WDSCC And Morgan Park Raceway Code Of Conduct
Warwick District Sporting Car Club Inc
PO Box 16
WARWICK QLD 4370
ABN 57249608423
Ph: 0437 471 433
WDSCC Inc and Morgan Park Raceway Code Of Conduct
for
WDSCC Inc. Club Members
and
All Visitors, Business Service Suppliers and Employees
of
Morgan Park Raceway
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Our behaviour within WDSCC Inc and Morgan Park Raceway can contribute positively to create a social and harmonious environment in which all members can be inspired to participate.
However, when behaviour is inappropriate or dysfunctional it can have serious consequences on the club’s reputation, and on the physical and psychological wellbeing of our members.
The WDSCC Inc (referred to in this document as the “Club”) Code of Conduct (referred to in this document as “the Code”) for Morgan Park Raceway, sets out the behaviour or conduct expected of all members of the Club, whether they are on Warwick District Sporting Car Club Inc grounds or representing Warwick District Sporting Car Club Inc elsewhere, or a member of the general public. All members of the Club have a duty of care to each other and must comply always with the Code.
The Club aims to prevent and minimise behaviour which may adversely affect the harmony of the Club and/or cause harm or injury to others.
Club Members should read this in conjunction with the Warwick District Sporting Car Club Inc. Club Rules (WDSCC Inc Rules) regarding relevant information referred to within this document.
SCOPE
The behaviour of members within WDSCC Inc and all visitors to the Morgan Park Raceway precinct can contribute positively to a social and harmonious environment in which everyone can participate.
However, when a person’s behaviour is inappropriate or dysfunctional it can have serious consequences on the club’s reputation, and on the physical and psychological wellbeing of our members, staff, and others.
The Code of Conduct (the Code) for the WDSCC Inc. (Club) and Morgan Park Raceway (MPR), sets out the approved behaviours or conduct expected of all club members, visitors, business service suppliers and employees on MPR grounds.
Everyone has a duty of care to each other and must always comply with the Code.
The Club aims to prevent behaviours which may adversely affect the harmony of the Club and/or cause harm or injury to others.
This document should be read in conjunction with the current version of the Warwick District Sporting Car Club Inc. Club Rules, regarding relevant references referred to within this document.
PURPOSE
The Code applies to all Club Members and visitors (including contractors and employees) to Morgan Park Raceway and relates to the behaviour of persons towards each other.
The Code articulates the Club’s expectations, particularly those in relation to personal and professional behaviour and provides options for dealing with behaviour or conduct which is considered inappropriate.
PRINCIPLES OF CLUB BEHAVIOUR
People are expected at all times to model professional behaviour and standards of conduct. Everyone should always treat other members, employees, and visitors to MPR in a manner that they would expect to be treated. Behaviour or conduct which is deemed not to be consistent with the Code is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
At all times, members, and visitors to MPR must behave:
- lawfully;
- professionally;
- honestly;
- respectfully;
- equitably;
- responsibly;
- safely;
- ethically;
- fairly;
- impartially; and
- with sensitivity to their
rights and in the interests of the Club.
Members do have the right to voice opinions or feedback; however, this must be done in a professional manner by utilising the appropriate forums. Such forums include, general meetings, via email or letter to the club secretary or through club surveys.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOURS
Unacceptable behaviour is inconsistent with the principals prescribed within the Code. Differing social and cultural standards may mean that behaviour that is acceptable to some may be perceived as unacceptable or unreasonable to others. In determining whether behaviour is unacceptable or unreasonable, consider what a “reasonable person” would judge to be unacceptable or unreasonable having regards to the circumstances.
The below examples provide further guidance on what is deemed unacceptable behaviour that may occur within the confines of MPR or other areas of our daily lives.
Type 1 Breach Examples
A Type 1 breach occurs when a person feels threatened for their own personal safety either physically or mentally by another member or visitor. An example where a person’s actions that are deemed unsafe in nature include (but is not limited to) the following:
Aggressive or abusive behaviour
such as threatening gestures or actual violence or
assault;
Verbal abuse (for example,
yelling, screaming, abusive or offensive
language);
Being under the influence of
illicit drugs or impaired by alcohol;
Unsafe driving practices or
behaviour which may harm a member, volunteer, or
others;
Unwelcome physical contact
including that of a sexual, intimate, or threatening
nature;
Abusive or harassing notes,
emails, telephone calls, text messages;
Ignoring a request or refusing to
leave MPR grounds or club activities when asked to
do so;
Driving a vehicle on the track
outside of permitted timeframes.
