at any point
Breaches of the code of conduct
VSCC reserves the right to expel any member of the club at the discretion of the Committee. This action may be applied when a member of the Club brings the VSCC into disrepute, breaches the Code of Conduct or engages in any activity that adversely affects the smooth running of the Club in a major way.
Should a serious breach of the Code of Conduct be identified, the Club Captain, in consultation with the Committee, may suspend a member from VSCC and Club activities pending further investigation.
In the event of an expulsion, the excluded member is required to return all equipment, documents and finances belonging to the Club within 7 days. He/she will not be entitled to any full or partial refund of annual subscriptions.
If the excluded or suspended member wishes to appeal the decision, that appeal should be made to the Senior Treasurer, who will consider all the facts, and whose decision will be final.
If you leave the club for any reason, you must not wear Velosport Cycling Club kit, nor sell it or give it away except to a member or an overseas charity.
Payments for subs
Members must make payment promptly for annual subs. Any member of VSCC that repeatedly fails to make prompt payment will be banned from booking further lessons and competitions.