Kate Robinson and David Evans are the Club's Member Protection Officers. If you would like to discuss an issue in confidence, please talk to them at training or email .

Code of Conduct

Preamble

The ANU Fencing Club (ANUFC) aims to PROMOTE THE SPORT OF FENCING AMONG THE ANU STUDENT BODY, ANU SPORT MEMBERSHIP, AND MORE BROADLY IN THE ACT. In pursuing this goal, the ANUFC serves the interests of its members, which includes fencers, coaches and officials. The following Code of Conduct is designed to preserve the principles and values of the club, and promote sportsmanship among club members and third-parties in contact with the club.

General Provisions

Provide an environment whereby the health, safety and welfare of participants is a top priority.

Sports can and should be a setting that builds personal character including integrity, responsibility, honesty, fairness and respect for others.

Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Remember, participants are also involved for fun and enjoyment.

Administrators

  • Follow the rules and regulations of the state association to ensure that the association’s philosophy and objectives are enhanced;

  • Support programmes that educate fencers, coaches, officials and volunteers;

  • Promote and publicise programmes and events, and seek out financial support when possible;

  • Communicate with members by holding orientation meetings and by being available to answer questions and address issues as they arise;

  • Work to provide programmes that encompass fairness and promote fair play and sportsmanship;

  • Recruit volunteers who demonstrate qualities conducive to being role models to others in our sport;

  • Make every possible attempt to provide everyone, regardless of skill levels, with a safe and responsible place to participate; and

  • Develop other administrators to advance to positions in the club, perhaps even your own.

Coaches

  • Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the participant than winning the game. Remember, fencers are also involved in the sport for fun and enjoyment;

  • Be a positive role model to your fencers. Display emotional maturity and be alert to the safety of those around you;

  • Adjust to personal needs and problems of your fencers; be a good listener; never verbally, emotionally, or physically abuse a fencer or official; give all fencers the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; and

  • Be concerned with the overall development of your fencers.

Officials

  • Act is a professional manner at all times;

  • Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which fencers can properly display their skills;

  • Know the rules, their interpretations and their proper application;

  • Make your calls with confidence, never with arrogance;

  • Manage and help to control bouts and competitions in cooperation with the coaches and fencers to provide a positive and safe experience for all participants;

  • Be fair and impartial at all times;

  • Answer all reasonable questions and requests;

  • Adopt a “zero tolerance” attitude toward any form of abuse and violence;

  • Never use foul or vulgar language when speaking with a fencer, coach or spectator;

  • Admit your mistakes when you make them;

  • Never openly criticize a coach, fencer or fellow official;

  • Keep your emotions under control; and

  • Use only approved officiating techniques and policies adopted by the state and national association.

Fencers

  • Play for fun and enjoyment;

  • Work hard to improve your skills;

  • Be a team player and active member of your club;

  • Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline;

  • Learn the rules and play by them;

  • Respect your coach, your colleagues, your opponent, officials and spectators;

  • Do not engage in any form of abusive behaviour toward any other person; and

  • Understand your rights to play in an environment free from harassment and/or abuse in any form. Report any such incidents immediately.

Spectators

  • Display good sportsmanship. Always respect the fencers, coaches and officials;

  • Act appropriately and enjoy fencing with those around you;

  • Cheer good plays of all fencers; avoid booing fencers. Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive;

  • Support the officials and coaches by trusting their judgement and integrity;

  • Be responsible for your own safety and respect the property of the fencers, coaches, officials and those around you; and

  • Recognise good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.