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PRC Member Handbook: Conduct

Code of Conduct

The George Pocock Rowing Center’s reputation depends on our ability to do the right thing, even when it isn’t easy.  This Code of Conduct is a collection of rules and policy statements intended to assist Members of the Center, including employees, in making decisions about their conduct while using or representing the Center or its programs.

The Code is based on our understanding that no one should ever sacrifice integrity, or give the impression that they have, even if they believe it would help the Center.

Each of us is accountable for our actions, and each of us is responsible for knowing and abiding by the policies that apply to us. Managers have a special responsibility, through example and communication, to ensure that staff under their supervision as well as the Membership at large understand and comply with the Code and other relevant policies.  Coaches have a similar responsibility for the athletes under their direction.

The Code of Conduct serves as a reference for decisions in a variety of circumstances. No rulebook can anticipate every situation.  The personal integrity and behavior of Center staff define the character of our Center, and these actions collectively create our reputation.  Never underestimate the impact of your conduct on the success of the Pocock Rowing Center.

  • The Code applies to all members, managers, coaches, and employees of the Pocock Rowing Center.  Some provisions of the Code continue to apply after a relationship here has ended.
  • You are required to comply with the terms of the Code of Conduct as a condition of your continued membership or employment at the Pocock Rowing Center.
  • If you violate the Code of Conduct, you may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of membership or employment.
  • The Pocock Rowing Center prohibits retaliation of any kind against members or employees who have made good faith reports of violations of the Code of Conduct. Report violations to the Director or any member of the Management Committee.
  • Obtain, use, and share confidential information about Pocock Rowing Center members, and staff only as needed and where it is part of your job responsibilities.
  • Use the center’s assets, including voicemail and e-mail, for the conduct of Pocock Center business and in a manner that does not reflect negatively on the Center or its members.
  • Conduct your personal business and other activities in such a way as to assure that your interests do not conflict with the interests of the Center.
  • Gifts and entertainment provided for employees and management by members, parents, and others doing business with the Center are generally discouraged. Accept gifts and entertainment under very limited circumstances.

It is considered a gross violation of this Code of Conduct for any member or employee to request or receive, directly or indirectly, anything of value for or because of his or her vote or influence with respect to any act or proceeding of the Center.

  • Members and employees shall not have any direct or indirect financial interest, except a remote interest, in any contract, purchase of materials, or activity financed from Center funds. 
  • In the event that a transaction gives the appearance of a conflict, the member or employee shall provide a complete and transparent accounting of the transaction to the Director or MC upon request.
  • Members shall take no private actions that will compromise the MC or Director.
  • When in doubt about a situation, discuss it with the Director, a member of the Management Committee, your supervisor, or your coach.

Infractions and Discipline
The PRC is a Membership organization run on the basis of trust and individual responsibility for one's actions.  Coaches, PRC staff, elected leadership – including elected Junior leadership, or parent chaperones are not 'looking' for behavioral problems, however if, through their own behavior, a Member calls attention to themselves, then supervisory or disciplinary action may be warranted.  Failure to follow Safety and other House Rules, boat and launch lighting rules, and other policies and rules can be grounds for discipline including forfeiture of rack space, suspension of member's privileges, coaching privileges, or expulsion from Membership in the PRC.

Depending on the severity of an infraction, the Director and the MC have a variety of disciplinary avenues.  Each case will be treated individually.  In general however, management will follow a progressive system ranging from warnings to termination. 

  • PRC Members, coaches, professional staff, elected leadership, including elected Junior leadership, or parent chaperones may issue numerous verbal warnings that will not initiate progressive discipline;
  • However, if a coach, staff member, parent chaperone, or elected leadership determines that an act is worthy of a higher level of discipline, they will write a report and submit it to the Director.  If the Director concurs, the report will be logged and placed in the Member's file as a Documented Offense, and in the case of a Junior Member, notification of the action to the Member's parents;
  • A first documented offense will be a verbal warning, including the explanation of the documentation;
  • A second documented offense or (At the Director's discretion, the first of a material nature), may lead to a suspension of membership privileges for a period of up to 2 weeks.  Such a suspension may result in non-participation in practice and/or attendance at regattas;
  • A third documented offense may entail suspension of all PRC membership privileges for a period not less than one month.  In the case of a member of the Junior Program, a third offense may lead to removal from the team and expulsion from the PRC;
  • A fourth documented offense may be grounds for termination of membership and privileges;
  • A suspension or expulsion will not generate any refund of dues or fees paid or suspension of any amount due;
  • The Director will be the primary agent of discipline.  A member may appeal the Director's decision to the MC.  Decisions of the MC are final.
  • If a Junior athlete is suspended or expelled while at an away event, and is directed to return home, such travel will be at the expense of the athlete or the athlete's parents.

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