South Yorkshire County Crown Green Bowling Association

• This code should be read in conjunction with the Bowls Development Alliance Codes of practice, subscribed to by BCGBA. See www.safeguardingbowls.org  BDA Code will take precedence.

• CONTENTS
• GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT
  • AIMS & PURPOSE
  • RIGHTS & EXPECTATIONS
  • CODE OF CONDUCT 
• PLAYERS 
• OFFICIALS
• SUPPORTERS
• PARENTS 
• USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
• NON-COMPLIANCE

• GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT
• Crown Green Bowling is a sport suitable for the widest range of individuals – young and old, male and female, able-bodied and disadvantaged.
• However, in order to maximise the benefits and opportunities available, then the South Yorkshite expect the highest standards of conduct from all those involved – players, spectators and administrators.

• AIMS & PURPOSE

• This document sets out the rights and expectations of the conduct of all essentially-involved parties.
• This conduct is expected at all times and sanctions are proposed for persistent non-compliance.

• 2           RIGHTS & EXPECTATIONS
• All participants and spectators have the right to: 
  • Enjoy safe participation in the game
  • Be treated as individuals at all times 
  • Express their views and to be listened to
  • Seek support to help them develop their skills and values 
  • Be treated with respect 
  • Enjoy an environment free of discrimination 
  • Participate free from the threat of abuse or insult 
  • Have the sport administered in a fit and proper manner
  • Obtain guidance and support free from bias or favouritism

• All participants and spectators are expected to: 
  • Know the rules of game
  • Treat fellow participants with respect and courtesy
  • Refrain from abusive or threatening behaviour
  • Accept the decisions of officials without dissent
  • Act in a sportsmanlike way at all times 
  • Treat the green and facilities with respect

• CODE OF CONDUCT
•  
• 3.1     PLAYERS
• Players are the most important people in the sport.
• Playing for the team and helping the team to win is a fundamental part of the game.but fair play and respect for all others is equally fundamental.
• At all times, when practising, training or competing in leagues, competitions and events, participants and competitors should:
• follow the rules and procedures of their club and league

• Adhere to BCGBA rules and by laws 
• Act in accordance with the rules of the competition or event 
• Accept the decisions of officials of the event 
• Act in a sportsmanlike way at all times 
• Treat officials and other competitors with respect 
• Avoid swearing or shouting 
• Refrain from abusive or threatening behaviour 
• Respect the rights and dignity of other participants 
• Keep to agreed timings, or inform their Captain or the competitions’ relevant person if they are going to be late.

• No drinks allowed on the green.
• No Swearing on or round the green.
• No intimidation on or round the green
• No unauthorised persons allowed on the green 

      3.2      OFFICIALS

• Officials and administrators are an important part of the game. Their efforts can greatly enhance or sometimes even diminish the enjoyment of the game.
• It is essential that the authority of their position is recognised and accepted.
• However that authority must be used responsibly.

• Officials should:
  • Perform their duties in a fair and efficient manner free from bias or favouritism
  • Know the rules and act as a confident source of advice and information 
  • Be open and transparent in all their decisions and be prepared to explain their reasons 
  • Accept fair and constructive criticism 
  • Perform their duties without consideration of self-importance
  • Share their knowledge with others
  • Expect to be treated with respect and not subjected to personal comments or verbal abuse 

• Members will expect officials to:
  • Be knowledgeable, fair and honest
  • Keep their promises 
  • Keep to agreed programmes and timings

• SUPPORTERS  
• Supporters can make a significant contribution to an event. However, it must be accepted that players must not be unduly influenced or prevented from playing their own game.
• All spectators should:
  • Participate in a positive manner
  • Avoid swearing and abusive behaviour
  • Accept the instructions of match officials
  • Keep off the playing surface 
  • Treat all participants equally
  • Act in a sportsmanlike way at all times

• 3.4     PARENTS
• Parents should: 
• Accept that errors are an important part of learning and not condemn children for making them 
• Recognise the rights of their children to have fun
• Encourage long term participation
• Support their child’s involvement in practising and playing.
• Be a good role model at clubs competitions and events    

• USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
• Social media provides a forum for an exchange of views or constructive debate.
• It can be an enjoyable experience and can make a difference by bringing people together, supporting a mutual interest or cause.
• However, it is not the appropriate setting for creating disputes, to discredit other users or organisations, or to lodge complaints or grievances.
• It is certainly not the forum for anonymous slurs and insults.

• The  SYCCGBA would expect all users of social media to:
• Remember that all social media programmes are a public forum. 
• By adding any comment or information, you must be aware that this will be visible to other users and assumed to be true and relevant.
• Remember that you are responsible for your contribution and for any possible consequences to your reputation and that of your subject.
• If you have any doubts, it is better to refrain from making a contribution.
• Treat other users with respect; use appropriate and correct language and act as though you are in the presence of the other person.
• Respect other users by
• Being courteous, honest and fair
• Treating all people how you would like to be treated 
• Acting in ways that supports the reputation of the sport
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality with regards to personal matters 
• Avoiding racist. threatening or homophobic comments
• Avoiding behaviour which might reasonably be perceived as harassment, discrimination, bullying or intimidation 
• Be genuine – don’t hide behind aliases or nicknames
• Before you post a comment always ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it relevant?

• NON-COMPLIANCE
• This Code of Conduct should be seen as a guide to best practice to allow enjoyment of the sport by all those involved.
• However failures to comply will inevitably occur.
• In these cases, it is essential that some value judgement is provided and disciplinary action taken.
• In repeat or extreme circumstances, sanctions will be inevitable.
• In all cases, accepted established procedures for the resolution of disputes should be followed.
• Also, in all cases, the right of appeal should be available.
• For incidents at club or league level, then club or league officials should provide judgements.
• For County level then the South Yorkshire procedures will apply.