Introduction

 In order to achieve a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment, the following Code of Conduct has been established. By attending the Camp, all attendees agree to abide by the conditions and requirements.

 

The Code of Conduct will be enforced by Camp Staff, and it is the responsibility of all attendees to ensure their compliance.

 

Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action.

 

General Principles

 

Respect - Staff and Fencers acknowledge that there will always be differences and similarities in opinion, culture, and experiences. All attendees will commit to treating other participants and staff with due courtesy and respect. A zero tolerance approach to harassment, discrimination, and bullying is employed.

 

Accountability - Staff and Fencers recognise that every attendee shall be accountable and responsible for the actions that they take. We own our decisions.

 

Continual Development - Acknowledging that the work is never done, attendees will strive to constantly improve themselves and build a strong and cohesive sense of community.

 

Teamwork - Staff and Fencers recognise and acknowledge the critical importance of teamwork to the successful delivery of the camp, to the development and improvement of attendees, and to the long-term positive impact good teamwork will have in fostering a supportive community.

 

These underlying general principles form the foundation of the attitude and work ethic that will be promoted at the camp, including in this Code of Conduct.

 

General Behaviour

 

1. Fencers will ensure that they are punctual and attend all scheduled activities on time. Where they are unable to do so, they will inform a member of Camp Staff.

2. Fencers will respect Camp Staff and follow their instructions promptly and accurately. Disrespect, failure to follow reasonable instructions, and defiance will trigger disciplinary action. Where Fencers do not understand the provided instructions, they will politely ask and seek advice to improve performance.

3. The Camp applies the following definition to identify inappropriate language:

“words, which are in nature, profane, vulgar, discriminatory, or otherwise construed as socially offensive or harassing.”

 

Fencers caught using inappropriate language should expect to be reprimanded by staff.

1. Intentional damage to property is forbidden and taken extremely seriously. Staff will assess the damage and set out appropriate next steps.

2. Correct and appropriate attire will be worn by Fencers at all times where instructed to do so. Attire should be kept to a high standard of cleanliness. Fencers caught wearing inappropriate attire will be required to change or excluded from activities where there is a safety risk.

3. Fencers should respect quiet hours and curfews. Fencers should ensure that they are in their accommodation by the designated time and recognise the need to sleep and relax.

4. Phones should only be used when instructed by a member of staff or during down time (subject to restrictions by staff).

5. Social media and other forms of electronic communication will be used positively. Fencers should not post disparaging or inappropriate comments, photos, or videos about other attendees or staff.

6. Fencers, having due regard for the privacy of others, will not upload, share, or distribute personal information, photos, or videos of any other Fencers or staff without their consent.

 

Safety

 

1. Fencers will make use only of properly maintained and approved equipment. Fencers will inspect their gear regularly and alert camp staff to any damage or possible malfunctions.

2. Where an injury or illness is sustained, Fencers should immediately notify Camp Staff. A low threshold for reporting illness or injury should be set to best protect themselves and others.

3. The use, or possession, of alcohol, vapes, tobacco, and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. Prescription medication should be handed over to staff for safekeeping and to ensure that it is administered as required.

4. Fencers will keep to the designated areas set out by staff. Fencers caught entering areas that have been designated as “restricted” or “out of bounds” should expect disciplinary action to be taken. Fencers will recognise that staff can only protect them from harm when they keep to permitted areas.

 

Parental support

 

1. Recognising that the delivery of a successful camp requires a collective effort from Staff, Fencers and parents/guardians alike, parents/guardians acknowledge and agree to support the Code of Conduct and the reasonable actions of staff to enforce its conditions.

2. Parents/guardians acknowledge and agree to share the Code of Conduct with their Fencers, and to stress the importance of compliance prior to and during the course of the camp.

3. Parents/guardians agree to support staff in the course of their duties and in the enforcement of the aforementioned conditions. Parents/guardians, where necessary, will assist staff in explaining to their Fencers why disciplinary action has been taken, and how best they might improve their behaviour in future.

4. Recognising that every individual is unique, parents/guardians agree to provide camp organisers with a comprehensive understanding of any special needs or requirements their Fencer may have. Parents/guardians agree to provide on-going support for the duration of camp where it would be appropriate and in the best interest of their Fencer.

5. Parents/guardians agree and acknowledge the importance of being reachable by phone, and other electronic means, to allow staff to easily communicate important information.

6. With due regard to the time limitations of staff, parents agree and acknowledge to provide staff reasonable time to respond to their requests and communications.

7. With due regard to the intensity of the camp schedule, parents/guardians agree and acknowledge that their Fencer may be directly unreachable during particular hours of the day. During such hours, where a Fencer needs to be reached, parents/guardians are requested to first contact staff who will make necessary arrangements.

 

Disciplinary Action

 

1. In the interest of upholding the Code of Conduct, protecting Fencers and Staff, and delivering a fun and engaging camp, where Fencers violate the conditions set out in this Code of Conduct, staff may make use of the following disciplinary action.

2. It is at the discretion of staff to identify a starting point according to the facts of each incident. Staff are not required to follow the hierarchy of severity and may skip bands where appropriate.

3. The following disciplinary action may be implemented by staff (minor to severe):

   1. Band 1 - Verbal warning. Staff may verbally reprimand Fencers who fail to meet the expectations of this Code of Conduct. Staff may provide advice on how to prevent the same situation arising again.

   2. Band 2 - Temporary exclusion. Staff may temporarily exclude a Fencer from an activity. This may take any appropriate form that Staff judge to be proportionate. E.g. Staff may ask a Fencer to sit out and watch an exercise before re-joining.

   3. Band 3 - Loss of privileges. Staff may prohibit or remove privileges (e.g. use of their phone during downtime) from a Fencer.

   4. Band 4 - Day exclusion - Staff may request a parent/guardian to collect their Fencer when their behaviour has fallen consistently and substantially below expectations and the Code of Conduct. The Fencer may be permitted to return the following day where genuine remorse has been demonstrated by the Fencer, to the satisfaction of the camp organisers.

   5. Band 5 - Course exclusion - Staff may exclude a Fencer from the course for consistent or abject failure to abide by the Code of Conduct and other camp rules. The Fencer will not be permitted to return except under exceptional circumstances subject to the discretion of camp organisers. There is no refund on fees for sessions and days missed as a result of exclusion.