P28 - Junior’s Code of Conduct

Bowls Oxfordshire Junior’s Code of Conduct – P28

Members are reminded that Bowls Oxfordshire Junior Section has been developed over the years by its members for the benefit of all its members and for the progression of the sport of bowls. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that it continues to develop and progress and that no member should bring the section into disrepute.

The Junior section committee is a voluntary body elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting each year and its commitment to the county and to the membership should be respected. It should be noted that decisions by the executive committee and Junior section Committee are made for the benefit of the members in general and not for the convenience of the Executive Committee.

Being a member of Bowls Oxfordshire Junior Section gives you both rights and responsibilities.

The code

Members have a right to:

1. Be treated fairly and with respect
2. Participate in a safe, happy, and protected environment free of all types of abuse
3. Have their privacy and confidentiality protected and treated with respect
4. Give their opinion on matters relating to themselves and their sport, and be listened toA

Members must:

1. Treat everyone with respect on and off the green.
2. Behave fairly and honestly
3. Comply with the rules and follow all safety requirements and practices governing the sport
4. Observe the rules and etiquette of the sport of bowls as defined by Bowls England
5. Do not use offensive language or gestures or behave in rude manner
6. Do not smoke or vape on the green (including the embankment), use a designated smoking area if a club provides one
7. Refrain from the consumption of alcohol before or during matches
8. Avoid behaviour that could offend or embarrass others
9. Not physically or verbally harm or bully others (includes fighting, arguing, ridiculing, threatening, stalking, etc.)
10. Behave responsibly and not motivate or incite any person/s to do or feel anything unpleasant or violent
11. Comply with any lawful and reasonable direction given by someone who has the authority to give the direction
12. Not provide false or misleading information in response to a request for information that is made for official purposes in connection with Bowls Oxfordshire
13. Use Bowls Oxfordshire resources in an appropriate manner
14. At all times, behave in a way that upholds the good reputation of Bowls Oxfordshire

Breaches of the Code of Conduct – Reporting and Resolution

Bowls Oxfordshire, through its Executive Committee, reserves the right to make decisions and enforce fair and reasonable measures following a breach of the Code of Conduct.

Any breach of the Code of Conduct must be reported to Bowls Oxfordshire who will fully investigate the matter in a calm, honest and dignified manner in accordance with the rules of Bowls England. Confidentiality must be maintained by all involved.

Etiquette

We ask that Bowls Oxfordshire Bowlers are aware of the etiquette of the game, though we understand that new bowlers and junior bowlers are not always going to abide by the etiquette of the game. We merely outline the etiquette as a tool for learning and a reference place for bowlers.

1. Each bowler during a game is expected to be ready to bowl when it is their turn and to concentrate on the match.

2. Players are expected to be quiet and not move at the head end when a player is preparing to bowl. Avoid hiding the rink number and rink markers from the bowler.

3. Be aware of players on adjacent rinks. Keep to your own rink and do not become a wanderer and distract other bowlers. Do not walk past the end of a rink when somebody is about to bowl.

4. Encourage and praise the rest of the team including the skip. Don’t applaud a team member who has outrageous luck and admit a fluke shot with grace.

5. Compliment your opponent’s bowls and don’t wave your opponent’s bowls through the head.

6. Minimise the distraction and interference with bowlers on adjacent rinks during movement between ends by walking, as far as possible, along the centre of the rink.

7. Be gracious whether you win or lose.

8. At the end of the game shake hands with your opposition. In a singles game thank the marker and offer to buy them, as well as your opposition, a drink.

9. After matches be prepared to offer your opposition a drink and socialise with them.

10. NEVER CRITICISE YOUR OPPONENTS, THE BOWLS GREEN OR YOUR OWN TEAM.

11. All members are recommended to read the Laws of Bowls to familiarise themselves with laws governing the sport

By signing this document, I agree to abide by the Code of Conduct that has been set out and understand that any failure to do so will impact my potential selection for all county matches.