BGRC CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
This document is issued in addition to the BGRC Code of Conduct and specifically relates to parents and carers. Parents and carers should familiarise themselves and agree to adhere to both documents.
Where we refer to ‘parents’ we mean parents and carers inclusively. The term ‘children’ or ‘child’ describes any person under the age of 18.
As the parent of a child taking part in BGRC gig rowing activity, we would like you to:
- Agree to join and participate in the BGRC ‘Juniors Group’ Messenger message group and agree to regularly check messages received about your child’s rowing sessions.
- Make sure your child has the right kit for the session (on and off water training); this includes provision of non-slip footwear appropriate to the sport to protect your child’s feet, a waterproof/windproof jacket, warm layers for cold weather, sun cream and cap for hot weather.
- Make sure your child has a drink (and if required, enough food) to last for the period of your child’s training activity.
- Try to make sure your child arrives to sessions on time and is picked up promptly; or let us know if you’re running late, or if your child is going home with someone else.
- Make sure your child agrees to wear any protective/safety kit we provide for them.
- Be aware that mobile phones and electronic devices in your child’s possession may suffer from water damage if not kept in a ‘dry bag’. BGRC will not be responsible for keeping a child’s mobile phone supervised by a club adult in dry conditions; each Junior brings their mobile with them at their own risk.
- Understand and support any changes to the rowing schedule whereby an on-water row may be replaced by a supervised off-water ‘ergo’ row.
- Maintain a good relationship with your child’s coach/cox/junior coordinator/members of the Junior Management Team.
- Tell us about any changes to your child’s health (including if they have sustained an injury elsewhere) and advise us of any medication they may be bringing with them to training or to competitions (e.g. asthma inhalers).
- Actively support BGRC and the participation of your child by attending events and regattas.
- Talk to us if you have any concerns about any part of your child’s involvement – we want to hear from you.
We would also like you to:
- Try and learn about your child’s participation in gig rowing and what it means to them.
- Take the time to talk to your child about what you both want to achieve through participation in gig rowing.
- Remember that children get a wide range of benefits from participating in sport, like making friends, team building, getting exercise and developing skills; it’s not all about wins and losses.
- Listen when your child says they don’t want to do something.
- Behave positively when supporting your child at a regatta – shout positive encouragement – and let your child know you’re proud of what they are doing.
- Think about how the way you react and behave effects not just your child but other children too.
- Lead by example when it comes to positive behaviour as a spectator; accept the official’s judgement and do not enter into dispute about the decisions of officials.
- Use social media responsibly when talking about what goes on at BGRC.
- Talk to your child about embracing good etiquette and sportsmanship behaviour.
- Encourage your child to participate by the rules.
- Ensure your child understands their Code of Conduct.
As a parent we understand you have the right to:
- Be assured that your child is safeguarded during their time with BGRC.
- See any of the BGRC policies and procedures at any time (they are accessible on the BGRC website).
- Know who are the Junior Coordinator, Welfare Officer and Safeguarding Advisory Officer responsible for your child and have their contact details.
- Know what training and qualifications BGRC officers have (those who are working with your child).
- Be informed of problems or concerns relating to your child.
- Know what happens if there is an accident, incident or injury, be informed if your child is injured and see records of any accidents.
- Have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s welfare listened to and responded to.
- Update your consent at any time for all consents given on the BGRC parental consent and declaration form.
We expect all parents to follow the behaviours and requests set out in this Code of Conduct for Parents and Carers document. If any parent behaves in a way which contradicts any points set out above, we will address the problem straight away with the parent and aim to resolve the issue.
Persistent concerns or breaches may result in parents being asked not to attend gig rowing training/regattas/events if their attendance is considered a risk to the welfare and enjoyment of BGRC young participants.
Continued breaches and issues of this code may result in BGRC asking your child to leave the event, or Club, permanently but this is always a last resort on our part.
Signature of Parent: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Name of Parent: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Date: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
A downloadable copy of this form can be found HERE
BGRC Junior Management Team | BGRC Welfare Officer
March 2023