BRITISH FREERIDE POLICIES Reviewed and updated 03/08/23 The British Freeride policies detailed here-in include:-
Please note that as a general rule, if a scenario, situation or incident is not catered for in these policies, British Freeride will always defer to the more comprehensive policy of a higher authority. Relevant higher authorities include the Governing Body for snowsports in Scotland, Snowsport Scotland, Children First, Sport Scotland and UK Sport. 1. Code of Conduct 1a. General Code of Conduct for all persons involved in BRITISH FREERIDE activities including event officials, coaches, trainees and competitors This general code of conduct applies to the committee, members, parents, coaches, trainees and any other persons associated with or connected to or engaged with British Freeride, who should:- 1.a.1 Respect the position and responsibility of the event organiser and their role, in accordance with published British Freeride event rules 1.a.2 Respect and champion the rights, dignity and worth of every individual and treat everyone equally within the context of their sport. 1.a.3 Develop an appropriate relationship with participants based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect. 1.a.4 Always promote the positive aspects of their sport and never condone law violations or the use of prohibited substances. 1.a.5 Always encourage participants to value their performances and not just results. 1.a.6 Never exert undue influence over participants to obtain personal benefit or reward. 1.a.7 Consistently demonstrate high standards of preparation, language, manner, punctuality and presentation. 1.a.8 Consider the well being and safety of participants ahead of the completion of an event. 1.a.9 Ensure that all equipment has been properly prepared and made safe. 1b. Additional Code of Conduct for Event Organisers The role of event organiser is considered one of the most important undertaken on behalf of British Freeride. The success or failure of any component part of an event is the responsibility of the event organiser who can be held wholly liable for any inefficiencies or failings in the event by themselves or their crew or any dissatisfaction by any of its attendees or competitors. British Freeride event organisers should:- 1.b.1 Conduct themselves in a professional manner being impartial at all times 1.b.2 Accept responsibility for, and delicately manage any issues or problems occurring at the event. 1.b.3 Treat all helpers fairly and equally with due courtesy and respect 1.b.4 Support all appointed volunteers ensuring they are adequately equipped, trained, supported and nurtured to deliver their own roles successfully. 1.b.5 Ensure that all concerns, complaints, incidents or injuries are recorded on the appropriate British Freeride report after the event, and that each brought to the attention of the British Freeride chair and event manager is then dealt with in an appropriate manner with due follow-up actions resolving it to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. 1c. Additional Code of Conduct for Trainees and Competitors All British Freeride trainees and competitors should:- 1.c.1 Ski or Snowboard because they want to – not to please parents coaches or anyone else. 1.c.2 Be positive and passionate about the event and abide within the rules. 1.c.3 Show respect to fellow competitors, coaches, and officials and treat them as you would want to be treated. 1.c.4 Not show off. 1.c.5 Not bully, interfere or take unfair advantage of any competitor. 1.c.6 Not Swear or act inappropriately. 1.c.7 Be punctual. 1.c.8 Make new trainees competitors feel welcome. 1.c.9 Ensure their equipment is properly prepared and safe and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
1d. Additional Code of Conduct for Coaches and Parents. Coaches, teachers and parents should:- 1.d.1 Be realistic about young trainees and competitors' ability and suitability to train or attend events. 1.d.2 Ensure that their decision to involve U18’s in events does not in any way put the individual’s health or wellbeing at risk. 1.d.3 Ensure that all trainees are adequately equipped to protect them from any risk arising out of their participation in training or events. 1.d.4 Ensure that, at events, trainees are never put in danger of any physical injury, harm or psychological trauma. 1.d.5 Ensure that trainees are familiar with, understand and adhere to the competitors code of conduct. 1.d.6 Be aware of the British Freeride Child Welfare and Protection Policy. 1.d.7 Always behave in a manner that sets the right example for others. 1.d.8 Always share concerns with officials at the time that risk arises or incidents happen. 1.d.9 Remember that young people participate for their own enjoyment and not that of anyone else. 1.d.10 Focus on the trainees and competitors’ efforts, rather than the outcome or winning/losing. 1.d.11 Provide positive verbal feedback and communication both during and after an event. 1.d.12 Always show appreciation of good conduct and performance by all young competitors. 