The London Rowing Club
Code of Conduct
Purpose
The London Rowing Club (LRC) Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected from all Members. Our Club brings together a diverse community who enjoy rowing, training, and social life at the clubhouse. We celebrate our differences, support one another, and take pride in the achievements of everyone who represents LRC on and off the water.
Standards of Behaviour
As an LRC Member, you represent both the Club and the sport of rowing. We ask all Members to uphold the highest standards of conduct, integrity, and respect.
Members are expected to understand and follow:
• The Club Rules and Club Bye-Laws:
https://www.londonrc.org.uk/governance
• British Rowing Policies and Guidance: https://www.britishrowing.org/about-us/policies-guidance/
• The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) regulations:
https://www.britishrowing.org/about-us/governance/anti-doping/
LRC relies on the dedication of its officers, other volunteers, and staff. Please treat them with courtesy and respect at all times. Similarly, please extend the same courtesy and respect to visitors, members of other clubs, and river users, together with volunteer umpires, marshals, and officials at head races and regattas.
Safety
Members should take responsibility for their own safety and that of others by following LRC, British Rowing, and Port of London Authority (PLA) safety guidelines:
• https://activethames.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-07/Tideway_Code.pdf.
• For safety advice, email safety@londonrc.org.uk.
Social Media
Online spaces are an important part of club life. When using any form of social media — including, but not limited to, social networking sites, messaging platforms, blogs, forums, and shared media platforms — whether posting in an official capacity or a personal capacity where the LRC or an individual member may be identified or associated, members must ensure that their use of social media:
• Upholds the reputation and values of the Club
• Is respectful, lawful, and appropriate at all times
• Does not bring the Club into disrepute
• Does not include content that is offensive, discriminatory, defamatory, threatening, or harassing
• Does not involve arguments, abuse, or personal attacks online
Content of this nature is not only potentially unlawful but also a breach of the LRC Code and should be removed immediately.
Members are reminded that once something is posted online, it can easily be shared or taken out of context. A single careless post can have long-lasting consequences for both an individual and the Club.
Raising Concerns and Disciplinary Procedure
Look out for one another, particularly the young and vulnerable. If you have a
concern about bullying, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour by a club member, whether towards you, another club member, or a visitor, please contact:
• The Club Welfare Officer – welfare@londonrc.org.uk
• The Captain – captain@londonrc.org.uk
• Any other club officer
Many issues can be resolved informally. However, if a matter is considered serious or cannot be resolved informally, the Chairman will be informed, and it will be referred to the Code of Conduct Council (“the Council”), which ensures investigations and disciplinary processes are handled fairly and impartially.
Unless there is a compelling reason not to, the Club Member who is the subject of a concern will be notified. In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily suspend an individual's membership while an investigation and possible hearing take place.
If a hearing is required, notice will be given of the date, the details of the concern, and any relevant evidence. No one directly involved in the matter or the investigation will take part in the Code of Conduct Council’s decision-making process.
The Council's findings and recommendations will be shared with the Chairman, who will, in consultation with the Code of Conduct Council, then decide on the appropriate course of action. If the Club Member disagrees with the decision or new information arises, a review by the Council or appeal to the Committee can be requested.
For complaints or grievances about the Club, please refer to Rule 18 of the LRC Rules.
Examples of Breaches
Breaches of this Code include, but are not limited to:
• Unlawful conduct (e.g. dishonesty, violence, sexual offences, drug possession, discrimination, or harassment)
• Behaviour likely to bring LRC or the sport of rowing into disrepute
• Breach of anti-doping regulations
• Obscene, offensive, aggressive or inappropriate language or behaviour
• Breach of confidentiality or misuse of information
• Damage to Club property or that of another member
Possible Sanctions
Depending on the nature and seriousness of a breach, one or more of the following actions may be taken:
• Recommendation or requirement to seek professional help or counselling
• Reparation (e.g. an apology or replacement of damaged property)
• Verbal or written warning
• Final warning
• Suspension of membership
• Termination of membership
These examples are not exhaustive, and sanctions will be applied as appropriate to the circumstances.
– Amended December 2025
