Code Of Conduct

Child Protection Statement                                                                                                                                      

As an organisation dedicated to children, teenagers, young and older adults, it is critical that at all times, personal and online behavior demonstrate respect for the dignity of each person. In keeping with the Child Protection Act 1999[1] current at 1 January 2014, the Rookies Band Gold Coast (hereinafter referred to as Rookies Band) Policy asserts that the welfare and best interests of children are paramount and that all members have a right to protection from harm.

Policy on Rookies Band Gold Coast Reputation                                                                                                 

The Rookies Band has a policy on private and out of band activities, where these activities reflect on the bands’ reputation. Any private activity of our members that detracts or calls into question the bands’ ethos or values which form the foundation of the Rookies Band will attract a swift and clear response from the Members Administration Council. This response may include disciplinary action such as verbal or written reprimand, caution, warning, suspension, or refusal of entry to Rookies Band rehearsals or termination of membership.  This includes any web-based or online activity. It includes the misuse of mobile phones and other similar devices or services. It may be read to include other activities not explicitly mentioned in this policy, but which could reasonably fall within its scope.  This policy applies even if the activity is out of Rookies Band hours, off Rookies Band rehearsal venues, on weekends or in holidays and particularly if it occurs immediately following or preceding a Rookies Band rehearsal, organised event or performance.

Conduct                                                                                                                                                                    

The Rookies Band is committed to encouraging a safe, supportive, welcoming, respectful and productive environment for all. To this end, the Rookies Band and its’ members must uphold the following (except where specifically approved by the committee):

  • behave honestly and with integrity in the course of all Rookies Band activities
  • act with care and diligence in the course of all Rookies Band activities
  • treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and without harassment
  • do not disrupt rehearsal or be disrespectful to the conductor
  • no Rookies Band member is to disclose (or must take reasonable steps to avoid) any conflict of interest, real or apparent
  • not make improper use of inside information or use of duties, status, power or authority, in order to gain, or seek to gain, a benefit or advantage for the individual or any other individual
  • at all times behave in a way that upholds the Rookies Band values and the integrity and good reputation of the Rookies Band
  • parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for the conduct of minors.

Providing a safe and welcoming environment can only occur when everyone cooperates and agrees to reasonable, expectable and suitable standards of conduct.  The following are acts, which the Rookies Band considers unacceptable.  Any Rookies Band member found engaging in these acts will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include verbal or written reprimand, caution, and warning, and suspension, refusal of entry to Rookies Band rehearsals and or termination of membership:

  • wilfully damaging, destroying or stealing property belonging to fellow members or the Rookies Band
  • using any Rookies Band property for personal gain without permission of the Rookies Band
  • deliberately and publicly damaging the reputation and or credibility of the Rookies Band, its’ members and or its’ affiliates
  • engaging in disorderly conduct
  • refusing to follow or failing to carry out reasonable instructions
  • using threatening or abusive language towards a fellow Rookies Band member
  • using obscene language
  • bullying or intimidation of any kind including verbal, physical or cyber
  • smoking, contrary to established policy or violating any fire protection regulation
  • not taking proper care of, neglecting or abusing Rookies Band rehearsal venue
  • using Rookies Band property or equipment in an unauthorised manner
  • possessing firearms or weapons of any kind during Rookies Band rehearsals or performances
  • engaging in any commercial activity at any Rookies Band rehearsals or performances without approval
  • accessing the Rookies Band database or records for any purpose without approval

Social Media                                                                                                                                                 

Rookies Band recognises the importance of social media as a powerful communication tool and recognises that participation in online communities is a basic individual right. Social Networking Sites (SNS) as defined in this policy includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and LinkedIn. It also includes instant messaging (SMS), geospatial tagging capable sites such as Instagram and video or photo-sharing websites such as YouTube. Rookies Band recognises that members may participate in social media in their personal time and respects that what its members do in their personal time is their own affair. However, if during their participation in social media activity, a Rookies Band member references their association with the Rookies Band, or makes comments or includes content about the Rookies Band, or any affiliated person or any of their affairs, they are required to adhere to the Rookies Band Code of Conduct. In support of the Code of Conduct, the purpose of this social media policy is to provide direction on the acceptable use of social media as defined by the Rookies Band policy.  It differentiates between online community sites and personal SNS sites and focuses on the latter.

Principles                                                                                                                                                                    

The principles of this policy are:   

  • applies to all Rookies Band members when identifying themselves on SNS as having an association with the Rookies Band or its’ affiliates, or that association is apparent
  •  conductors will not have or establish direct one-to-one relationships with any currently enrolled performing member through SMS.
  • members over the age of 18-years are accountable under law for their actions with members under age 18-years on SNS.
  • when using Social Media and SNS, all members are to exercise sound judgement and common sense and must consider what they are saying, particularly when the information is relevant to their involvement in the Rookies Band or identifies their association with the Rookies Band. Where the information is relevant to their involvement with the Rookies Band, all members must adhere to the Rookies Band Code of Conduct.

Compliance    

Where members do not apply this policy, members may be held responsible for online conduct where conduct harms or has the potential to harm the reputation or interests of the Rookies Band and its members or its affiliates.  Rookies Band appreciates that when members participate in online communities, they may witness a suspected breach of this policy or negative, disparaging or inaccurate content about the Rookies Band member or its affiliates.  These matters are to be brought to the attention of the Rookies Band Members Administration Council immediately via email enquiry. Rookies Band or its affiliates or delegates may audit its networks and systems and review social media platforms periodically to monitor compliance with this policy. 

Rookies Band membership stipulates that members should recognise the potential for damage to be caused (either directly or indirectly) to the Rookies Band and possibly other client groups in certain circumstances, through personal use of social media, particularly where that person can be identified as a Rookies Band member. Therefore, it is critical that users of social media be aware of the risks and ensure that any risk of damage or detriment is minimised. Individuals are responsible for the content published on personal social media platforms and should operate within heightened privacy and security settings.

Therefore, the Rookies Band Members Administration Council, Conductors, Group Volunteers/Administrators, Tutors and Members should not:

  • post material that is, or might be construed as, threatening, harassing, bullying, discriminatory or disparaging towards another member of the Rookies Band
  • post material that is fraudulent, embarrassing, sexually explicit, profane, obscene, racist, sexist, intimidating, defamatory or otherwise inappropriate or unlawful
  • imply that the member is authorised to speak on behalf of the Rookies Band, or give the impression that their views are those of the Rookies Band
  • use or disclose any confidential information or personal information obtained in their capacity as a member of the Rookies Band.

Consequence of Breach                                                                                                                                             Any breach of policies will result in prompt administrative action. Any Rookies Band member found engaging in these acts will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include verbal or written reprimand, caution, and warning, and suspension, refusal of entry to Rookies Band rehearsals and or termination of membership and or services. Rookies Band members may also be personally liable for offences under Commonwealth and, or State and Territory legislation.

Indigenous Acknowledgement The Rookies Band Gold Coast respectfully acknowledges the Yugambeh People, the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and pays their respect to their elders past and present, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Mudgeeraba community.

 E:  [email protected]      W:  therookiesband.com.au

Rookies Band Gold Coast Incorporated (IA59524) 

Version – Final June 14, 2020