Code of Conduct

All hvba members are subject to the British Crown Green Bowling Association’s Code of Conduct

 

1 AIMS & PURPOSE
• 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 BCGBA expect the
highest standards of conduct from all those involved – players, spectators and administrators.
• 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 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 the 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

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 practicing, training or competing in leagues, competitions and events, participants
and competitors should:
• Follow the rules and procedures of their club and league and Association
• Adhere to BCGBA rules and bye 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, shouting or any form of abusive behaviour or harassment
• Refrain from abusive or threatening behaviour
• Respect the rights and dignity of other participants
• Keep to agreed timings or inform their Captain or the competition’s relevant person if they
are going to be late
• No drinks allowed on the green
• No Swearing on or around the green
• No intimidation harassment or abusive behaviour on or around 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

3.3 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:
• Recognise the rights of their children to have fun
• Encourage long-term participation
• Support their child’s involvement in practicing and playing
• Be a good role model at clubs competitions and events and abide by safeguarding procedures at all
times
• Accept that errors are an important part of learning and not condemn children for making them

3.5 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 or to discredit other users or
organisations, or to lodge complaints or grievances
• It is certainly not the forum for anonymous slurs and insults
• The BCGBA would expect all users of social media to:
• Remember that all social media programmes are public forums
• 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 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 support the reputation of the sport
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality with regard to personal matters
• Avoiding racist, homophobic, discriminatory harassment or threatening 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?
• Comply with relevant actions from the online safety bill when it becomes law

3.6 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. In addition, safeguarding processes and procedures are available on the Bowls
Development Alliance Website for additional guidance
• However failures to comply will inevitably occur
• In these cases, it is essential that some value judgement is provided and disciplinary action is taken
• In repeat or extreme circumstances, sanctions will be considered
• Also, in all cases, the right of appeal should be available.
• For incidents at club, league or association level, should follow the BCGBA discipline Policy and
Guidance for disputes
• In all cases, accepted established procedures for the resolution of disputes should be followed (see BCGBA Handbook/Website)