Maroochy River Rowing Club (MRRC)

Code of Conduct

Effective Date: September 2025
Review Date: September 2027

1. Background & Purpose

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of everyone involved in Maroochy River Rowing Club (MRRC). Its purpose is to promote a safe, respectful, inclusive and high-integrity environment and to ensure all participants understand their responsibilities when involved with the Club.

This Code applies to behaviour in person and online and aligns with contemporary sport governance standards, including those of Rowing Australia and Rowing Queensland.  This Code operates alongside MRRC’s Safeguarding, Safety, Complaints & Grievance, and Membership Policies, and participants are expected to comply with all such policies.

This Code reflects MRRC’s Mission, Vision and Values, particularly our commitment to being Youth First, promoting Effort Over Ego, fostering Community & Connection, being Inclusive by Nature, building Strength for Life, and practising Stewardship & Sustainability. The standards in this Code support the environment MRRC seeks to create for all participants.

2. Scope & Application

This Code applies to all individuals involved in MRRC, including (but not limited to):

• Athletes (rowers, coxswains)
• Coaches
• Parents and carers
• Officials, volunteers and support personnel
• Administrators, committee members and office holders
• Contractors and service providers
• Visitors and spectators

These individuals are collectively referred to as Participants.

This Code applies:

• At all club-related activities including training, regattas, camps, travel and social events
• When representing MRRC at external activities
• In all online conduct where a person identifies as an MRRC participant or engages in club-related forums or communications
• In interactions with other clubs, schools, associations, officials and stakeholders

3. General Behaviour Expectations

All Participants must:

1. Act ethically, honestly and fairly at all times.
2. Treat others with courtesy, dignity and respect.
3. Respect the rights, safety and wellbeing of others.
4. Always place the safety and wellbeing of children and young people above performance, results or personal interests.
5. Maintain an appropriate duty of care towards all participants, particularly children and young people.
6. Comply with all applicable laws, competition rules, MRRC policies, and Rowing Australia and Rowing Queensland policies.
7. Behave in a way that upholds the reputation of MRRC and the sport of rowing.
8. Not engage in inappropriate conduct, including harassment, discrimination, bullying, abuse or intimidation.
9. Follow safety directions and instructions from coaches, officials, safety officers and event organisers.
10. Respect club equipment, facilities and shared spaces.
11. Respect the privacy and personal space of others.
12. Not engage in dangerous, unsafe or unlawful behaviour.
13. Not attend or participate in training, regattas or club activities while under the influence of, or adversely affected by, alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, prescription medication, or any substance that may impair judgement, behaviour or safety.
14. Comply with all MRRC policies and procedures, including (but not limited to) the Club’s Safety, Weather & Environmental Conditions, Child Protection & Safeguarding, and Complaints & Grievance policies, and follow directions issued under those policies.
15. Act in the best interests of the team, squad and Club, recognising that rowing is a collective sport and that individual outcomes are achieved through shared effort, mutual respect and cooperation. Participants must not engage in behaviour that prioritises individual interests at the expense of team cohesion, squad wellbeing or the positive development of others.
16. Not engage in coercive, controlling, intimidating or psychologically harmful behaviour, including behaviour that seeks to dominate, shame, isolate, threaten, manipulate or unduly pressure another participant, particularly a child or young person. This includes repeated or persistent behaviour that may reasonably cause fear, distress, humiliation or loss of autonomy, regardless of intent.
17. Not engage in behaviour that publicly undermines, denigrates or disparages MRRC, its athletes, coaches, officials or volunteers, including repeated negative commentary, or gossip that may reasonably damage confidence, morale or the reputation of the Club. Legitimate concerns or complaints must be raised respectfully and through appropriate club channels, in accordance with MRRC’s Complaints & Grievance Policy.
18. Report any breaches of this Code or other unethical or unsafe conduct through appropriate channels.

MRRC values shared effort, mutual support and collective resilience, and expects participants to celebrate success together and support one another through both achievement and adversity.

3.1 Public Conduct While Wearing MRRC Uniform

Participants must not consume alcohol, smoke, vape, or use illicit drugs while wearing MRRC uniform or identifiable club apparel, or while otherwise clearly representing the Club at training, regattas, events, travel or associated activities.

This Code does not seek to regulate lawful personal behaviour outside of club activities. However, when wearing MRRC uniform or representing the Club, participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the reputation, values and safeguarding standards of MRRC.

An exception applies for official Rowing Queensland or Rowing Australia functions, such as awards ceremonies, selection announcements or formal events, where alcohol is lawfully served in a controlled environment. In such circumstances, participants of legal drinking age may consume alcohol responsibly while wearing club uniform, provided their behaviour remains appropriate, respectful and consistent with this Code.  

This exception does not apply to training, regattas, travel, team camps or informal social gatherings.

4. Use of Club Equipment & Boat Allocations

Participants must respect the allocation, care and authorised use of all club equipment, including boats, oars, electronics, trailers and safety vessels.

Participants must:

1. Only use equipment and boats they have been allocated or authorised to use.
2. Follow directions from coaches, the Boatman / Equipment Officer and the Committee regarding equipment use, movement and storage.
3. Not move, swap or use boats or equipment without permission.
4. Immediately report any damage, faults or incidents involving equipment to the Boatman / Equipment Officer.
5. Athletes entered to compete under MRRC must race in club-approved uniform and use the equipment allocated by the Club, unless prior approval has been granted by the Head Coach or Committee.
6. Athletes and parents must not independently source, borrow or substitute equipment from other clubs or organisations for use in an MRRC entry without prior written approval from the Head Coach or Committee.
7. Entry into an event under MRRC constitutes acceptance of equipment allocation and team selection decisions for that event.

Coaches are responsible for ensuring their crews comply with equipment allocations and directions.

Failure to comply may be treated as a breach of this Code.

5. Presentation, Clothing & Personal Appearance

All Participants must present themselves in a manner that reflects the professionalism, safeguarding standards and values of MRRC when attending training, regattas, events or representing the Club.

This applies to both club uniform and personal training attire.

Participants must ensure that:

1. Clothing is appropriate for a youth sporting environment and provides suitable coverage during rowing, training, boat handling and movement, including when wet.
2. Club uniform is worn as designed and is not altered, rolled, shortened or worn in a way that changes its intended fit or coverage.
3. Undergarments are not visible.
4. Clothing is not worn in a manner that draws unnecessary attention to the body or causes discomfort to others in the environment.
5. Coaches and officials may direct a participant to adjust clothing or presentation where it is not considered appropriate for the club environment.

Repeated failure to comply may be treated as a breach of this Code.

6. Fitness to Participate

Participants must present to all club activities in a physical and mental condition that allows them to participate safely and responsibly.

Participants must not:

1. Attend any club activity while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
2. Attend any club activity while affected by alcohol or drug consumption (recreational, prescription or otherwise) to the extent that judgement, behaviour, supervision or safety may be impaired, including being hungover.
3. Participate if fatigue, illness, medication or any other factor makes participation unsafe.

Coaches, officials and committee members are authorised to direct a participant to leave or not participate if they believe the participant is not fit to participate safely.

Failure to comply may be treated as a breach of this Code.

7. Specific Expectations by Role

7.1 Coaches

In addition to the general expectations above, coaches must:

1. Prioritise the health, safety and wellbeing of athletes above performance results.
2. Treat all athletes with care, fairness and consistency.
3. Involve athletes in decisions that affect them when appropriate.
4. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
5. Ensure training programs, equipment and environments are appropriate for the athlete’s age, ability and maturity.
6. Follow medical advice and support safe return to training following injury or illness.
7. Not attend or participate in club activities while under the influence of, or adversely affected by, alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, prescription medication or any substance that may impair judgement or safety.
8. Actively discourage unsafe practices, including doping, alcohol misuse and unsafe water behaviour.
9. Maintain any required accreditations, qualifications or licences relevant to their role.
10. Ensure any physical contact with athletes is appropriate, necessary for coaching or safety purposes, and consistent with safeguarding standards.

7.2 Professional Communication & Athlete Wellbeing

Coaches must maintain a communication style that supports the psychological safety, confidence and wellbeing of athletes.

