Collegians' Harriers' Club Rules
Effective 02 December 2023
1) Name
- As defined in the constitution the name of the club is "Collegians' Harriers", hereinafter referred to as "The Club".
2) Introduction
- The Club is a legally constituted entity affiliated to Collegians' Club, Pietermaritzburg. As such, it has its own independent constitution.
- The constitution refers to "club rules" as well as establishing the processes by which transgressions of these rules will be addressed as well as itemising the sanctions that can be applied following acts of misconduct.
- This document has been created to give effect to these clauses of the constitution by codifying the club rules which are applicable and binding on all members of the club.
- It is acknowledged that without clear definitions and established precedents the decisions of the disciplinary processes will be, in part, subjective.
3) Purpose
- The Club has a long and proud history of promoting athletics in the province of KwaZulu Natal (formerly Natal) and particularly within the city of Pietermaritzburg.
- The identity and culture of the club needs to be maintained and it is acknowledged that each member of the club has a responsibility, through their decision to become a member, to maintain and contribute to this identity and reputation.
- It is therefore necessary to have a clear code of guiding principles, or rules, that determine behaviours that contribute positively toward the maintenance of this identity, and those behaviours that detract from the integrity and identity of the club.
- These latter behaviours are considered acts of misconduct.
- In terms of the constitution, it is possible to impose sanctions, including the termination of membership, on those who transgress the values and ethos of the club.
- This document is therefore created with the intention of clarifying the types of behaviour that are contrary to the ethos of the club and which require certain sanctions and consequences.
- The document is prepared to ensure that all members, and prospective members, are aware of their individual responsibilities associated with their membership of the club.
- The club is committed to the development of athletics and this commitment includes the assurance to members that they will join a club that ensures equal and fair treatment and provides them, and their families, with a safe and secure environment.
- The club rules are not intended to be punitive or inhibit freedom but are intended to ensure that membership provides security and an assurance of protection from adverse experiences.
4) Categories of club rules
Category one
- These acts of misconduct refer to any action that is legislated as unlawful or criminal.
- The outcome of any legal processes remains separate from any decisions or sanctions the club resolves to impose through their independent constitutional processes.
- These illegal activities include, but are not limited to, the following criminal acts which may directly affect the club or bring the club into disrepute by the offender's association with the club:
- Theft,
- Fraud,
- Assault,
- Defamation,
- Damage to property.
Category two
- These offences refer to matters associated with transgressions related to the requirements of the governing bodies of athletics, and include the regulations associated with individual race rules.
- Such transgressions include, but are not limited to, the:
- Falsification of information submitted to the organisations or race organisers,
- The disregard of race rules such as littering,
- The abuse of race officials and a general disrespect of the officials associated with clubs, such as ours, organising such events,
- Offensive language and behaviour directed at other participants and
- Behaviour that could be perceived as being dishonest and contrary to the ethos of sport.
- Such transgressions include, but are not limited to, the:
- When participating in an event whilst wearing the club colours it is expected that each member conducts themselves in a manner that would reflect positively on the identity of the club as a whole and not just upon themselves as individuals.
- Such conduct includes adherence to the wearing of the correct club apparel.
Category three
- These acts of misconduct refer to behaviours that are contrary to the culture and ethos of Collegians Harriers and may be identified as misconduct at club functions and events.
- Such behaviours include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Vulgar and abusive language,
- Disinhibited behaviour,
- Language that implies hate speech associated with sexist or racist views,
- Discriminatory language or behaviour, and
- Using the name of the club to obtain personal reward without the approval of the management committee.
- As a club we wish to create an environment of inclusiveness and safety that encourages membership, and their families.
- Behaviour that is considered likely to discourage membership will fall within this category whether such behaviour is offensive to other club members or to visitors at such events.
5) Volunteers
- Clubs such as ours depend on the voluntary contribution of time, effort and skills of their members.
- The financial stability of the club depends on securing sponsorship for events.
- It is therefore to the benefit of all members that these events are effectively and efficiently managed.
- There is an expectation that all members will volunteer their services to at least one of the activities arranged by the club.
- Although a failure to contribute in some way will not be considered as an act of misconduct, should a member be reported for misconduct in terms of this document their past and current contribution as a volunteer will be considered when deliberating on possible sanctions applied if found guilty.
6) Changes to rules
- Should any member consider the need to change or supplement these rules they may submit such a proposal to the management committee who, after consideration, will forward the proposal with recommendations to a general meeting for ratification.