Code of Conduct
“We Are Fencers Club London”
Code of Conduct
Our Fencers Club London Code of Conduct is aimed at all those who are involved with our club and fencing. We focus on everyone in our community being the best version of themselves, giving that to others, and expecting it in return. We ask that everyone is motivated by a desire to co-operate with others in the spirit of the rules and heritage of fencing, as well as nurturing an environment that is welcoming and open to all.
We hold it as an obligation to those who place their trust in us that we will honour that trust by setting out our principles for behaviour and our expectations of others. We consider it a fundamental foundation that consistently high standards of behaviour are shown at all times, and that the binding rules of the sport and the etiquettes by which the sport is played, as well as all those involved in it, are respected.
Whenever training at, working at, competing on behalf of, helping out at, volunteering for and representing Fencers Club London, we consider it a universal guiding principle that:
Nobody shall not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, humiliate or discriminate against any person on grounds of gender, race, disability, age, religious/political belief, sexual orientation, social background, ethnic origin, language, marital/partnership status or pregnancy.
Fencers and Participants. Everyone concerned should endeavour to ensure:
That they recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity to fence and enjoy the sporting environment.
That they fence with disciplined and sporting behaviour and never breach the rules.
That they accept and observe the authority and decisions of officials and other bodies.
That they shall not commit a doping offence under the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
That they shall not use foul or abusive language or gestures in the course of participating in the sport, training, competition and travelling.
That they arrive for training and matches in good time to prepare thoroughly.
That they show consistently high standards of behaviour.
That they attend with appropriate kit for the activity.
That they always warm up and cool down properly.
That they play for fun and enjoyment.
That they promote all good play.
That they are good sports, winning with modesty and losing with dignity.
That they co-operate with coaches, team-mates and opponents.
That they thank officials and opponents after each and every competitive bout.
Coaches. Everyone concerned should work to ensure:
That they arrive in plenty of time to set up activities and ensure safety.
That they keep informed and up-to-date about sound coaching practices.
That they are reasonable in their demands on participants time, energy and enthusiasm.
That they invest in the well-being and interests of their fencers, not their win/loss record.
That they teach the fencers that honest effort is more important than winning, and prize being fair and following and observing rules and good practice.
That they never ridicule or shout at a participant for making a mistake or losing.
That respect is maintained for opponents, officials and opposing coaches and supporters.
That they follow advice from a professional when determining if an injured fencer is ready to compete or train.
Club Officials and Volunteers. Everyone concerned must work to encourage and to ensure:
The wellbeing and safety of club members before the development of performance.
An appropriate working relationship with club members, based on mutual trust and respect.
All activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
The positive aspects of the sport are promoted (e.g. fair play).
Consistently high standards of behaviour and conduct.
All guidelines laid down by the NGB of British Fencing and FCL are followed.
That undue influence over fencers to obtain personal benefit or reward is never exerted.
That rule violations, rough play or anti-social behaviour are never endorsed.
Participants to value their performances and not just results.
Participants accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
Parents and Carers. Everyone concerned must work either to encourage and to ensure:
That they do not spectate at FCL training sessions.
That they never go piste-side during a competition to make any comment or interfere in play.
That they are on their best behaviour and do not use profane language or harass - physically or verbally - fencers, coaches, officials, parents or other spectators.
That they applaud all good play.
That they never ridicule or scold a fencer, referee or official for making a mistake or otherwise.
That they never condone the use of violence and verbal abuse.
That they respect the referee’s decisions.
That fencers always play according to the rules and in the spirit of the sport.
Shared Understanding and Sanctions
Fencers Club London operates a clear and communicative sanctions process to ensure that members are aware of the impact of any negative behaviours and are given opportunities to remedy any unkind or disruptive behaviours so that the club can operate to its optimum.
We operate a Yellow-Red-Black system of sanction stages to reflect the way that fencing itself is adjudged with the penalty card system. The warnings are only issued by a Coach. They are then always referred to the FCL Committee for scrutiny and discussion, where - as further evidence warrants - they can be dismissed or upheld. This disciplinary process is expected to take no more than 14 days but the FCL Committee does reserve the right to make reasonable extensions, should the need arise.
A Yellow warning is issued, and can be issued multiple times, to alert the member towards negative behaviours. A Yellow warning is usually followed up by the Club's Welfare Lead or Coaching Staff with a verbal discussion with concerned parties, an email or both.
A Red warning is issued when negative behaviours are singularly stand-out or are persistent. A Red warning will always be followed up with a disciplinary measure to address the behaviour in question.
A Black card is issued in the most extreme of cases where a member's actions or behaviour has breached any form of other address. A Black warning will always result in a ban of a certain or indefinite duration.
The Colour Warning system is in place for Under-20 Junior fencers and younger age group categories. With fencers aged 20 and above, fencing at Senior level, there will be a first and second written warning with a third written communication resulting in a ban from the club.
Photography
Fencers Club London operates an ‘all in’ photography policy. If you do not wish for your/your fencers photo to be taken, then please send an email to club@fencersclublondon.com to notify us.
Thank you for your understanding of our FCL Code of Conduct.