Our Commitment

Bristol Surf Club is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment where everyone can enjoy surfing. This Code of Conduct applies to all members, volunteers, committee members and anyone representing the club.

 

Respect and Representation

• Whether in the water, on a club trip or representing Bristol Surf Club, we ask all members to:

• Treat everyone with kindness, respect and courtesy.

• Help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

• Not tolerate discrimination, bullying, harassment or abusive behaviour.

• Respect personal boundaries, local communities, fellow surfers and venue staff.

• Respect the rules of venues and events.

• Act with honesty, integrity and good sportsmanship.

• Avoid behaviour that could bring the club or Surfing England into disrepute.

 

Online

In Bristol Surf Club, we are fortunate to have a large, thriving online community. Within our social groups (WhatsApp and Facebook), we have members from all walks of life and all over the globe. We expect all of our members to:
Be respectful and inclusive. Treat others with courtesy, even when you disagree. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, personal attacks or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Think before you post. Do not share content that is offensive, threatening, sexually inappropriate, discriminatory or deliberately provocative.
Respect people's boundaries and privacy. Membership of a club group does not imply consent to unwanted private messages or attention. Do not share another member's personal information, messages, photos or contact details without permission.
Keep disagreements constructive. Avoid public arguments, personal disputes or encouraging others to target an individual. Where possible, concerns or problems should be raised privately with a Committee member in the first instance, rather than shared or debated in public club groups.
Keep posts appropriate and relevant. Use the right channels, avoid spam or excessive posting, and seek permission before using club groups for commercial promotion, fundraising or advertising.

Follow the guidance of admins and the Committee. Admins may remove inappropriate content or close discussions where necessary to keep our online spaces welcoming and useful.

 

Safety

Members are responsible for:
Surfing within their own ability.
Looking after their own safety and considering the safety of others.
Following reasonable guidance from trip/event organisers and committee members.
Reporting any safety or safeguarding concerns to the club safeguarding lead (see safeguarding page here).

 

Safeguarding

Bristol Surf Club is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. Parents and guardians remain responsible for children attending club activities. 
Members, volunteers and committee members must follow the club's Safeguarding Policy and report any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a committee member (see safeguarding page here for our policy and safeguarding team).

 

Alcohol and Drugs

Members are expected to behave responsibly at club activities.
Illegal drugs are not permitted at club events. Members whose behaviour is affected by alcohol or drugs and puts themselves or others at risk may be asked to leave and are subject to disciplinary action.

 

Respect Our Environment

As surfers, we all have a responsibility to care for the places we enjoy.
We ask that members:
Respect the beaches, oceans and places we visit.
Leave campsites, accommodation and surf spots clean and tidy.
Dispose of litter responsibly and help minimise our environmental impact.

 

Privacy

Members should respect the privacy of others. Committee members and volunteers will handle personal information responsibly and in accordance with UK data protection legislation.

 

Raise Concerns

If you experience or witness behaviour that does not meet this Code of Conduct, please speak directly to a committee member. Concerns will be taken seriously and handled fairly and appropriately.
Safeguarding concerns should be reported immediately in accordance with the club's Safeguarding Policy.

 

Breaches of this Code

Any breach of this Code may result in action by the committee in accordance with the Club Constitution. This may include removal from an event, removal from social channels such as WhatsApp and Facebook, suspension or termination of membership where appropriate.
Together we create the culture of Bristol Surf Club. By treating others with respect, prioritising safety and respecting the places we surf, we can ensure the club remains welcoming for everyone.

 

Approved by: Bristol Surf Club Committee
Policy owner: Bristol Surf Club Committee
Safeguarding responsibility delegated to: Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Version: 1.0
Reviewed 16 Aug 2026 (updated annually at AGM)