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MKCP Code of Conduct

Player Code of Conduct expectations

  • Positively represent our club by following the rules, guidelines, and policies of Manawatū Kiwi Canoe Polo Incorporated.

  • Never act in a way that may bring disrepute or disgrace to Manawatū Kiwi Canoe Polo club, its members, stakeholders, and sponsors/potential sponsors

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.

  • Do not engage in any form of abuse, harassment, discrimination, or victimisation towards others through any means, including social media and other online forums.

  • Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others and be a positive role model.

  • Be a good/humble/modest winner or loser and respect fellow players, coaches, managers, officials and the achievement of opponents.

  • Accept responsibility for your actions.

  • Be aware of and maintain adherence to rules, guidelines, and policies. 

  • Never verbally abuse an official. Always use the appropriate rules and guidelines to resolve a dispute. 

  • Do not possess or consume prohibited substances while representing Manawatū Kiwi Canoe Polo Club

  • Do not use obscene language.

  • Cooperate with your coach, managers, and team-mates.

  • Have respect for the property of Manawatū Kiwi Canoe Polo and others.

If Players of MKCP fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, they will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or member of MKCP Committee

  • Written warning

  • Game suspension with written documentation of incident

  • Season suspension / Expulsion from the Club

Parental/Caregiver/supporter Code of Conduct

For the parents/caregivers of our younger people -  

Remember young people are involved in organised sport for their enjoyment, not yours.

Remember that young people learn best from example.  Applaud good play by both teams and recognise good calls by referees.

For all - Recognise the value and importance of volunteer committee members, coaches and referees.  They give their time, skill and experience to provide opportunities for others to develop their game and skills, and be able to play the game.

 

Of all parents/caregivers/supporters of MKCP players, we expect the following

 

  • To be a positive role model and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, training or event.

  • To not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing,  taunting or using profane language or gestures, etc.

  • Never encourage any behaviours or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of any player.

  • Expect and encourage that polo is played by the spirit of the rules, and that individuals must treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, sex, or ability.

  • Know it is never okay to ridicule or yell at a child / other participant for making a mistake or losing a game.

  • Always respect the officials / coaches/ committee members and their authority during games or with decisions made. If individuals wish to challenge any decisions, they must be done in a respectful manner and at a time that is appropriate.

  • Support coaches and officials to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.

 

If individuals fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, they will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or member of MKCP Committee

  • Written warning

  • Parental/caregiver/supporter game suspension with written documentation of incident

  • Parental/caregiver/supporter season suspension

Behaviour Policy  - Code of Conduct

As a member of our club you have signed (agree to) the Code of Conduct.  This is something you should know and adhere to at all times. 

Polo is an assertive, competitive game which requires a high level of energy and investment. Sometimes it might be difficult to keep your emotions, thoughts and behaviour in check. We recognise that managing emotions is a developing skill in adolescents.

We all have ‘off’ days and we all say and do the wrong thing sometimes. Your teammate, parent or coach might give feedback to you about what they see or hear.  Our aim at all points is to support you to know what is of concern and where to improve in everyday life.

However, we will not hesitate to sanction for breaches to the code of conduct. When behaviour challenges on repeated occasions, a pattern  of behaviour is noted or a serious incident is noted, we move to our disciplinary policy. 

When a Complaint is Received

A small group (usually 2-4 people)  of the committee will take responsibility to address the situation. We attempt to remove anyone who has a conflict of interest in a situation.  This group considers the complaint, any variables that need to be considered and will have the information about the situations.  They may seek clarifications from you or others if the information is not clear.   

At the end of the procedure, the group will report back to the committee of a player being brought into the disciplinary process formally. Names are not typically shared with the committee outside the COC group unless the breech is at the Red Card Exclusionary level. 

A record of any action taken on the below card scale will be recorded as to the nature of the complaint, the date we spoke, actions taken and any plans moving forwards. This information will be available to the Code of Conduct officers from MKCP and stored on a secure server.  

Note - a player may be awarded a card of any colour if the breech is deemed appropriate.

You will be aware if a group is formed to consider a situation even if it is dismissed.  You may though not always know who has provided information if we feel this may have an adverse effect for anyone concerned. 

