The London Rowing Club Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is intended to inform members of the London Rowing Club of the standards of conduct and behaviour expected of them. The club has a large and diverse membership enjoying different aspects of club life, be it social, the gym or the opportunity to row. We respect each other’s differences. Most importantly we provide support to each other and take pride in the achievements of all athletes who represent the club.

Standards of Behaviour

Members must always bear in mind that they represent both the LRC and the sport of rowing. In addition to this Code members should be familiar with LRC Rules. They should also read British Rowing’s Policies and Guidance  documents https://www.britishrowing.org/about-us/policies-guidance/

Take care of your own and others safety by familiarising yourself with LRC, BR and the PLA’s safety rules. Advice is available from safety@londonrc.org.uk.

The rowing community and your club could not function without the time and effort given by volunteers. Club members must behave with courtesy and respect towards all those who volunteer such as Umpires, Marshalls, other officials and officers of the club.

Look out for each other, especially junior and vulnerable members. Be vigilant. If you are concerned about anything eg. bullying, racism, sexism, harmful or abusive behaviour don’t be afraid to call it out and please email welfare@londonrc.org.uk

Members, especially Administrators of group chats, must have regard to the LRC’s Social media policy. Content that is or may be regarded as offensive, bullying, defamatory or harassment must be removed immediately. Be mindful that anything you post could be taken out of context and also made public. A momentary, ill considered post can have serious and lasting repercussions.

Raising Concerns and Disciplinary Procedure

If you have concerns about the behaviour of a club member towards you or another member you can raise this with the CWO welfare@londonrc.org.uk, the Captain captain@londonrc.org.uk. It may be referred to the LRC Code of Conduct Council. The Chairman of the Club will be notified.

If you wish to make a complaint or raise a grievance about the club please refer to rule 18 of the LRC rules.

It is expected that the majority of breaches of the code and complaints will be dealt with informally. Where this is not possible the Code of Conduct Council has been set up to ensure that disciplinary investigations, and proceedings are objective and fair. Unless there is good reason not to do so, notification will be given that a complaint has been made and the matter is being investigated. If a hearing is required, notice of a suitable date will be given along with copies of the complaint and any evidence, such as witness statements. No one connected with the complaint or the investigation shall sit in determination of the issues. If necessary the Council’s findings and recommendations will be referred to the Committee so that appropriate action can be taken. There may be circumstances where it is considered necessary to suspend the individual concerned pending the outcome of the investigation and any hearing. If you do not agree with a disciplinary decision or consider you have been treated unfairly by the finding of the Council you can ask for it to be reconsidered or appeal to the Committee.

Examples of Breaches of the Code of Conduct

• Unlawful conduct eg dishonesty, violence, sexual offences, discrimination, harassment

• Behaviour that could bring the club into ill repute

• Breach of the LRC social media policy

• Obscene or offensive, language, gestures or behaviour

• A breach of confidence or disclosure of confidential information

• Causing damage to club or member’s property

This is not an exhaustive list.

Examples of SANCTIONS

• Recommendation/undertaking to seek help or counselling from professional body

• Reparation eg an apology, replacing or making good loss or damage 

• A warning

• Formal warning

• Final warning

• Suspension

• Expulsion

These are not exhaustive nor in any specific order and can be applied as considered commensurate with the Breach of the Code of Conduct.

If you need to get in touch with our Welfare Officer, please email here: Welfare@Londonrc.org.uk

LRC strongly advocates clean sport and abides by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) rules and regulations to protect the integrity of our sport.

Read more about Anti-Doping here at British Rowing