CODE OF CONDUCT - Silicon Valley Triathlon Club

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Code of Conduct

Silicon Valley Triathlon Club (SVTC) strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for all athletes interested in participating in multi-sport events. This Code of Conduct outlines the standards by which SVTC members are expected to uphold in order to retain the membership privileges. Certain behaviors are unacceptable for members regardless of when or where they occur whether they affect: other SVTC members, the reputation and well-being of the club, or other participants in sporting events. Failure to abide by the guidelines may result in suspension or revocation of membership in SVTC. Expectations for members include, but are not limited to, the following:

Be Honest: Members shall be honest in their dealings with SVTC and sporting officials. Members shall not knowingly submit false information to the club or to organizers of sporting events.

Train and Race Safely: When participating in SVTC events, or at any time when representing SVTC by wearing a team kit or gear, members will conduct themselves in a way that ensures their personal safety and the safety of others. This includes wearing appropriate safety gear, such as bike helmets, and riding safely and respectfully on a bike. Members shall be personally responsible for familiarizing themselves with the rules of the road, the rules of the sport, necessary safety precautions, and handling skills.

No Discrimination: SVTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, religion, creed, or athletic ability. No manner of discrimination by club members, verbal or otherwise, will be tolerated in any function of the club whether in-person or on-line.

Be Respectful to Others: Members are expected to be courteous and cordial to others (including, but not limited to, club members, spectators, guests and officials, and SVTC Board of Directors) at any club or sporting event. In the context of club interactions (both in-person and on-line), members shall not use any form of communication that is derogatory or personally damaging, nor conduct or condone any programs, activities, publications, speeches or conduct which is offensive, in poor taste, or otherwise considered detrimental to the best interests of the club.

No Abuse: Members shall not engage in behavior that may threaten or appear to threaten other individuals, nor shall they create a hostile environment at SVTC events, in official SVTC on-line forums, emails, or on social media. Members shall refrain from inappropriate language or unsportsman/unsportswoman-like conduct toward club members or other participants, officials, and spectators at sporting events. We will not tolerate abuse in any form - physical, mental, sexual, or verbal.

No Substance Abuse: SVTC supports a club environment where all members train and race clean. Members shall not participate in SVTC events while impaired by illegal substances. Members will adhere to the anti-doping guidelines set forth by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Members choosing to drink at club social events must do so responsibly.

No Illegal Activities: Members shall not cause or participate in any illegal activity as defined by local, state, or federal law while participating in an SVTC event.

Be Responsible: When signing up for a SVTC event which is volunteer, for which entry is limited or a fee is required, members shall exercise their best efforts to attend, and if unable to attend, shall notify the event's organizer as early as possible but no later than 24 hours in advance.

Make Payments Promptly: Members shall make prompt payment to the club of any outstanding balance, including but not limited to payment of fees for membership, special events, and any clothing or equipment.

Respect Club Partnerships: SVTC may have official partnerships with local and national businesses which provide members access to benefits, discounts, and services. Members shall use discretion when dealing with our partners, including the use of discounts and adherence to our partner's policies, to ensure the club maintains strong relationships.

For any questions regarding these expectations, or if you feel that another club member is not following the code of conduct, please contact SVTC leadership immediately.

president@svtriclub.org

vicepresident@svtriclub.org

Based on the DC Triathlon Club Code of Ethics and Conduct

Social Media Rules

The following rules pertain to all SVTC social media platforms. This includes the Slack, the Facebook Group, and Instagram in particular but also any other platform we use currently or in the future.

No Non-Sponsor Promotions or Spam: Give more to the group than you take. Promotion of a non-sponsor business or product is not allowed except on the club’s “Promotions” Slack channel. Self-promotion, spam, and irrelevant links are not allowed. Promotions from sponsors are controlled by the Sponsorship Director.

Race-Specific Promotions: Members may solicit interest and share information and enthusiasm about a race or event with other members. However, if a business (or their employees) wishes to promote a race, they must be a club sponsor or use only the “Promotions” Slack channel. Soliciting volunteers to staff a non-sponsor race or event is not allowed.

No Selling of Bibs / Race Entries: Most races and other events do not allow transfers of your entry. For those races/events, we do not allow you to post requests for someone to take over your entry, whether for money or for free. For races/events that do allow transfers, please state that in your post, and you may not charge more than you paid for the entry or more than allowed in such cases by the race/event. Any such transfer on behalf of a non-member is not allowed.

Limited Links to Fundraiser: We know your charity is awesome, but we have hundreds of members. If everyone posted a link to their fundraiser even just once a month, there would be no other content. Please limit such posts to one time per year. Excessive posting about your fundraiser is cause for removal from the group.

Post Photos: Members are encouraged to post photos of their workouts, races and events but please be mindful of privacy concerns (no tagging - let people tag themselves if they want to) and also of quantity. If you are posting more than a handful of photos, create an album first and then post a link to it.

Be Kind and Courteous: Treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. Do your part to contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.

Respect Everyone’s Privacy: This is a public group so be careful of what you share here. In particular, let other group members decide what to share about themselves. This includes tagging them in photos and giving them shout-outs for upcoming races.

Report Infractions:The admins and moderators are volunteers and may not see every post immediately. If you see something that you think violates the rules, help us out by reporting it.

Sponsors: SVTC is proud to offer valuable programs and services to our members and the broader community, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. We encourage respectful engagement with sponsored products and services.

Positive experiences with sponsored products are always welcome—feel free to share them with the community to help others benefit as well. Please be mindful to not share member only discount codes with non-members.

If you have constructive feedback or criticism regarding a sponsored product, please share it privately with the Board of Directors via email. Your insights help us maintain high standards and strong partnerships.

Violation of these rules will be cause for removal from the Facebook group and/or moderated in club Slack.