Purpose

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This Conduct Policy (“Policy”) has been devised to provide guidance to all involved in Blackrock College RFC (“BCRFC”) as to the standards of conduct that are expected of them in accordance with the values and mission of BCRFC. By complying with this Policy, participants will contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment that fosters teamwork, personal growth, and the enjoyment of the game.

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BCRFC is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of, and demonstrating dignity and respect for, all involved in BCRFC activities, including members, players (past and present), players’ families, coaches, officials, executive and other committee members, staff, volunteers, spectators, guests of a visiting sports club, and other users of, and visitors to, BCRFC from time to time (“BCRFC Participants”).  All BCRFC Participants are expected to comply and encourage the compliance of others with this Policy in all circumstances, at all times, and throughout each form of sport and physical recreational activity with which they are associated. 

General Conduct 

BCRFC Participants are required to: 

1. Conduct themselves, both on and off the field, in a manner that reflects positively on BCRFC. 

2. Respect all BCRFC Participants and treat others with dignity and fairness, regardless of their background, race, gender, or ability.

3. Respect international conventions on protecting human rights insofar as they apply to BCRFC’s sporting activities, including in particular;

   1. rejection of discrimination of any kind on whatever grounds, be it race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

   2. rejection of all forms of harassment and abuse, be it physical, professional or sexual.

   3. promotion of equality of opportunity to access and participate in BCRFC.

4. Respect all property, facilities, and equipment of BCRFC and other sports clubs visited while representing BCRFC.

5. Adhere to the rules and regulations of BCRFC, as well as local, national, and international rugby governing bodies.

6. Adhere to all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations, including during BCRFC activities, events, and tours.

7. Act with integrity and not engage in fraudulent or dishonest activity at any time.

Sportsmanship and Fair Play

BCRFC Participants are required to:

1. Emphasise sportsmanship, fair play, and integrity and avoid any behaviour that may bring BCRFC into disrepute or compromise the spirit of the game.

2. Accept decisions made by match officials with grace, regardless of personal opinions, and not argue with officials, incite violence, or engage in disrespectful behaviour towards them.

3. Show respect for opponents and their supporters, both during and after matches and avoid any form of taunting, trash-talking, or aggressive behaviour that may incite conflict.

4. Refrain from, by any manner whatsoever, manipulating the course or result of a competition, or any part thereof, in a manner contrary to sporting ethics or otherwise interfere in the running of sports competitions.

5. Respect the sporting values of the game and the spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

6. Respect the principle of the universality and political neutrality of sporting relations.

7. Maintain harmonious relations with sports authorities, while respecting the principle of autonomy and seeking to promote the best interests of BCRFC.

BCRFC officials and committee members

All BCRFC officials and committee members must use due care and diligence in fulfilling their mission. At all times, they must act with the highest degree of integrity, and particularly when taking decisions, they must act with impartiality, objectivity, independence and professionalism. They must not act in a manner likely to tarnish the reputation of BCRFC. In particular, they must; 

1. Be conscious of the fact that they are representing BCRFC and consistently display the appropriate high standards of behaviour and appearance. 

2. Always act in the best interests of the club and the welfare of the members of the club. 

3. Always act in a financially responsible manner and report any financial irregularities or risk. 

4. Avoid the use of their position as a BCRFC official or committee member to seek any undue advantage for themselves, family members or associates.

5. Keep and store securely all documentation with respect to meetings, correspondence, minutes of committee meetings, databases and financial reports. These documents should be stored in a manner that complies with the GDPR and other applicable privacy and data protection laws. 

6. Communicate effectively and accessibly with other BCRFC members through e-mail, noticeboards or the club’s website.

7. Keep confidential all information, which is confidential to BCRFC and acquired in the course of their activities as BCRFC officials and committee members.

8. Ensure that the necessary processes are followed, and approvals obtained when incurring costs on behalf of BCRFC

Dignity and Respect

BCRFC Participants are required to:

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others in their right to self- determination. Specifically, BCRFC Participants must ensure to treat everyone equitably and sensitively within the context of their activity and ability, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion, family status, political beliefs, age, disability, socio-economic status, or role within any sports club.

2. Act in a professional and courteous manner and ensure their actions, words or gestures do not breach the protected areas covered under Equality Acts (protected areas covered are gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, membership of the Traveller community).

3. Foster a culture of dignity and respect and not participate or encourage participation in mandatory or undignified initiation and/or hazing ceremonies.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse

The use of illegal drugs or abuse of alcohol is strictly prohibited at all club-related events and activities, and at all times on the BCRFC premises. 

1. BCRFC players must not participate in training or matches under the influence of drugs or alcohol that may impair their judgment, coordination, or ability to play safely.

Social Media and Online Conduct 

BCRFC Participants are required to: 

1. Exercise caution and responsibility when using social media platforms or any form of online communication, ensuring that posts and comments align with BCRFC's values. 

2. Refrain from engaging in cyberbullying, harassment, or the spreading of offensive or defamatory content that may damage BCRFC’s reputation or harm others.

Breaches of the Code

1. BCRFC encourages its members to report any breaches of this Policy promptly and confidentially to BCRFC officials or staff, or confidentially to confidential@blackrockcollegerfc.ie.

2. Alleged breaches of this Policy will be investigated by a disciplinary sub-committee of the BCRFC executive committee (“Disciplinary Sub-Committee") in a fair and unbiased manner, ensuring, to the extent practicable, the privacy and wellbeing of all parties involved. 

3. Where it is decided that a breach of this Policy has taken place, the Disciplinary Sub-Committee may, at its absolute discretion, impose any of the following sanctions: warning; suspension or permanent expulsion from BCRFC; or a request for payment to cover the cost of repair or replacement of damaged property.

4. Additional awareness training or training and resources around changing in cultural attitudes may also be part of any sanction where an investigation has found a breach of this Policy. 

5.  Serious offences such as physical violence, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or cheating may result in suspension from BCRFC pending an investigation.

Review

This Policy will be reviewed on annual basis by the BCRFC executive committee. Observations and comments can be sent to confidential@blackrockcollegerfc.ie.