Our Code of Conduct

Trail running is a sport that should be enjoyed by all of those who participate. At Trail Criú we want members/runners from all nationalities, backgrounds and abilities to feel welcome and to feel that they are in a safe environment. 

Trail Criú wants each participant to feel a part of the club. Above all, it is important that members experience an enjoyable time during their membership/participation.

This Code of Conduct (the Code) was laid down to assist the Management Committee, Leaders and Volunteers at Trail Criú to provide a safe, encouraging and enjoyable atmosphere to Trail Criú participants.

Trail Criú Rules Regarding Behaviour

  • Every person will respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person in Trail Criú.

  • No person will bully or continually harass, either physically or verbally, another person. 

  • Continuous disruption or non-compliance with the directions of the leaders/volunteers will not be accepted.

  • Physical assault or the threat of physical assault towards any person will not be accepted and may lead to immediate dismissal.

  • No person shall discriminate against another person for any reason.

  • No person shall take or interfere with another person’s property or that of Trail Criú, their partners or supporters.

  • Participants are advised not to leave an organised run/event at any time during training without the expressly discussing with a leader/volunteer.

Every person will comply with Trail Criú policies and procedures.

Code of Conduct for Leaders, and Volunteers

All leaders and volunteers should:

  • Always consider the personal privacy, wellbeing, inclusion, and safety of participants.

  • Always refrain from asking personal questions that may make participants uncomfortable.

  • Always ensure that every participant's feedback, concerns and/or opinions are heard and reported to the appropriate person.

  • Always report any concerns relating to the safety, welfare and inclusion of participants to the Designated Liaison Person.

  • Ensure that the environment created is a safe one so that every participant feels a sense of belonging.

  • Ensure that all events are equitable for all participants by providing appropriate support and adjusting routes as necessary. 

  • Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.

  • Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and the experience of those taking part.

  • Promote the positive aspects of trail running and hiking (e.g. fitness, community, etc.)

  • Display consistently high standards of behaviour.

  • Follow all guidelines laid down by Trail Criú and/or other appropriate bodies.

  • Hold appropriate qualifications, first aid training and cultural awareness training. 

  • Never exert undue influence over participants to gain personal benefit or reward.

  • Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.

  • Always encourage participants to value their participation and not just competitive or performance-based behaviour.

  • Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own participation and behaviour.

  • Never use foul or inappropriate language.

  • Never engage in any form of sexual relations with Trail Criú participants.

  • Read, understand and put into practice all Trail Criú policies and procedures.

  • Leaders and volunteers should never place themselves in a compromising position by communicating with Trail Criú Participants outside of agreed communication methods.

Any breach of behaviour will be subject to such sanction as may apply at the discretion of the Committee subject only to a right of appeal as provided for in the Trail Criú Constitution.

Appropriate behaviour is expected of all participants at all times.

The types of behaviour that are strictly forbidden at any time while an person is participating in Trail Criú are as follows:

  • Bullying and aggressive behaviour

and unpredictable behaviour.

  • Physical and mental abuse

  • Use of foul or inappropriate language

  • Stealing & vandalism 

  • Alcohol consumption, smoking or substance abuse

Any behaviour deemed by the Committee to be prejudicial to the reputation or interests of Trail Criú will be subject to such sanctions as may apply at the discretion of the Committee subject only to a right of appeal as provided for in the Trail Criú Constitution.

Training & Outings:

Normal running times are on Tuesdays and at the designated times fixed by the Leaders.

Other running/hiking sessions, series or participation in events are organised from time to time depending on the requirements and interest of the participants.

Trail or appropriate running shoes must be worn at all times. A jacket/coat, hat and gloves must also be worn or carried as appropriate.

Security and Safety:

An objective of Trail Criú is to provide an environment where members can feel safe to participate in organised runs/hikes but also to progress their fitness and befriend others. The instructions issued by leaders/volunteers are issued with the participants’ safety and welfare in mind. Accordingly participants should complete instructions as advised by leaders/volunteers so as not to put their own health and welfare at risk.

Bullying Policy:

Bullying can be defined as repeated aggression or annoyance, be it verbal, physical or psychological or online conducted by an individual/s against another or others. It is intentionally aggravating and intimidating – which includes teasing, taunting, threatening, derogatory online posts, hitting or extortion.

Bullying of any description will not be tolerated. Any participant/leader/volunteer should feel free to file a complaint if bullying should come to their attention.

Bullying is an issue which invokes Trail Criú disciplinary procedure.

A participant/leader/volunteer deemed by the Disciplinary Sub-Committee to be bullying others will be subject to such sanctions as may apply at the discretion of the Committee subject only to a right of appeal as provided for in the Trail Criú Constitution.

Cessation of participation/leadership/volunteering:

A participant/leader/volunteer may resign from membership at any time by notice to that effect given to the Secretary. 

Any person shall on ceasing to be a member of Trail Criú, forfeits all rights to and claims upon Trail Criú, its property and funds.

Miscellaneous:

Trail Criú accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to members' personal belongings.

All equipment and facilities provided by Trail Criú or any event organised by the Trail Criú must be respected at all times.

Transport to and from runs and events will be provided or organised, where possible, by Trail Criú or appropriate associates of Trail Criú. Where transport is arranged by Trail Criú, participants should use this transport.

All normal run sessions are free to Trail Criú participants. Where extra training or events take place at venues outside normal run sessions Trail Criú will advocate for free entry for Trail Criú members or cover the costs if free entry isn't provided. 

Trail Criú leaders and volunteers are expected to attend the Trail Criù annual general meeting (AGM). Trail Criú participants are welcome to attend and contribute to the AGM where possible. Due notice of AGM will be given in advance.

Disclaimers:

It is the responsibility of each member to mind their own belongings. Trail Criú accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to the belongings of members.

While Trail Criú will treat any breach of the Code of Conduct as a serious matter, Trail Criú is not responsible and accepts no liability for the actions of individual members.

Trail Criú accepts no liability for any injuries suffered by members while participating in Trail Criú activities or while carrying out duties in connection with membership of Trail Criú.