UBCGC CODE OF CONDUCT

Members, Guests and Visitors – Code of Conduct

Upton-by-Chester Golf Club (UBCGC) deems that upon payment of membership or green fees, all members, guests, and visitors have given their consent to be bound by both the restrictions and penalties imposed by this code of conduct. Members shall be liable for any breach committed whether by themselves or their guests.

The intention of this code of conduct is to establish clear and acceptable behaviour expectations for UBCGC members, guests, and visitors. It is not intended to restrict the rights of anyone but rather to ensure that all members, guests, and visitors can expect to be treated with respect while enjoying both the golf course and Clubhouse.

This Code of Conduct is not intended to create a bureaucratic, regulatory environment but rather to promote and enhance our Club’s values that long-standing Club Members are expected to set a positive example to the younger members of the Club.

Responsibilities

UBCGC is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination, harassment and intimidation for members, employees, and guests. All members must respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs, or sexual identity. Bullying of any sort is totally unacceptable.

Unacceptable behaviour towards a member of staff will not be tolerated, and disciplinary procedures will be considered in all cases. In no case shall a servant of UBCGC be reprimanded directly by a member, nor shall any member be entitled to enter discussions with a member of staff on any instructions passed to them by the Board of Directors.

Misuse of the Club’s IT systems is regarded as serious misconduct. When using social media in connection with the Club, its officials, or members, do so in a manner which could not be deemed offensive. You are asked to consider the impact of publicly expressing negative issues relating to the Club, its officials, or members on social media. Any such issues should be raised in line with the process outlined in this code of conduct for dealing with complaints and protests.

All members, visitors, contractors and guests are reminded that an acceptable standard of behaviour must be always maintained, both on the Course, within the Clubhouse, or when visiting or playing at other Clubs and on the property in general.

The behaviour of a Member’s guest will be the responsibility of the member. The member shall be tasked with enlightening their guest as to this code of conduct.

The Disciplinary committee will have unfettered discretion as to what constitutes unacceptable behaviour

1. On the Course

All golfers must:

Show respect and consideration to fellow golfers and green staff. There will be no tolerance towards golfers who act in a threatening, abusive or discriminatory manner. Any action viewed as serious by the Club may be taken forward without an official complaint if deemed appropriate by the Disciplinary Committee

Avoid slow play, apply “Ready Golf “principles and allow other golfers to play through as appropriate, waving the following group through when searching for lost balls and maintaining the speed of play by keeping up with the group in front. If a hole is lost to the group in front, it is mandatory that the group behind is allowed to play through.

Adhere to the dress code and R&A and local rules of the course. Golf, like all sports, is affected by changes in society and fashion. Therefore, a golfer may wear any form of clothing that is deemed suitable for an R&A or USGA sanctioned event, or that can be regularly purchased in a specialist golf shop.

Demonstrate fair play on and off the golf course.

All golfers must follow established golf etiquette respecting the course such as:

Repairing pitch marks, replacing divots, raking bunkers, not leaving litter on the course,

Not deliberately damaging the playing surface etc.

Showing the necessary respect to fellow golfers, no misuse of equipment (i.e. throwing Clubs in frustration) no shouting, no aggressive behaviour, or the taking of performance enhancing or social drugs

Always conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike manner and not knowingly cheat, disrespect employees, officials or fellow players

Mobile phones must be switched to silent on the golf course. In an age of constant digital communication, society has become reliant on the use of mobile technology. However, the Club does not regard the constant use and frequent checking of mobile devices as being essential during a round of golf. The handing of mobile devices should be limited to emergencies only. However, it is acceptable for a mobile phone to be used on the course to access Distance Measuring applications or scoring

Loud, persistent bad language is not acceptable. Members should be aware that we have many houses and gardens that border our course, and we have a duty to be respectful of our neighbours

Practicing on the course is always prohibited and should only be carried out in designated areas or for the needs of the Professional for coaching

Trolleys and bags should not encroach or be left on fringes and greens and should be placed intelligently to access the next tee as quickly as possible so that an adequate pace of play is maintained

Abuse of the computerised tee time booking system is prohibited. A failure to comply with Club protocols will result in a tee time being cancelled

No golfer may play the course without a reserved tee time.

