ECSAC Behaviour Policy

The club is committed to maintaining a happy and healthy environmentfor its members and guests.  To that end we have a Behaviour Policy as below.

Policy Statement:

East Cheshire Sub Aqua Club is designed to be a safe and comfortable place for all members and guests to use.  Members are expected to observe the rights of other members and guests.  ECSAC’s behaviour Policy is intended to protect the rights and safety of all users and members of the club, to protect the rights and safety of all, and to preserve and protect the club’s materials, facilities, and property.

Definition and Scope:

Members who exhibit disruptive behaviour in the club or on club trips will be asked to follow the rules listed in the behaviour policy.  Members who continue to cause disruptive behaviour will be asked to leave the club premises and/or the trip and will be referred to the committee for a decision on an appropriate response that will range from censure, suspension or ultimately expulsion.

Disruptive Behaviour is generally defined as “any member or guest’s behaviour that interferes with the normal operation of the club or which interferes with another member’s ability to enjoy the club and club trips.” 

Members of the committee and bar volunteers shall have the ultimate responsibility for enforcing the Behaviour Policy and determining when behaviour in the club is inappropriate. Members should report inappropriate behaviour to a committee member if it is observed in the club. 

Regulations:

The following types of disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated anywhere in the club or on trips:

  1. Any behaviour that endangers the safety or health of others.
  2. Violation of any law.
  3. Vandalism or deliberate destruction of club or club member’s property.
  4. Theft of Club materials or the personal property of other members or guests.
  5. Taking Club materials off-site without permission
  6. Use of abusive or intimidating language or gestures to members or guests.
  7. Behaviour that is willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening to any other another person.

(Harassment is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally to produce psychological or physical discomfort, embarrassment, or ridicule.  Harassment is characterised by requests for sexual contact, unwelcome physical advances, or conduct (verbal or physical) of a nature that is intimidating, demeaning, hostile, offensive, or potentially dangerous to self or others.)

8. Monopolising Club resources.

9. Use of the Club telephone for personal business, unless in an emergency or with permission.

10. Loitering on or around the premises after closing

11. Wilfully damaging club or other members or guests property, including unreported damage to vehicles.

12. Use of illegal substances in the Club.

The Club committee reserves the right to ask a member or guest to leave the Club for any of the reasons listed above.

Procedure:

Enforcement of these regulations may take the form of any of the following, depending on the severity of the misconduct, which will be determined by the committee member at the time.  These disciplinary procedures are guidelines.  The Club may implement any procedure listed, including an immediate ban from the Club premises at any time.

Minor Disruption:  In the case of a minor disruption, the Club Member will receive two warnings.  If the behaviour continues, the Member may be asked to leave the Club for a stated period of suspension.

Extreme Misconduct:  In the case of any misconduct that, in the judgment of a committee member, is extreme, the offender may be given only one warning, may be ordered to leave the Club immediately for a stated period of suspension, or the police may be called.

Guidelines for Dealing with difficult Members:

  1. Remain friendly and calm in addressing the Member and the situation.  Identify yourself as a Club Committee Member.
  2. Do not touch the Member.
  3. Discuss the issue with the Member away from other Members in the Club if possible.
  4. The committee member can give a copy of the Club’s written policy to the Member if needed.
  5. If the Member refuses to leave the Club after being asked to do so, or becomes abusive or aggressive, the committee member may call the local law enforcement and ask that law enforcement escort the offending Member from the Club premises.
  6. Any incident of policy violation must be documented by the Chairman or committee with the date in which the incident occurred and a brief description of the incident.

In cases where a policy violation occurs involving a child under the age of 17, the committee will give the child two warnings.  If the behaviour continues, the Club Chairman will call and inform the parents that their child was asked to leave the Club for a stated period of suspension and explain the circumstances.  Parents of minor children may be held responsible for any damages caused to Club property by their child.  

If the child continues to cause disruptive behaviour in the Club, the child and parents or guardian must meet with the Chairman to review policy rules before the child can return to use the Club. 

Permanent Ban from the Club:

Members who engage in repeated disruptive behaviours that interfere with others’ use of the Club or the general operation of the Club or engage in behaviours that violate the law may be permanently banned from the ECSAC premises and have their membership revoked by the Chairman. A written notice of permanent ban may be given to the Member.  A written appeal of the Club Chairman’s decision may be made to the Club Committee within 30 days.

Exceptions to the above may be authorised by the Club Chairman and/or other designee.

Neither the Chairman nor any other member of the Club committee is a professional medical or legal expert.  All actions taken shall be subject to the best opinion of the Chairman and Club committee.

The Club committee will be consistent with enforcing this Behaviour Policy to ensure the safety of Members and committee and create an environment that is enjoyable to our Members.  This policy also ensures that the quality of Club materials is maintained.