Code of conduct

EWSA is committed to creating an environment where all employees, volunteers and members are treated and treat others with dignity and respect, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.

We all have a responsibility to help create and maintain a work environment that promotes dignity and respect.  Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with the welfare officer of EWSA or their member club.

As a member of EWSA, you are expected to abide by the following code of practice:

Personel: Adults, Children and Volunteers

1. All members must take responsibility in ensuring they are up to date with the rules of Exe Water Sports and its member clubs, understand and adhere to them.
2. All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
3. Members should recognise the valuable contribution made by committee members, volunteers, coaches and officials who are usually volunteers. They give their time and resources to provide facilities for you, and should be treated with respect.
4. Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.
5. All members should be a positive role model, treat all members, and water users with the same level of respect you would expect to be shown to you.
6. Use correct and proper language at all times, and feel empowered to challenge inappropriate behaviour and give support to recipients of any such abuse.
7. Members are not allowed to smoke or consume drugs on club premises. Alcohol purchased from the bar may be consumed by over 18s, see the bar procedures for full details.
8. Bullying of any sort will not be tolerated. Encourage everyone to enjoy sport and understand and respect that people have different motivations for taking part.
9. Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants of all water sports, based on mutual trust and respect.

The EWSA Committee, Club Committees and those in a position of authority have the added responsibility of:

1. setting a good example through their own behaviour;
2. ensuring that there is a supportive working environment;
3. understanding what constitutes dignity at work and understanding the policy and procedures;
4. ensuring that employees and volunteers know what standards of behaviour are expected of them;
5. intervening quickly and informally to stop inappropriate behaviour, remembering that formal procedures may be appropriate, and enabling members to follow such procedures if required;
6. addressing promptly any complaints that are raised;
7. ensuring all staff, members and volunteers are able to work in an environment where their dignity is respected and they are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Activity in and around the clubhouse

The club premises are in a residential and commercial area and members are required to show consideration to other people.

1. Noise

   1. Members will endeavour to keep noise levels in and around the club house to a low level during the following times:
      1. 10pm Monday to 7am Tuesday
      2. 10pm Tuesday to 7am Wednesday
      3. 10pm Wednesday to 7am Thursday
      4. 10pm Thursday to 7am Friday
      5. 11pm Friday to 7am Saturday
      6. 11pm Saturday to 8am Sunday
      7. 10pm Sunday to 7am Monday

This includes but is not limited to; music (live or recorded), compressor usage, and ‘coaching’ at loud volumes.

1. Bar

   1. Music may only be played before 11pm on Sunday to Thursday evenings and must be off by midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings.
   2. The windows/doors to the outside space will be kept closed and locked after 11pm.
   3. The fire exits to the Club House as well as all other entrances to boat houses should be kept clear to enable suitable exits in an emergency.

2. Gyms

   1. Free weights which may be dropped may only be used before 11pm on Monday to Saturday evenings, and before 10pm on Sunday evenings.
   2. Ergos and quiet free weights may be used at any time.
   3. Music in the gyms may only be used after 8am and before 11pm on Monday to Saturday evenings, and before 10pm on Sunday evenings.

3. Towpath

   1. The towpath is a public right of way and members will ensure that their sports activities do not block the public’s access.
   2. Access to pontoons and steps to water should be kept clear except for boat loading.

4. Alleyways

   1. The alleyways between our buildings are the property of EWSA and there is no public right of way.  However the public are permitted to walk through the alleyways, except when a chain/gate is placed across the alleyways during busy water sports hours.  Members may put the gate/chain across an alleyway when they need to restrict public access, and are asked to release the chain when their activity has finished.

5. Outboard motors

   1. No outboard motors to be run out of the water anywhere in or around the site outside of the hours of 8am – 9pm

6. Member’s vehicles

   1. All members are reminded to adhere to The Highway Code and in particular:
      1. Members must not park in parking spaces where they do not have permission, nor park across local residents’ driveways.
      2. Member must only use the loading bay(s) for loading and unloading vehicles, once a vehicle is loaded or unloaded it must be moved off site.
      3. Members must show consideration to other road users when driving near the club.
      4. Members must not hoot their car horns as a form of greeting or farewell.

7. Loading and unloading of trailers

   1. The trailers will not be loaded or unloaded during the hours set out in section 1a, other than in exceptional circumstances.

8. Parking of trailers

   1. The trailers may be parked outside the club only in authorised locations.

9. Bicycles

   1. Members are not permitted to park or lock their bicycles near the exits of the club/flats.
   2. Members should avoid cycling along the towpath between the club and the canal.