To understand why this document and policy was put together we need to look at the bigger picture. The NIPA as a Sport NI recognised national body has to have a duty of care in relation to all its members, Special Needs, Juniors and Adults. Part of the duty of care policy has to be to give all members a mechanism by which their concerns or complaints in regards to posts on social media by fellow members that they class as offensive, derogatory, abusive or threatening can be addressed. This is what this policy is about, it is not about trying to censor any individual from criticising the NIPA or its' policy and it states that openly on the form
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Northern Ireland Pool Association (NIPA) is fully committed to
safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. The Association
believes that it is important that Members, Team Managers, Administrators and Parents
associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding
for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore members are encouraged to be
open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have
about any aspect of the Association by either contacting someone on our
Executive Committee (numbers on our website ) or via their League Committee. As a member of Northern Ireland
Pool Association you are expected to abide by the following code of
practice:
·
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.
·
Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealing with
others.
·
Be professional in and accept responsibility for your
actions.
·
Operate within the rules of the sport, including
National and International guidelines which govern the NIPA.
·
Do not use your involvement with the NIPA, to
promote your own beliefs, behaviours or practices where these are inconsistent
with those of the NIPA
·
Demonstrate a high degree of individual
responsibility especially when dealing with persons under 18 years of age, as
your words and actions are an example.
·
Avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with
persons under18 years of age, wherever possible.
·
Refrain from any form of harassment of others.
·
Refrain from any behaviour that may bring the NIPA into
disrepute.
·
Adhere to the NIPA’s dress code.
·
Show concern and caution towards others who may be
sick or injured.
·
Be a positive role model.
NIPA members are
expected to refrain from posting derogatory remarks towards fellow players and
officials on any social media site. Any member posting such remarks who
continues to ignore NIPA official warnings will have their membership cancelled
with no financial recompense. The NIPA does not see this as a form of
censorship on its members as we do encourage constructive criticism, we view it
as an essential step to preserve a harmonious relationship amongst all its
members.
