Middlesbrough Golf Club is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination, harassment and intimidation for Members, Employees and Visitors. 

This Code of Conduct is to promote and enhance our Club’s values. It is applicable to all Members, Employees and Visitors who are expected to exhibit an acceptable standard of behaviour at all times, on the Course and within the Clubhouse. 

Standards of Behaviour : 

All persons covered by this Code shall conduct themselves in a manner that:

• Observes the Rules of Golf as determined by the R & A both on and off the course. 
• Show the utmost respect to fellow members, employees and Visitors. 
• Does not denigrate the Club or in any way is capable of damaging or undermining the reputation of the Club, whether in person or via any third party or other means or action, through the media, or through any form of social media or other verbal or written communication or action. 
• Ensures that all interactions between those covered by this Code are respectful, constructive, and non-confrontational. 

Under this Code the following will not be tolerated by any person covered by the Code and will be treated as misconduct :

• Any breach of the Club’s Rules or Bye-laws 
• Any breach of the Club’s published policies relating to: 
  • Safeguarding & Child Protection
  • Equal Opportunities
  • Social Media
  • Dress Code
• Any deliberate breach of the Rules of Golf, handicap infringements, disqualifications and any breaches of the rules of a club tournament 
• Any conduct which is detrimental to the interest of the club, its members, employees and Visitors, including: 
  • Any form of sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual misconduct 
  • Any physical or verbal abuse 
  • Any bullying harassment or vilification 
  • Any discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity or disability. 
• Damage to, or defacement of the Club’s property, or the property of other members, caused intentionally, or recklessly, or the misappropriation or misuse of such property 
• Violent, indecent, offensive, intimidating or disorderly behaviour or language whilst on the Club’s premises, or whilst representing the Club. 
• Any behaviour designed to distract or improperly interfere with the functions, duties, or activities of any fellow member, employee, or Visitor 
• Smoking or the use of e-cigarettes within any of the Club buildings or designated no smoking areas 
• Any other behaviour or conduct which the Board reasonably deem to be inconsistent with the Club’s core values or detrimental to the interest of the Club or its members. 
• The taking or possession of any illegal substances on Club premises. 
• Inconsiderate mobile phone use. 

Interpretation 

Unacceptable conduct pursuant to paragraph 1 and 2 of the Standards of Behaviour imposed by this Code may be deliberate or unintended. The test that will be applied in deciding whether behaviour has breached the standard imposed by the Code is whether a reasonable person knows, or ought to know, that such behaviour would be considered unacceptable or inappropriate. 

The Code is to be read & construed in conjunction with the Rules and Bye Laws of the Club as amended from time to time, and in the event of any ambiguity, the Rules and Bye laws of the Club will take precedence. 

Reporting 

All members, employees and third parties are encouraged to report any poor behaviour or misconduct to the Management Committee. 

The Club also has a positive duty to prevent employees and members from any form of sexual harassment. All members, employees and third party visitors have a duty to report being subject to any such behavior or witnessing such behaviors to the Management Committee. Such matters will be treated seriously. The club will not tolerate such behaviour from anyone. 

Employees are referred to the sexual harassment policy in the Employee Handbook. 

Consequences 

Any breach of this Code of Conduct shall be dealt with in accordance with the Club’s disciplinary procedure