Sports Code of Conduct
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Over the next few pages we will outline the Sports code of conduct that must be adhered to by anyone associated with Goldsmiths SU Sport.
Goldsmiths Students’ Union is committed to providing an inclusive and safe sporting community. We strive to offer all students the opportunity to be involved in recreational and competitive matches, sports team training sessions and the annual Varsity tournament. All members who are part of sports clubs shall ensure that when representing their respective team, they maintain a high standard of moral and ethical conduct and strive to compete at the highest level of ability. The Goldsmiths SU code of conduct aims to outline behaviour that is expected from all members representing their club and Goldsmiths SU to ensure a fun, inclusive and fair community for all. This applies to all sports team events regardless of location.
In addition to the Union member’s code of conduct, by purchasing a sports membership, you are agreeing to abide by the following code of conduct.
Goldsmiths SU has a safe space policy opposing any discrimination based on identity. This includes but is not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age and religion. We expect sports teams to take proactive steps to promote and achieve an inclusive and diverse community, this includes attending and implementing training and guidance provided by the Students’ Union.
Conduct
All teams and clubs should demonstrate high standards of behaviour, promote their clubs in a positive way, and strive to compete at the highest level of their ability. All members/clubs shall ensure that when representing their respective team, they maintain a high standard of moral and ethical conduct.
The following rules have been formulated to demonstrate behaviours that are expected of all members representing Goldsmiths Students’ Union, University of London.
Members of Goldsmiths Students’ Union, University of London team (which extends to players, team members & coaches):-
· Shall familiarise yourself with the relevant rules and regulations to your sport.
· Shall not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult or discriminate against another person on the grounds of their religion, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability or race.
· Shall follow the rules of the facilities in which I train and compete
· Shall show due respect to other users of facilities when other sports are taking place external to Goldsmiths events
· Shall behave in an appropriate manner when representing the club/team
· Shall not use abusive or aggressive behaviour
· Shall not be in possession, use or be under the influence of performance enhancing drugs or social drugs at any club or Goldsmiths Students' Union event.
· Shall not consume alcohol playing games, or prior to matches or training or be under the influence of alcohol prior to or during fixtures.
· Shall welcome and be hospitable to all visiting teams and treat all opponents with respect.
· Shall commit to playing a full competitive match.
· Shall not incite or cause violent behaviour both on and off the field of play.
· Shall not cause or incite damage to property both on and off the field of play.
· Shall not take glass or alcohol onto any sports facility owned by Goldsmiths University or an away site
· Shall not urinate on/near the playing pitch or University playing facilities.
· When wearing branded University or Union attire, all players shall represent Goldsmiths University, Union and club in an exemplary manner and follow Goldsmiths Students' Union and (if applicable) specific club social guidelines and code of conduct.
· Should refrain from using social media in a way which may offend club members or other readers.
· Shall not bring any University or Union’s reputation into disrepute.
· Shall uphold sportsmanlike behaviour at all times
This is not an exhaustive list and final rulings on issues regarding conduct will be dealt with by Goldsmiths Students Unions Sports Office
Breaching of any of the guidelines in these documents may constitute as Misconduct.
Goldsmiths Students’ Union recognises that the consumption of alcohol is a personal choice.
No member should at any time feel coerced into consuming alcohol by others, nor must any activity be reliant on consuming alcohol in order to participate. Social activities should not be organised which encourage the excessive consumption of alcohol and must make allowances for all cultural and personal beliefs without any form of discrimination based on opting out of drinking.
Alcohol is permitted at the Varsity event, however there is a strict alcohol allowance imposed and security will be carrying out bag checks on entrance to the venue. This allowance is 4 cans of beer/cider or equivalent drink. No wine, no spirits and no bottles are permitted. Any alcohol above the stated allowance or alcohol on the prohibited list will be confiscated by security.
Initiations
Goldsmiths Students’ Union believes the practice of initiations is a dangerous and degrading exercise that jeopardises the safety of members and reflects negatively on the public image of students. We are aware that unforeseen circumstances resulting from such activities can cause anguish that may affect students and their families personally and academically. It is also a requirement of the British Universities Colleges Sport (BUCS) that all Universities must have an initiation policy in order to compete in the BUCS competitions.
Our position is that we strictly do not condone initiations of any kind on Goldsmiths College campus or off site when representing your club.
Inductions
Inductions are permitted. An ‘Induction’ is defined as: An event where new members are introduced to the rules, committee structure and other members of the club they have joined. Inductions often take the form of a social event, based on or off the university campus. Inductions are allowed by Goldsmiths Students Union.
Socials
Goldsmiths SU has a separate socials policy which applies to all social events regardless of location,please read this and note that the committee members have a duty of care ensuring the safety of members participating and to ensure responsible behaviour takes place.
All clubs are encouraged let us know if you are planning a social event in order for us to help you publicize the event.
Breach of Code of Conduct
Any breach of the code of conduct may result in sanctions being imposed on the offending sports member/team. For more information about disciplinary action, disciplinary procedures and potential sanctions please click here.
Students can lodge complaints against a sports team member, a committee member or a sports team for inappropriate conduct, misuse of their position etc, through the Students’ Union Complaint Procedure. If you wish to file a complaint you can find out how to do so here. Please note, in order for us to be able to act on a complaint, we require evidence to be provided to support your claim as we are unable to act based solely on allegation. Any complaint will be investigated and subsequently dealt with in line with our procedure guidelines.Some examples of valid complaints include peer pressuring team members to drink, holding initiations, bullying and harassment.
When there is a has been a breach of the Code of Conduct an Investigation may take place.
Process of an Investigation
Complaint Received
If any member/player is deemed to have undertaken an act of misconduct, there will be consequences, with the punishment dependent on the severity of the act. A complaint can be received from both internal sources (a member of the team, coach/instructor) and external sources (member of the public, facilities staff, hotel company etc)
A complaint should be made in writing to the Sport Office/Union office within 5 days of the alleged misconduct.
Investigation
The Students’ Union will carry out an investigation into the complaint / incident. The individual(s) involved will be contacted to inform them that they are under investigation and they will be asked to respond to any complaints made.
Appeal Procedure
If a club or individual wishes to appeal the decision that has been taken against them they should appeal to the Students Union in writing and follow the Union’s procedures in place.
Repeat Misconduct
If an individual is already on a warning from a previous incident, the seriousness of the second incident will be considered to be one level higher. Warnings against individuals will stand for one calendar year from the date they are given. All disciplinary action will come into force immediately.
Potential Individual Sanctions and Punishments
Match Bans
Fine for damages
Ban from all Club/Society related events
Expulsion as a member of the Club and SU
Potential Students’ Union sanctions against the Club
Club fine
Freezing of club budget for a set time
Removal of ability to hire out or use university facilities as a club
Suspension of teams for a set period of time
Removal from BUCS/LUSL competition
Disaffiliation of club / team