Club Rules

We don't have many rules and regulations but what we do have is a code of conduct for riders, parents and carers about how we should all behave towards one another and approach our sport and fellow sportspeople. 

Abiding by the code of conduct ensures we can promote a safe, welcoming,
appropriate and equitable club environment for all. 

We therefore ask that riders, parents and carers commit to the following:

For Riders

We have a few basic 'common sense' rules that we ask all riders to adopt and promote:

• Arrive for training and races in good time to prepare properly.
• Wear a helmet and suitable clothing at all times when cycling.
• Ensure you have had enough to eat and drink before training and races.
• If you feel unwell please tell a coach quickly.
• Listen to your coaches and try your best.
• Do not leave during a coaching session without telling your coach first.
• Be kind and welcoming to other riders at all times.
• Do not criticise other people’s speed or performance.
• Encourage, support and celebrate your club mates efforts.
• Respect everyone regardless of gender, ability, disability, cultural background or religion.
• Teasing and/or bullying will not be tolerated.
• Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.
• Do not take unfair advantage of another participant or deliberately distract/provoke a rider.
• Communicate respectfully and always control your temper.
• Respect the decisions of coaches and officials.
• If you have any concerns please talk to one of our club Welfare officers

For Parents

We want to promote an equitable and courteous club environment and ask parents and carers to follow these basic rules:

•  Register and pay for all sessions in advance.
• Inform the coaches of any medical conditions, health requirements or additional needs that your child has in advance of the coaching session. This is in addition to completing the club membership form and parental consent form.
• Ensure your child’s bike and helmet are in safe working order and your child is wearing appropriate clothing. Lead by example and ensure you always wear a helmet when cycling.
• Remain on site (if your child is under 14 years old) or contactable (if your child is over 14 years old) at all times during the session. If your child struggles to stay engaged during sessions you may be asked to remain close. Please note that when sessions are held at Thorney Island parents must remain in the immediate vicinity of the coaching area; this is a condition of the clubs agreement with the MoD and failure to do this may result in the club being unable to use the facilities.
• Advise the coach if your child has to leave early or is being supervised/collected by someone other than a parent/carer, giving details of the arrangement including who will be collecting your child, when and at what time.
• Remember that children should participate in sport for their enjoyment.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
• Help your child to recognise and engage with process goals and do not focus on the results.
• Set a good example by recognising good sportsmanship and applauding the effort and not the outcome.
• Never criticise or punish a child for losing or making mistakes.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, disability, cultural background or religion.
• Show appreciation and respect for coaches, volunteers, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
• Accept the judgments of coaches and commissionaires and teach children to do likewise.
• Use appropriate language at all times; swearing or aggressive shouting will not be tolerated.
• Do not smoke on any club premises or in sight of sessions.
• Keep dogs on a lead during training sessions and ensure that you clean up after them. Please note that dogs are not permitted at any training sessions held on Thorney Island.
• The club is run entirely by parent volunteers. Please volunteer to help out; it helps us to keep session fees low and is a great way to get to know other like-minded parents.