The use of headphones or ear buds on the course is not permitted

Animals may not be brought onto the course

Members must be insured against third party liability when playing golf

2  In the Clubhouse

Members, guests, contractors and visitors are reminded that:

Any form of discrimination, harassment or intimidation is regarded as unacceptable behaviour towards any member, contractor or employee. As such this will be viewed very seriously by the Club and may be taken forward without an official complaint if deemed appropriate by the general manager or disciplinary committee.

Consumption of excessive quantities of alcohol resulting in poor or rowdy behaviour is not permitted. Please do not be offended if service is refused by bar staff

The use of foul or abusive language such as swearing has no place on Club premises and any member heard using such language will be asked to desist or asked to leave the premises. Whilst fully acknowledging that adult “banter” contributes to creating a healthy atmosphere amongst members, these rules are designed to safeguard others who find such banter offensive or intimidating.

Members should bear in mind that juniors are often present in the Club house and should not be exposed to foul language. Where someone is noticed to be consistently using bad language after being warned then their continued membership will be reviewed accordingly

Smoking or the use of e-cigarettes or vapes is not permitted anywhere within the buildings (including the upstairs balcony and ground floor patio area) or in outside social environments. There is a designated smoking area outside clearly marked at the rear side of the building by the bicycle racks

The taking of illegal substances is prohibited and will result in loss of membership

Members should be considerate towards others when using their mobile phones within the Clubhouse. Their use should be limited. Members in the near vicinity should not be burdened with having to listen to loud mobile phone conversations. Repeated users causing offence shall be asked to desist or to remove themselves to a place where they cannot be heard

Dress code. UBCGC would like to always promote a good standard of either golf or smart casual dress attire though out the Clubhouse. clothing should not be scruffy or torn. Non-offensive, non-collared tee shirts can be worn within the Clubhouse. Shirts can be worn outside of trousers, skirts, shorts etc if they are designed to do so and look presentable.

Items which remain prohibited within the Clubhouse include:

Beachwear, including flip flops
Sportswear other than for golf e.g. rugby or football shirts (or similar)
Tracksuits

Animals, other than guide dogs, may not be brought into any part of the Club house except for residential accommodation provided within the Clubhouse

Under 18s in the Clubhouse;
Members must not supply alcohol to under 18s, members doing  so will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee

3.    Behaviour That Brings The Club Into Disrepute

Members, visitors, contractors and guests shall avoid all behaviour that brings UBCGC into disrepute. This will include but shall not be limited to the following:

Any action by a member that is deemed to have diminished the Club’s reputation and standing withing golf and society in general

Any action that has a negative financial impact on the Club

A conviction that is classed as having an impact on the Club’s reputation. This will include, but not limited to, such cases of theft, fraud, perjury, public order and sexual offences

Malicious and vexatious claims against the Club, which have no basis and are seen to be bringing the Club into disrepute.

The posting of social media, the content of which will damage the Club or bring it into disrepute. This includes subjecting the Club, the membership, an individual member of a section of the Club to content which has no basis or may be deemed as false, discriminatory or defamatory in any way

Disciplinary Committee

UBCGC has a Disciplinary Committee to oversee the complaints procedure and to initiate the disciplinary process.

The Committee will be made up of the President, a Board Director, one past Captain and one past Lady Captain to be nominated at the time the Committee is convened.

Complaints and Protests

It is in the best interest of the game and the Club that breaches of the Code of Conduct are reported and all players, members, employees, contractors and members of the public are encouraged and have a duty to report such behaviour.

All Complaints and grievances should be submitted in writing to The Club Business Manager using the guidance provided under Complaints Procedure on the Club internet. Complaints may be made by any person including a competitor, member, visiting guests, other associated golf Club members, and members of the public.

The Club Disciplinary Regulations can also be located on the Club internet.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS