NBP CODE OF CONDUCT

Membership of NBP is a privilege and this entails certain responsibilities and expectations.  NBP’s goal is to provide an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  This document outlines expected behaviour standards and provides a broad framework of conduct that members have an obligation to uphold.

Objective

This document provides general guidelines to ensure that the environment for Members, guests and visitors, while playing at events organised by NBP, is free from discrimination, harassment and abuse.

Conduct

NBP seeks to operate an open, friendly environment, where people show respect for each other and their personal property.  Members must understand that breach of this Code of Conduct by a Member may result in disciplinary proceedings being brought against that member.

Members are expected to:

• Show respect and courtesy to all Members, guests and visitors

• Behave in a non-discriminatory manner

• Be mindful of their actions in relation to the safety of others

• Abide by NBP’s Constitution and Policies

• Comply with the reasonable directives of the Committee Members and Session Hosts

• Act responsibly at all times and accept responsibility for their actions

Behaviour

NBP will not tolerate:

• Offensive language, rudeness or other inappropriate displays of temper

• Any form of abuse, discrimination, harassment, ridicule or threatening behaviours

• Wilful destruction of property

• Excessive consumption of alcohol

• The use of, or encouragement of, illegal drugs at the Club

Members will:

• Act in a sportsman like manner and operate within the spirit and Rules of Pickleball

• Accept the decisions of the Committee

• Not display rudeness, harassment or any other improper conduct toward officials or other competitors

• Treat all individuals with respect and courtesy and have proper regard for the dignity, rights and worth of others

• Not offer unsolicited advice or coaching to any other player

• Respect people’s privacy and be ethical, fair and honest in all dealings with other people

• Comply with all applicable laws

Social Media

Social media provides different platforms to celebrate team or individual Pickleball successes, as well as promoting NBP to potential new members.  Negative comments and images, bullying, criticism and sexist remarks can be harmful to a person’s wellbeing and reputation, as well as a sport or club’s image.  Members will not use social media to be negative to other Members, competitors, volunteers, visitors or NBP itself.

Child Protection

The safety and welfare of junior members of the Club and any other present child is paramount.  Child protection laws must be complied with.  Members must demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility and set a good example when dealing with anyone under the age of 18.

Club Integrity and Privacy

Members will maintain the integrity and security of NBP’s confidential information and documents.

OpenSports Protocol

OpenSports.net is the facility used by NBP for members to book time slots to play at events organised by NBP.  It is essential that members become familiarised with, and comply with, the procedures and protocols associated with OpenSports.

Additional requirements for committee members, team members and other volunteers

Whilst the association is grateful for the generosity of its volunteers and could not function without them, it is important that Volunteers understand the additional obligations associated with their role.

• All volunteers should act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Association as a whole

• Volunteers have a duty to use care and diligence in fulfilling the functions of their role and exercising the powers attached to their role

• Volunteers should use the powers of their role for a proper purpose, in the best interests of the Association as a whole

• Volunteers should not make improper use of information acquired whilst acting as a volunteer

• Volunteers should not take improper advantage of their position whilst acting as a volunteer

• Volunteer should declare any gifts, benefits or hospitality they receive from external parties attempting to secure favourable treatment from the association.  Any such benefit must be refused if it is valued at more than $50

• Volunteers should properly manage any conflict in the interests of the Association

• Volunteers should not engage in conduct likely to bring discredit upon the Association. Specifically, the volunteer must not act in a way that:

  - is improper or unethical

  - is an abuse of power or otherwise amounts to misconduct

  - causes, comprises or involves bullying, intimidation, discrimination, harassment or verbal abuse

Member Compliance

This document should be read in conjunction with NBP’s Constitution and Policies.  Breaches of the requirement of these documents may result in disciplinary action and could lead to a Member’s removal from the Club.

Any complaints in respect of unacceptable behaviour by members or guests shall be made to the President (president@bpickleball.com.au) or Hosting Coordinator (hosting@nbpickleball.com.au), or any member of the NBP Committee.

Version Control

This Code of Conduct was approved by the Northern Beaches Pickleball Association Committee on Tuesday 17 June 2025.