1.d.13 Respect all decisions made by officials. It is hard enough for them to do their jobs without you creating additional pressures. Encourage young competitors to do likewise. 1.d.14 Show due respect and courtesy to all competitors, parents, supervisors, coaches and officials and treat them as you would wish to be treated. 1.d.15 Not behave in a manner that is intimidating or upsetting to others. 1.d.16 Not use language or communicate in a way that threatens, scorns, belittles or upsets others in any way. 1e.Logging concerns over misconduct 1.e.1 Should anyone witness or have concerns over mis-conduct please email the chair of British Freeride. 1.e.2 All reported incidents will be investigated and if necessary, involve escalation to Snowsport Scotland for support with resolution. 2. Safeguarding and Welfare Policy 3.1 British Freeride places the welfare and safety of all people involved in training and events as the highest priority. As such it requires that every trainee or competitor comes fully prepared for teh environment and activity. 3.2 Should a trainee, parent, coach, official or spectator require to speak with someone regarding a safeguarding concern or incident/issue that they feel uncomfortable raising with their coach present they should contact the chair. If the issue can be resolved immediately then no further action will be taken, and the chair will note the details of the resolved incident on their event report. If the incident cannot be resolved it should be logged separately by the person concerned using the British Freeride Incident and Issue Log form. 3.3 All reported incidents will be investigated and if relating to safeguarding, follow the protocol detailed below which can involve escalation to Snowsport Scotland and or Children First for support with resolution. 4. Complaints Policy & Procedure 4.1 Any issues, complaints or grievances will be dealt with sensitively and confidentially at all times. 4.2 If any person should wish to raise a concern or file a complaint about a matter of conduct, supervision, safeguarding or any other matter, they should in the first instance speak with the British Freeride person present. The approach, and subsequent discussions should be instigated at an appropriate time, that does not affect operations on the day, in a respectful manner and with appropriate respect to all individuals concerned. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be found at the time or should the complainant feel that they have a particularly sensitive issue to discuss which may require more privacy then they should log the incident and/or concern on the British Freeride Incident and Issue Log form. This form should also be used for any complaints or concerns that need to be raised when not at an event. 4.3 The British Freeride chair is responsible for the handling of inbound logged incidents, complaints and issues and will acknowledge receipt of the complaint as soon as possible after receipt. If appropriate an investigation will be initiated within 14 days of the complaint being lodged. If there is any likely delay, the complainant will be informed. 4.4 Once the complaint has been investigated the Chair will provide a written response to the complainant. 4.5 If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome they can raise a further complaint with the British Freeride President. 5. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy This equality, diversity and inclusion policy has been drawn up by British Freeride in a positive effort to try and ensure that people of all gender categories, race and creed consider SSSA events accessible and inclusive. Before detailing the specifics of the policy below the SSSA would like to make clear that it would welcome feedback from anyone affected by this policy. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE: British Freeride endorses the principle of sports equality and will strive where possible to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in its events has a genuine and equal opportunity to do so to the full extent of their own ambitions and abilities, without regard to their age, ethnicity, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, socio economic status, sex or sexual orientation. The principle of sports equality, diversity and inclusion goes further than simply complying with legislation. It entails taking positive steps to counteract the effects of physical or cultural barriers – whether real or perceived – that restrict the opportunity for all sections of the community to participate equally and fully. ASSURANCE OF ENVIRONMENT British Freeride also assures participants of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected, and in particular that they are able to enjoy their sport without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment or abuse.
COMMITMENT British Freeride is committed to avoid and eliminate unfair discrimination of any kind in snowsports and will, under no circumstances condone unlawful discriminatory practices. end. |