Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

The purpose of this code of conduct is to articulate the acceptable standard of behaviour expected of a member of this association. It represents a formal statement of the values and ethical standards that guide individuals in the sport of bowls. It further outlines a set of principles and norms to which people can be held accountable both when representing and administering their District at all levels. The aim thereof, is not to simply learn more rules but rather develop certain interpretive sensitivity towards them. This can also be used as a point of reference when dealing with disciplinary procedures.

2. Objective

2.1 To outline incorrect and unacceptable actions/behaviours within our sport and to encourage ethical behaviour so that when the code is contravened the appropriate disciplinary action can be taken consistently. Thus responding to offences and preventing re-occurrence.
2.2 To help resolve conflict.
2.3 To make ethical behaviour infringement easy to identify.
2.4 To enhance the ethical reputation of bowls.
2.5 To promote respect for human dignity, rights and social justice.
2.6 Provide a framework for all persons to conduct their activities according to the following ethical standards:

• Embrace the spirit of fair play.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being.
• Be fair, considerate, honest and respect for the law.
• Be trustworthy and professional, accepting responsibility for your actions.
• Refrain from racial, gender, verbal, physical or emotional abuse or harassment.
• Make a positive contribution and refrain from destructive criticism.
• Act in the best interest of the sport.
• Respect all religions as equal.

3. Practitioners

We pledge to:
3.1 Conform to our federation’s code of conduct.
3.2 Commit to promote equality for all and to ensure that all are given an equal opportunity to participate regardless of gender, or ability or cultural background.
3.3 Discourage people from promoting violence in sport. The spirit of fair play should apply.
3.4 Ensure that all equipment and facilities comply with the specified International standards.
3.5 Ensure that no player is advantaged by any modification of equipment.
3.6 Ensure that the age and maturity levels of children are considered in programme development, rule enforcement and scheduling.
3.7 Pride of participation should balance the will to win.
3.8 Ensure that the code of conduct is distributed, understood and agreed upon by, coaches, players and officials.
3.9 Ensure that technical officials, coaches and players promote fair play in their conduct.
3.10 Disclose personal interest by all participants at all levels.
3.11 Ensure that the standards set out in the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act are adhered to.
3.12 Promote the respect of culture beliefs of humanity and ensure that all protocol is observed at competitions/events.
3.13 Ensure that the spirit of Ubuntu and fair play is promoted by all.
3.14 Ensure that no member of the federation shall bring the sport into disrepute.
3.15 As officials, discourage the promotion of tobacco and alcoholic products in sport.
3.16 Resist all forms of corruption, rules violations, pressures and other compelling circumstances, which go against the spirit of fair play.
3.17 At all times work within the guidelines of the governing authority of the sport.
3.18 Display mutual respect towards all fellow practitioners and resolve conflict through consultative dialogue.
3.19 Never actively promote anti-social behaviour, lude acts or abusive language.
3.20 Adhere to the provisions set out in the federation’s communication policy.

4. Players

We will:
4.1 Conform to our federations’ code of conduct.
4.2 Respect the rules and participate in the spirit of fair play.
4.3 Display high standards of behaviour that promote a positive image for the sport.
4.4 Respect for other fellow players and officials.
4.5 Pride of participation should balance the will to win.
4.6 Give my teammates positive inputs and feedback.
4.7 Respect the usage of facilities and equipment prescribed for an event.
4.8 Shall not breach the laws of the game.
4.9 Accept and observe the authority and decisions of match officials and other ruling bodies.
4.10 Shall not use foul or abusive language to fellow competitors, team mates, match officials or spectators.
4.11 Shall not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any other person on the gender, or ability or cultural background.
4.12 Commit to the fight against banned substances in sport.
4.13 Commit to the WADA code of conduct and contribute to fight drug abuse.
4.14 Resist and report all forms of corruption, pressures and other compelling circumstances, which go against the spirit of fair play.
4.15 Display exemplary behaviour in and out of play, promoting fair play in sport.
4.16 As sports men and women discourage the promotion of tobacco and alcoholic products in sport.
4.17 Commit ourselves not to bring the sport into disrepute.
4.18 Arrive in good timing to be present when match times are due.
4.19 Wear appropriate kit for the occasion.
4.20 Learn and play by the rules. Adhere to the provisions set out in the federation’s communication policy.
4.21 Adhere to the provisions set out in the federation’s communication policy