If the group speaks to you, there will usually be 2 people.  This ensures everyone’s safety in terms of clarity of discussions and actions. We encourage you to bring someone to support you and this would usually be a parent if you are a young person. 

 

Your Rights 

You have the right to be part of a complaint against you.  You will be able to talk about circumstances generally and if possible, about a specific incident. 

Where fitting you may be able to talk with the complainant and seek to resolve issues or apologise if needed. 

You can consider what the club can do to support you and be assured we will do what is possible.

Behaviour Policy  - Code of Conduct

As a member of our club you have signed (agree to) the Code of Conduct.  This is something you should know and adhere to at all times. 

Polo is an assertive, competitive game which requires a high level of energy and investment. Sometimes it might be difficult to keep your emotions, thoughts and behaviour in check. We recognise that managing emotions is a developing skill in adolescents.

We all have ‘off’ days and we all say and do the wrong thing sometimes. Your teammate, parent or coach might give feedback to you about what they see or hear.  Our aim at all points is to support you to know what is of concern and where to improve in everyday life.

However, we will not hesitate to sanction for breaches to the code of conduct. When behaviour challenges on repeated occasions, a pattern  of behaviour is noted or a serious incident is noted, we move to our disciplinary policy. 

 

When a Complaint is Received

A small group (usually 2-4 people)  of the committee will take responsibility to address the situation. We attempt to remove anyone who has a conflict of interest in a situation.  This group considers the complaint, any variables that need to be considered and will have the information about the situations.  They may seek clarifications from you or others if the information is not clear.   

At the end of the procedure, the group will report back to the committee of a player being brought into the disciplinary process formally. Names are not typically shared with the committee outside the COC group unless the breech is at the Red Card Exclusionary level. 

A record of any action taken on the below card scale will be recorded as to the nature of the complaint, the date we spoke, actions taken and any plans moving forwards. This information will be available to the Code of Conduct officers from MKCP and stored on a secure server.  

Note - a player may be awarded a card of any colour if the breech is deemed appropriate.

You will be aware if a group is formed to consider a situation even if it is dismissed.  You may though not always know who has provided information if we feel this may have an adverse effect for anyone concerned. 

If the group speaks to you, there will usually be 2 people.  This ensures everyone’s safety in terms of clarity of discussions and actions. We encourage you to bring someone to support you and this would usually be a parent if you are a young person. 

 

Your Rights 

You have the right to be part of a complaint against you.  You will be able to talk about circumstances generally and if possible, about a specific incident. 

Where fitting you may be able to talk with the complainant and seek to resolve issues or apologise if needed. 

You can consider what the club can do to support you and be assured we will do what is possible.

Complaints process

What can complaints be about?

Complaints may be made about things such as actions or decisions of organisation members or officials, processes not being managed well (or at all), disagreements between members, unprofessional or upsetting behaviour, or delays or failure to communicate about matters affecting a person. 

 

Complaints may involve:

  • organisation management issues

  • conflicts of interest (including favouritism)

  • off-field unsporting behaviour

  • disrespectful behaviour 

  • bullying 

  • sexual harassment

  • discrimination 

  • abuse of power 

  • health and safety risks

  • offensive/insulting language or behaviour. 

 

First - Talk to your coach / event organiser / Grade Coordinator

If no resolution is sought, or you wish to escalate your complaint you may contact

 

Amy Walters -  MKCP President and COC Committee Officer

mkcpsquadmanager@gmail.com 027 2235773 

Cheryl Palmer - MKCP Child Protection Officer & COC Committee Officer

Palmer.cheryl1@gmail.com 0211306716

Anthony Thomas - COC Committee Officer

027 6875804

John Frost - COC Committee Officer

Player Code of Conduct expectations

  • Positively represent our club by following the rules, guidelines, and policies of Manawatū Kiwi Canoe Polo Incorporated.

  • Never act in a way that may bring disrepute or disgrace to Manawatū Kiwi Canoe Polo club, its members, stakeholders, and sponsors/potential sponsors

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.

  • Do not engage in any form of abuse, harassment, discrimination, or victimisation towards others through any means, including social media and other online forums.

  • Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others and be a positive role model.

  • Be a good/humble/modest winner or loser and respect fellow players, coaches, managers, officials and the achievement of opponents.

  • Accept responsibility for your actions.

  • Be aware of and maintain adherence to rules, guidelines, and policies. 

  • Never verbally abuse an official. Always use the appropriate rules and guidelines to resolve a dispute. 

  • Do not possess or consume prohibited substances while representing Manawatū Kiwi Canoe Polo Club

  • Do not use obscene language.

  • Cooperate with your coach, managers, and team-mates.

  • Have respect for the property of Manawatū Kiwi Canoe Polo and others.

If Players of MKCP fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, they will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or member of MKCP Committee

  • Written warning

  • Game suspension with written documentation of incident

  • Season suspension / Expulsion from the Club

Parental/Caregiver/supporter Code of Conduct

For the parents/caregivers of our younger people -  

Remember young people are involved in organised sport for their enjoyment, not yours.

Remember that young people learn best from example.  Applaud good play by both teams and recognise good calls by referees.

 

For all - Recognise the value and importance of volunteer committee members, coaches and referees.  They give their time, skill and experience to provide opportunities for others to develop their game and skills, and be able to play the game.

 

Of all parents/caregivers/supporters of MKCP players, we expect the following

 

  • To be a positive role model and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, training or event.

  • To not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing,  taunting or using profane language or gestures, etc.

  • Never encourage any behaviours or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of any player.

  • Expect and encourage that polo is played by the spirit of the rules, and that individuals must treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, sex, or ability.

  • Know it is never okay to ridicule or yell at a child / other participant for making a mistake or losing a game.

  • Always respect the officials / coaches/ committee members and their authority during games or with decisions made. If individuals wish to challenge any decisions, they must be done in a respectful manner and at a time that is appropriate.

  • Support coaches and officials to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.

 

If individuals fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, they will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or member of MKCP Committee

  • Written warning

  • Parental/caregiver/supporter game suspension with written documentation of incident

  • Parental/caregiver/supporter season suspension

 

Complaints process

What can complaints be about?

Complaints may be made about things such as actions or decisions of organisation members or officials, processes not being managed well (or at all), disagreements between members, unprofessional or upsetting behaviour, or delays or failure to communicate about matters affecting a person. 

 

Complaints may involve:

  • organisation management issues

  • conflicts of interest (including favouritism)

  • off-field unsporting behaviour

  • disrespectful behaviour 

  • bullying 

  • sexual harassment

  • discrimination 

  • abuse of power 

  • health and safety risks

  • offensive/insulting language or behaviour. 

 

First - Talk to your coach / event organiser / Grade Coordinator

If no resolution is sought, or you wish to escalate your complaint you may contact

 

Amy Walters -  MKCP President and COC Committee Officer

mkcpsquadmanager@gmail.com 027 2235773 

Cheryl Palmer - MKCP Child Protection Officer & COC Committee Officer

Palmer.cheryl1@gmail.com 0211306716

Anthony Thomas - COC Committee Officer

027 6875804

John Frost - COC Committee Officer

Complaints process

What can complaints be about?

Complaints may be made about things such as actions or decisions of organisation members or officials, processes not being managed well (or at all), disagreements between members, unprofessional or upsetting behaviour, or delays or failure to communicate about matters affecting a person. 

 

Complaints may involve:

  • organisation management issues

  • conflicts of interest (including favouritism)

  • off-field unsporting behaviour

  • disrespectful behaviour 

  • bullying 

  • sexual harassment

  • discrimination 

  • abuse of power 

  • health and safety risks

  • offensive/insulting language or behaviour. 

 

First - Talk to your coach / event organiser / Grade Coordinator

If no resolution is sought, or you wish to escalate your complaint you may contact

 

Amy Walters -  MKCP President and COC Committee Officer

mkcpsquadmanager@gmail.com 027 2235773 

Cheryl Palmer - MKCP Child Protection Officer & COC Committee Officer

Palmer.cheryl1@gmail.com 0211306716

Anthony Thomas - COC Committee Officer

027 6875804

John Frost - COC Committee Officer

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