Coaches must not:

1. Make negative, belittling or demeaning comments about an athlete’s ability, performance, appearance or character.
2. Make unsolicited comments about an athlete’s body shape, weight or appearance.
3. Provide advice regarding weight loss, dieting or body composition unless:

• it forms part of an approved high-performance program, and
• is delivered in consultation with the athlete’s parent/carer (for minors) and an appropriate health professional.

4. Use humiliation, intimidation, sarcasm or ridicule as a coaching method.
5. Discuss concerns about an athlete with other athletes.

Breaches of this section may be treated as serious misconduct under this Code.

7.3 Officials, Volunteers & Support Personnel

In addition to the general expectations above, officials and volunteers must:

1. Act impartially, transparently and consistently in their duties.
2. Avoid conflicts of interest and declare any relevant interests.
3. Maintain any required accreditations or licences relevant to their role.
4. Not use, be under the influence of, or be adversely affected by alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, prescription medication or any substance that may impair judgement, reaction time, supervision or safety.

7.4 Administrators & Committee Members

Administrators and committee members must:

1. Act in the best interests of the Club and its members.
2. Exercise due care, skill and diligence in decision-making.
3. Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose relevant interests.
4. Model professional, ethical and respectful conduct at all times.
5. Not be under the influence of, or adversely affected by, alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, prescription medication or any substance that may impair judgement or safety when performing their duties.

7.5 Athletes

Athletes must:

1. Uphold the highest standards of sporting behaviour and fair play.
2. Respect fellow athletes and support their positive development.
3. Not attend or participate in club activities while under the influence of, or adversely affected by, alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, prescription medication or any substance that may impair judgement or safety.
4. Prioritise safety and wellbeing, including reporting hazards, injuries or concerns.

7.6 Parents & Carers

Parents and carers must:

1. Support the health, safety and wellbeing of their athlete.
2. Encourage respectful, rule-aligned behaviour.
3. Positively support all athletes and participants.
4. Respect coaches, officials and other participants.
5. Not attend or participate in club activities while under the influence of, or adversely affected by, alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, prescription medication or any substance that may impair judgement or safety.

7.7 Interaction with Coaches and Officials at Events

Parents and carers must respect the role of coaches and officials, particularly during training sessions, regattas and events where athletes require focus and a calm environment.

Parents and carers must not:

1. Approach coaches during racing, marshalling, warm-up, boat loading or other competition activities to question coaching decisions, seat selections or race strategies.
2. Confront coaches or officials regarding selection or performance matters during events.
3. Create an environment that places additional pressure on athletes immediately before or after racing.

Concerns regarding coaching decisions or athlete development must be raised at an appropriate time away from competition through the appropriate club channels.

8. Prohibited Conduct

Prohibited conduct includes any behaviour that breaches this Code, MRRC policies, Rowing Australia or Rowing Queensland policies, or applicable laws.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Harassment, discrimination, bullying or abuse
• Physical or verbal aggression
• Unsafe waterway conduct
• Intoxication at club activities
• Breaches of safeguarding or child safety standards
• Ignoring reasonable directions from coaches, officials or safety officers

9. Reporting and Complaints

Concerns, complaints or breaches of this Code should be reported:

1. To the MRRC Welfare Officer or Club President, or
2. In accordance with the Club’s Complaints & Grievance Policy, or
3. Through the Rowing Australia National Integrity Framework.

Reports will be handled sensitively, confidentially and fairly. Retaliation against any person who reports concerns in good faith is prohibited.

10. Consequences of Breaches

Breaches of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Suspension of training, competition or membership
• Removal from teams, positions or events
• Referral to Rowing Australia or Rowing Queensland disciplinary processes
• Termination of volunteer, contractor or coaching roles

Consequences will be proportionate, fair and consistent with MRRC and governing body procedures.

11. Acknowledgement

By becoming or remaining a member of MRRC, or by participating in club activities, all Participants agree to comply with this Code of Conduct.  For junior athletes, this Code must be acknowledged by both the athlete and their parent or carer as part of membership or event participation