DARTMOOR POOL LEAGUE

Document 3

CODE OF CONDUCT

Version: 1.0

Adopted: __________________

Effective From: __________________

Next Review: AGM __________

CODE OF CONDUCT NOTE

This Code of Conduct shall be read in conjunction with the:

• Constitution and Governance Document
• Playing Rules
• Disciplinary Policy

This document sets the standards of behaviour expected from all participants within the Dartmoor Pool League.

1. PURPOSE

a)       The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to promote a welcoming, fair, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all participants.

b)       All players, Team Captains, Committee Members, venue representatives and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with this Code.

c)       Participation in the League is deemed acceptance of this Code of Conduct.

2. RESPECT FOR OTHERS

a)       All participants shall treat opponents, teammates, officials and venue staff with courtesy and respect.

b)       Discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation or abusive behaviour shall not be tolerated.

c)       Participants shall respect differences in age, gender, ability, background, experience and opinion.

d)       Friendly rivalry is encouraged; personal hostility is not.

3. SPORTSMANSHIP

a)       Participants shall compete in the spirit of fair play.

b)       Winning and losing shall be accepted with good grace.

c)       Deliberate gamesmanship, cheating or attempts to gain unfair advantage are contrary to the values of the League.

d)       Players are expected to acknowledge genuine mistakes and resolve minor issues fairly wherever possible.

e)       Captains should promote sportsmanship and common sense before technical advantage.

4. PLAYER CONDUCT

a)       Players shall behave in a manner that reflects positively on themselves, their team and the League.

b)       Excessive foul language directed at another person is unacceptable.

c)       Threatening, aggressive or violent behaviour shall not be tolerated.

d)       Participants shall not deliberately disrupt matches or create unnecessary confrontation.

e)       Players must comply with reasonable requests made by Team Captains, venue management and Committee Members acting within their authority.

5. TEAM CAPTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

a)       Team Captains are expected to lead by example.

b)       Captains shall promote fair play, sportsmanship and respect among their players.

c)       Captains should seek to resolve disputes calmly and professionally.

d)       Captains are responsible for ensuring their team complies with League Rules.

e)       Captains should support new players and encourage participation throughout the League.

6. COMMITTEE MEMBER CONDUCT

a)       Committee Members shall act honestly, impartially and in the best interests of the League.

b)       Committee Members shall avoid conflicts of interest wherever possible.

c)       Committee Members must not abuse their position or authority.

d)       Committee Members are expected to set an example through their conduct both on and off the table.

e)       Decisions should be made fairly, consistently and without favouritism.

7. RESPECT FOR VENUES

a)       Participants shall respect all venues used by the League.

b)       Damage to venue property shall not be tolerated.

c)       Participants shall comply with venue rules and licensing requirements.

d)       Pool tables, equipment and facilities should be treated with care.

e)       Participants are expected to leave venues in a respectful condition.

8. ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE USE

a)       The League recognises that many fixtures take place within licensed premises.

b)       Participants are expected to drink responsibly.

c)       Excessive intoxication that negatively affects behaviour, safety or the enjoyment of others may result in disciplinary action.

d)       Illegal drug use at League events shall not be tolerated.

e)       Venue licensing laws and management decisions must be respected at all times.

9. SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

a)       Participants shall communicate respectfully through social media, messaging platforms and other forms of communication.

b)       Disagreements should be addressed constructively and through appropriate League channels where necessary.

c)       Personal attacks, harassment, bullying or abusive online behaviour shall not be tolerated.

d)       Participants should remember that comments made online may reflect upon their team and the League.

e)       False or deliberately misleading statements intended to damage individuals, teams or the League may result in disciplinary action.

10. INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

a)       The League welcomes participants from all backgrounds.

b)       No person shall be treated unfairly on the grounds of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

c)       The League is committed to providing an environment where all participants feel welcome and respected.

d)       Participants are expected to contribute positively to an inclusive atmosphere.

11. DISPUTES AND COMPLAINTS

a)       Minor issues should be resolved respectfully between those involved wherever possible.

b)       Team Captains should be the first point of contact for match-night concerns.

c)       Matters that cannot be resolved informally may be referred to the Committee.

d)       Serious allegations shall be dealt with in accordance with the Disciplinary Policy.

e)       Participants shall cooperate with any investigation undertaken by the Committee.

12. BRINGING THE LEAGUE INTO DISREPUTE

a)       Participants shall not engage in conduct that brings the League into disrepute.

b)       Behaviour occurring at fixtures, League events, venues, or in public forums may be considered where it has a direct impact upon the League.

c)       The Committee may take action where conduct significantly damages the reputation, operation or integrity of the League.

13. BREACHES OF THIS CODE

a)       Alleged breaches of this Code shall be considered under the League’s Disciplinary Policy.

b)       Sanctions may be applied to individuals or teams where breaches are proven.

c)       Repeated breaches may result in escalated sanctions.

d)       Serious misconduct may result in immediate disciplinary action.

14. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

a)       The Dartmoor Pool League exists to provide enjoyable, competitive and inclusive pool for all participants.

b)       Common sense, respect and sportsmanship should guide behaviour at all times.

c)       Participants are encouraged to remember that enjoyment of the game and the social aspect of the League are equally important to competitive success.

d)       All participants share responsibility for maintaining the positive reputation of the Dartmoor Pool League.