Where a Type 1 breach is witnessed by a member of the Management Committee or its delegate, the following penalties may be instantly applied:
- 1st Offence – 3 month
suspension from club activities and banishment from
MPR grounds.
- 2nd Offence – 6 month
suspension from club activities and banishment from
MPR grounds with further review under the club
grievance procedure (review applicable to members
only).
- 3rd Offence – Minimum 12 month
suspension from MPR grounds and recommendation to
the club complaint tribunal for termination of club
membership (termination applicable to members only).
The above penalties may also be applied to any breach of the code where there are sufficient witnesses or evidence to decide an outcome after the fact regarding a Type 1 breach.
Type 2 Breach Examples
An example where a person’s actions may bring the reputation of the club, management committee, employees, or other members into question without proof or evidence of misconduct is deemed a breach of the code. This includes (but is not limited) the following:
- Malicious or mischievous
gossip;
- Vexatious complaint targeted
against other members;
- Belittling opinions or
unreasonable and unconstructive criticism;
- Offensive gestures and
behaviour;
- Stealing or misuse of club
resources
Notification of a Type 2 breach must be made under the club’s grievance procedure. The management committee will consider the recommendation and apply penalties as required.
Where a Type 2 breach is confirmed, the consequences may range from:
- letter of warning from the
Committee;
- the offender to issue an
apology to all concerned parties;
- banishment from the Morgan Park
Raceway complex;
- suspension of WDSCC Inc.
membership (if the offender is a member);
- taking the matter to the
police;
- any action the committee deems
as fair and relevant to the complaint and breach.
USING SOCIAL MEDIA
WDSCC recognises that many members choose to participate in social media of all forms, from time to time. We respect the rights of members to use blogs and other social media tools (Emails, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc.) not only as a form of self- expression, but also sometimes to conduct other activities.
It is important that all members are aware of the implications of engaging in forms of social media and online conversations that reference WDSCC Inc. members.
WDSCC’s expectations of member’s personal behaviour in social media should reflect, always, that of the Code. Club members need to note there is a big difference between speaking on behalf of WDSCC Inc. and speaking about WDSCC Inc.
Have fun but be smart. Approach the social media
world in the same way as we do the physical one – by
sound judgment and after careful consideration of
the ramifications of your intended comments,
including the awareness of the possibility of the
commission of offences under the Statute Laws of the
State of Queensland.
LEGITIMATE MANAGEMENT and ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Legitimate management or administrative action delivered in a reasonable manner is not bullying or another form of inappropriate Club behaviour. Examples of legitimate action include:
- Occasional differences of
opinion or lively constructive debate;
- Constructive timely feedback
which identifies Club issues, problems or management
of unsatisfactory behaviour;
- Enforcing reasonable,
expectations and standards of the Code of
Conduct;
- Refusing requests based on
objective criteria and/or reasonable judgement.
Motor Racing is a dangerous activity where short, sharp responses may occur from time to time, particularly when a person is under stress. A person may receive a response from a volunteer, official or employee of MPR and can sometimes be interpreted as rude and disrespectful but is rarely intentional. Interpretation of someone’s tone or delivery of a message does not necessarily constitute as a breach of the code.
CONTACTS
The Management Committee or Operations Manager may be contacted for confidential information and advice in relation to a concern regarding behaviour or a breach of the Code on 0437 471 433.
** An alleged Type 2 breach of the Code by a member is to be reported in writing to: WDSCC Inc. Secretary
Email: secretary@wdscc.com.au
Every complaint that is referred to the WDSCC Inc. Complaints Tribunal will be handled in a lawful, professional, honest, ethical manner and determined in an impartial and equitable manner, considering the principles of procedural fairness.
DEFINITIONS
| Word | Meaning |
| malicious | intending or intended to do harm |
| mischievous | causing or intended to cause harm or trouble |
| gossip | casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details, which are not confirmed as true |
| complaint | a statement that something is unsatisfactory or unacceptable |
| abusive | extremely offensive and insulting |
| harassing | subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation |
| belittling | dismiss, someone or something, as unimportant |
Version: 2023.7.1(1)