Club Sport Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct and Why is it in Place?

This code is designed to ensure that all Sport Club Members within Sport Hallam programs at Sheffield Hallam University have clearly defined standards of behaviour that are fully embraced and understood by all members.
The code sets out the expected behaviour from all members of Sheffield Hallam University’s Sports Clubs participating in any activity or event in person or online.
This code will apply in addition to the standard disciplinary policies determined by Sheffield Hallam University.
https://www.shu.ac.uk/Study-here/Terms-and-Conditions-and-Student-Regulations
Sport Hallam will investigate any alleged breach of the code and may take disciplinary action
against an individual or group in any case found to be proven.
The Code of Conduct is in place to:
● Safeguard members.
● Safeguard others potentially affected by members’ actions.
● Ensure the highest possible standards of fairness, honesty, competition and behaviour.
● Consider the wellbeing and safety of participants and reduce the risk of harm, injury,
harassment and nuisance to members and the wider community.
● Create inclusive and vibrant student groups and promote the positive aspects of
participating in sport.

Who is the Code of Conduct For?

● All members of Sports Clubs (inclusive of committee members, captains, volunteers).
● All persons officially appointed to any team or individual competing in an event (including
administrators, coaches, managers, medical practitioners and any other appointed staff or student).
● Spectators/supporters of a Sports Club.

When does the Code of Conduct Apply?

The code applies at any time when clubs or individuals are representing Sheffield Hallam
University. This is inclusive, but not exhaustive, of the following:
● Sports Fixtures/Competitions/Events
● Training Sessions
● Spectating
● Social Events
● Travelling to and from Sport Club activity
● Trips
● Events e.g. Varsity and Sports Awards
● Online/Social Media
Other acts not listed deemed by the University to be unacceptable, may be treated in the same way as a breach of this code.

Terms of the Code of Conduct

All members and participants agree to abide by the terms outlined below.
General Behaviour
● Members should not undertake any action which could bring the reputation of the club,
Sport Hallam or Sheffield Hallam University into disrepute.
● Members must always abide by the law.
● Members must conduct themselves in a reasonable manner relating to language, noise and behaviour.
● Members must not participate in action which might cause damage to themselves and others.
● Members must report any action that may cause or has caused damage to themselves and/or others.
● Members must not encourage or pressure others into acting against the Code of Conduct.
● Members must respect the rights, dignity and values of others.
● Members must demonstrate fairness, consideration and integrity in all dealings with
others.
● Members must create a welcoming and friendly environment for potential new members and participants regardless of experience, background, ethnicity, gender etc.
● Members should not pressure or coerce any other member into any action with which they feel uncomfortable.
● Members should take responsibility for individual and collective actions.
● Members should show awareness and understanding of how their actions may be
perceived by others.

During Activity
● Members are representing Sheffield Hallam University and must conduct themselves in an appropriate manner during sessions, fixtures and competitions.
● Members must treat facilities, staff and students at the University and other institutions with respect and abide by any rules that may apply.
● Members must comply with all reasonable instructions issued by officials and respect the decisions of officials. All playing appeals should be submitted through formal processes and individuals should be respectful of the final decision.
● Coaching staff and volunteers should be treated with the same respect as any other
member of staff.
● Members must refrain from any form of verbal or physical intimidation or harassment of others.
● Members must operate within the rules, including national guidelines, which govern the activity.
● Alcohol is not permitted to be taken on to or consumed on board provided transport,
whether hire car, minibus or coach. The drivers will refuse to carry any individual not
complying.
Varsity
● Members must comply with the Varsity Oath embedding a culture of respect, fair play,
sportsmanship and pride in the competitors and the spectators who participate in Varsity.
● Participants and spectators should ensure the event is carried out competitively, fairly and with respect for the opposition, the staff and the officials.
● Spectators should respect and value all competitors and show consideration to the
communities and facilities in which Varsity takes place, including when travelling to and
from events.
● Uphold the values and spirit of the Varsity competition.

Finance
Club Committees should be aware of the financial responsibilities attached to the administration of University Sports Clubs and refer to the guidelines below:
● Committee members should act solely in terms of the interest of the club and its
members. They should not do so to gain financial or other material benefits for
themselves or their friends.
● Committee members should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
● Club account signatories or those with online access to accounts must be student
members of the club. It is not permitted for non-students to have access to club funds.
● All club finances to go through the TeamHallam.org finance system.

Alcohol and Drugs
● Members should consume alcohol only at appropriate times and in approved areas, in line with relevant liquor licensing regulations.
● Members should avoid consuming excess alcohol at any event or social function
organised under the umbrella of the University.
● Members should not use any illegal recreational drug whilst representing the University. The consumption of legal "highs" is also prohibited.
● Performance enhancing substances are prohibited as per the National Governing Body of the particular sport. UK Anti-Doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the University
guidelines should be referred to regarding the use of such substances.
Initiations
Sheffield Hallam University, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and other UK
universities believe the practice of initiations is a dangerous and degrading exercise which jeopardises the safety of members, the inclusivity of sport, participation and reflects negatively on the public image of students.
An initiation is defined as any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate (Hoover, N.& Pollard, N. Pg. 4 (1999, August 30). Initiation rites and athletics: A national survey of NCAA sports teams).
Social activities such as welcome evenings, team meals, social nights and celebration events that welcome new members and provides a positive first impression of university life are encouraged.
Initiation ceremonies involving intimidating, humiliating acts that can amount to bullying, irrespective of a member’s willingness to participate, are not permitted.
The following rules must be followed:
● All activities must not cause offence, harm or disruption to the community.
● All activities must be opt-in and have no bearing on the acceptance into the Club or
team/squad selection.
● Peer pressure must not be exerted on individuals.
● Activities must not be humiliating, unlawful or degrading.
● Activities must not involve the forced consumption of any fluid/substance.
● Taking of alcohol to the activity/event must not be made a condition of attendance.
● If activities involve alcohol, then non-alcoholic drinks must be made available.
● Activities must not bring the reputation of Sheffield Hallam University or the Club into
question or disrepute.
The organiser of the event and the Club Committee will be held responsible for any initiation ceremony that takes place and disciplinary action will be taken. All organisers are encouraged to speak to Sport Hallam for guidance regarding welcome events.
Sports Tours
Sheffield Hallam University does not condone ‘Sports Tours’ e.g. I LOVE TOUR.
If members are planning to attend a tour of this nature, this should not be advertised through official Club channels, included but not limited to, social media pages or official club email addresses.
If club members decide to attend a ‘Sports Tour’, they must adhere to the following:
● Members will be travelling as a group of friends and not as part of the University Club.
● Members will not be officially representing Sheffield Hallam University.
● Any kit linking the group to Sheffield Hallam University and/or Sport Hallam including
playing kit and leisurewear must not be worn.
● Activities relating to the Sports Tour must not be posted on official University Club social media pages.
● Should a member of the club/team bring Sport Hallam or Sheffield Hallam University into disrepute through their actions, they will be dealt with via the Sheffield Hallam University Student Code of Conduct.