12 January 2024
A reminder of our shared obligation – behaving well on the beach
Surf Carnivals are exciting and enjoyable events, but recent history has shown that when there is a rare occurrence of inappropriate behaviour by competitors, club officials or family members there is almost always severe and long term consequences, including significant financial costs at club level and emotional costs across all those involved. Additionally we cannot underestimate the impact this has on our younger competitors.
It is the club’s expectation that the highest standards of behaviour is displayed at all times, and that all officials, competitors and club leaders are treated with support and respect.
Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. The club has an Aquatic Sports Code of Conduct that provides clear guidance. We need to all work together to ensure compliance.
It is also recognised that sometimes things do go wrong on the beach, and people may feel aggrieved and want the issue resolved. If this happens to you:
- Do not approach officials – only an age/team manager can do this.
- Work with your age/team manager to try and resolve it – if you can’t there will be a senior manager on the beach to refer your issue to.
- At each carnival a senior member of the sports team will be appointed for referrals and to help resolve issues. They are also authorised to direct an aggrieved person or persons who are acting inappropriately to leave the beach to seek resolution away from the competition and other observers. Walking away is often the best solution to avoid further escalation.
- Where there is still an unresolved issue the senior sports manager will seek to resolve it back at the club within 7 days of the event occurring.
No issue is so great that it is worth invoking external disciplinary proceedings that both bring the club and the individual into disrepute.
At the briefing beginning each carnival team managers will remind everyone of our expectation in relation to good behaviour. Advice will also be given as to who is the senior manager on duty for referrals.
Our club has a proud history of competition and I seek your support to maintain this in a positive way.
Click to read the Mentone LSC Aquatic Sports Code of Conduct