5. Technical Officials

We will:
5.1 Conform to our federations’ code of conduct.
5.2 Make sure that the game is played in the spirit of fair play.
5.3 Ensure that all equipment and facilities comply with the specified federations International standards.
5.4 Not tolerate unacceptable behaviour towards officials, athletes, spectators or ourselves.
5.5 Disclose personal interest by all participants/officials at all levels.
5.6 Handle all conflict firmly but with dignity.
5.7 Display exemplary behaviour in and out of play, promoting fair play in sport.
5.8 Develop ourselves to meet the high standards of officiating.
5.9 Make ourselves available to discussion issues before and after the game.
5.10 Commit to the fight against banned substances in sport.
5.11 Submit to the WADA code of conduct.
5.12 As technical officials discourage the promotion of tobacco and alcoholic products in sport.
5.13 Resist and report all forms of corruption, pressures and other compelling circumstances, which go against the spirit of fair play.
5.14 Respect other officials and players.
5.15 Adhere to the provisions set out in the federation’s communication policy

6. Coaches

We will:
6.1 Conform to our federations’ code of conduct and the National coaching policy.
6.2 Make sure that all players play the game in the spirit of fair play
6.3 Ensure that confidentiality of player’s affairs is respected.
6.4 Ensure that athletes know how to manage conflict resolution and stress and use good judgment.
6.5 Be generous with praise and give the team positive inputs and feedback.
6.6 Develop ourselves to meet the high standard of coaching.
6.7 Commit to the fight against banned substances in sport.
6.8 Submit to the WADA code of conduct.
6.9 As a coach discourage players to promote tobacco and alcoholic products in sport.
6.10 Resist and report all forms of corruption, pressures and other compelling circumstances, which go against the spirit of fair play.
6.11 Respect other coaches, officials and players
6.12 Encourage individuals to continue their participation in sport.
6.13 Ensure that all equipment and facilities comply with the specified federations international standards.
6.14 Commit and cooperate with all medical and testing protocols of SASCOC.
6.15 At no time become intimately and/or sexually involved with any minor player.
6.16 In case of minors communicate and cooperate with the player’s parents or legal guardians, involving them in management decisions pertaining to their child’s development.
6.17 Ensure that you do not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any person.
6.18 Adhere to the provisions set out in the federation’s communication policy.

Glossary

Fair Play

• Much more than playing within the rules.
• It incorporates the concept of friendship, respect for others and always playing in the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, sportsmanship, gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialization and corruption.

Bring the Sport into Disrepute

• Tarnish the name of the sport.
• Damage the reputation or image of the sport.
• Bring the sport into dishonor.
• Cause the sport to lose prestige.
• Bring the sport into discredit.
• Scandalise the sport.
• Disgrace the sport.

International Standard

• The standard prescribed by a national federations International body National Federation
• Means a national governing body of a code of sport in the Republic of South Africa, registered as such by the relative International body and by SASCOC as the only authority for the administration and control of the relative code of sport.
• WADA The World Anti-Doping Agency enforces rules and regulations which govern the abuse of banned substances in sport worldwide.

Player

• Any person who participates in sport under the authority of a sport federation or representing a team in competition.

Coach

• A registered coach who is a holistic assistant to a player participating in or preparing for sport competition.

Technical Officials

• A person preparing for sport competition or technical presentation of facilities to be used in such competition.
• Judge, umpire or scorer.
• Person who enforces the rules and control of play of the participation of players, coaches and managers in the competition.

Practitioners

• A person responsible for the administration and management affairs of a sporting code

Commitment

• In the case of any violation of the provisions of this Code of Conduct, disciplinary measures as prescribed in the respective constitutions of shall be instituted and sanctions appropriately applied. Adherence and compliance to this Code of Conduct is therefore mandatory.

Declaration

I, the undersigned pledge that I accept the content of this Code of Conduct as presented. I commit to implement and promote the code as a way of ensuring that the sport of Lawn Bowls is played and managed in an equitable and ethical manner.