Code of Conduct – In Play

1. Purpose

Barnwell Park Golf Club is committed to providing a respectful, safe and welcoming environment for members, guests, visitors, volunteers, employees and officials.

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all members and visitors when using Club facilities, playing golf, attending Club events, representing the Club, or engaging with others in connection with the Club.

This Code should be read together with the Club’s Articles of Association, by-laws, local rules, competition conditions and any policies or directions approved by the Board.

2. Application

This Code applies to:

• all members of Barnwell Park Golf Club;
• guests and visitors introduced by members;
• players in Club competitions and events;
• members representing the Club at external events; and
• conduct on Club premises, on the course, at Club events, at other clubs when representing Barnwell Park Golf Club, or online where the conduct is connected to the Club.

3. Expected Standards of Behaviour

Members and visitors are expected to:

• treat others with courtesy and respect;
• behave honestly, fairly and with integrity;
• follow the Rules of Golf, local rules and competition conditions;
• demonstrate good sportsmanship and golf etiquette;
• comply with Club by-laws, policies and reasonable directions from authorised Club officials;
• respect Club property, the course and the property of others;
• avoid offensive, abusive, threatening, discriminatory or intimidating behaviour;
• cooperate with any complaint, inquiry or disciplinary process; and
• act in a way that protects the reputation and interests of Barnwell Park Golf Club.

4. Unacceptable Conduct

Conduct that may breach this Code includes, but is not limited to:

• cheating or deliberately breaching the Rules of Golf;
• knowingly submitting a false scorecard or false handicap information;
• abusive, threatening, violent or disorderly behaviour;
• bullying, harassment, discrimination or vilification;
• offensive or inappropriate language;
• damage to Club property, the course or another person’s property;
• failure to follow reasonable directions from Club staff, Board members, committee members or authorised officials;
• repeated slow play or failure to observe course care requirements;
• failure to comply with dress standards, local rules, competition conditions or Club policies;
• misuse of social media or public comment connected to the Club;
• conduct that brings Barnwell Park Golf Club or the game of golf into disrepute; and
• failure to cooperate with a complaint, inquiry or disciplinary process.

5. Complaints

Complaints about conduct should be made in writing to the President, Club Captain or another person nominated by the Board.

A complaint should include, where possible:

• what happened;
• when and where it occurred;
• who was involved;
• any witnesses; and
• any relevant supporting information.

Minor matters may be dealt with informally where appropriate. More serious matters, repeated breaches, or matters that may warrant formal disciplinary action will be referred for consideration in accordance with the Club’s Articles of Association.

6. Disciplinary Matters

Any formal disciplinary matter arising under this Code will be dealt with in accordance with Article 39 – Disciplinary Proceedings of the Barnwell Park Golf Club Articles of Association.

This includes matters involving conduct that may be prejudicial to the interests of the Club, unbecoming of a member, or otherwise inconsistent with the standards expected of membership.

Where disciplinary action is taken, the Club may impose any outcome available to it under the Articles of Association, by-laws, local rules, competition conditions or applicable governing body requirements.

7. Possible Outcomes

Depending on the nature and seriousness of the conduct, outcomes may include:

• no further action;
• informal guidance or warning;
• written warning;
• requirement to apologise;
• disqualification from a competition;
• loss or restriction of playing or Club privileges;
• referral to the Board;
• disciplinary action under Article 39;
• referral to a relevant golfing body, regulator or authority where appropriate; or
• any other action available to the Club.

8. Visitors and Guests

Visitors and guests are expected to comply with this Code while on Club premises, using Club facilities, playing golf or attending Club events.

The Club may take reasonable action in response to visitor or guest conduct, including requiring the person to leave the premises, refusing future entry, reporting the matter to the visitor’s home club, or taking any other action available to the Club.

Members are responsible for the conduct of guests they introduce to the Club.

9. Review

This Code will be reviewed periodically by the Board to ensure it remains appropriate and aligned with the Club’s Articles of Association, by-laws and relevant golfing requirements.