Code of Conduct

The General Code of Conduct applies to all individuals attending our events, which includes members of Mountaineering Scotland, staff, athletes, participants, instructors, coaches, officials, judges, administrators, route setters, parents/guardians, spectators, and volunteers.

• Respect the natural outdoor environment and minimise the environmental impact of their activities.
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. mental and physical health benefits, risk management and fair play.
• Encourage participants to enjoy and value their performance and not just the outcome).
• Be a positive role model for the activity you are volunteering or participating in.
• Respect the rights, dignities and worth of everyone.
• Encourage two-way communication with all, fostering a pleasant, respectful and friendly atmosphere.
• Take care of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions or omissions whilst volunteering or participating in our events/programmes.
• Do not use illegal drugs at our events within and only smoke/vape or consume alcohol if old enough to legally do so and in designated areas.
• Ensure appropriate use of social media/digital communication in line the Mountaineering Scotland policy/guidelines.
• Ensure all policies, guidelines and best practice laid down by Mountaineering Scotland are followed.
• Always report concerns you have about safeguarding, bullying, harassment and discrimination or breach of any applicable policy.
• Work together collaboratively to deliver our strategic aims and, in doing so, benefit the wider public.
• Respect the need for confidentiality whenever you have access to privileged information, including, but not limited to, Committee papers and matters of a personal nature.
• Promote, maintain and uphold the reputation of the Mountaineering Scotland and mountaineering at all times. If you disagree with the opinion or decision of the Mountaineering Scotland or person e.g. a competition judge, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question their judgement and honesty in public.
• Cooperate fully with the Mountaineering Scotland and other relevant authorities when requested to provide any evidence or other information and make a written statement in connection with any investigation by the Mountaineering Scotland or
  other authority.

In addition to the Mountaineering Scotland’s General Code of Conduct, these additional standards of conduct are expected to be met by any young athletes and climbers (under 18) attending any of our events.

• Participate within the rules and respect, coaches, officials, judges and their decisions.
• Always perform to the best of your ability.
• Always promote fair play.
• Listen and respond respectfully to your coach.
• Respect all other athletes/climbers.
• Never condone rule violation or use of prohibited substances.
• Be honest with your coach concerning illness, injury and your ability to train and compete fully.
• Never bet on the outcome of a competition you are in any way involved with.
• Never instruct, encourage or facilitate any other party to bet on a competition you are involved with.
• Never give or receive any gift, payment or other benefit that might reasonably be expected to influence either your, or the recipient’s, judgement or performance or otherwise bring the Mountaineering Scotland or ClimbScotland into disrepute.
• Never share sensitive information you have access to that is not available to the public.
• Always inform a Mountaineering Scotland or ClimbScotland representative if you are approached or hear anything suspicious about fixing any part of a competition

In addition to the Mountaineering Scotland’s General Code of Conduct, the additional standards of conduct are expected to be met by all adult athletes/climbers attending any of our events.

• Participate within the rules and respect, coaches, officials, judges and their decisions.
• Always perform to the best of their ability.
• Always promote fair play.
• Listen and respond positively/respectfully to my coach.
• Respect all other participants.
• Never condone rule violation or use of prohibited substances.
• Be honest with your coach concerning illness, injury and your ability to train and compete fully.
• Always be on time.
• Never bet on the outcome of a competition you are in any way involved with.
• Never instruct, encourage or facilitate any other party to bet on a competition you are involved with.
• Never give or receive any gift, payment or other benefit that might reasonably be expected to bring the Mountaineering Scotland or ClimbScotland into disrepute.
• Never share sensitive information you have access to that is not available to the public.
• Always inform a Mountaineering Scotland or ClimbScotland representative if you are approached or hear anything suspicious about fixing any part of a competition.

In addition to the Mountaineering Scotland’s General Code of Conduct, these additional standards of conduct are expected to be met by any parents/carers at any of or our events.

• Encourage your child/children to learn the rules and participate within them.
• Set a good example, applaud effort and performance of all results as well as success.
• Publicly accept officials’ judgements.
• Never force your child to take part in the sport.
• Help your child to recognise good performance not just results.
• Share any concerns/complaints about any aspect of the sport through the appropriate channels.
• Never punish or belittle a child for poor performance.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
• Always collect your child promptly at the end of sessions.
• Keep the organisation/club/wall updated with relevant and essential information.
• Ensure your child/children wear appropriate clothing.
• Be honest with your child/children’s coach concerning illness, injury and your ability to train and compete fully.
• Listen and respond respectfully to my child/children’s coach.

In addition to the Mountaineering Scotland’s General Code of Conduct, the additional standards of conduct are expected to be met by any officials working (either in a paid or voluntary capacity) at any of our events.

• Always consider the wellbeing and safety of participants as paramount.
• Follow the advice or guidance given by a physician (or other medically qualified specialist) in determining whether an injured or ill (including mentally ill) athlete/climber is ready to participate in competition.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants based on mutual trust and respect.
• Hold appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover.
• Ensure all activities are planned, risk assessed and that participants are suitably prepared mentally and physically.
• Never victimise, attempt to victimise or encourage the victimisation of any individual (or their parents, guardians or dependents) for raising concerns or making a complaint.
• If they hold a PVG or home countries equivalent inform the Mountaineering Scotland if they are arrested for or charged with a criminal offence.
• Where a PVG is required, (roles regarded as regulated work) hold an up-to-date PVG or home country equivalent – you must inform the Mountaineering Scotland if you have been arrested for, or charged with a criminal offence, or have any criminal conviction, caution or warning issued by the police that is not noted on the PVG.
• Never discuss the performance of an athlete in a derogatory/insulting manner during a competition within the earshot of any coach, athlete or member of the public.
• Never seek to poach or otherwise unfairly or unethically acquire an athlete into any group or club that you may be involved in.
• Never assume responsibility for any role for which you are not qualified, prepared for, or that is beyond the scope of your expertise.
• Ensure compliance to any rules or regulations relating to the practice of the sport or activity, for example (but not limited to) the rules and regulations of the Mountaineering Scotland, International Federation of Sports Climbers (IFSC), or International
  Olympic Committee (IOC).
• Never bet on the outcome of a competition you are in any way involved with.
• Never instruct, encourage, or facilitate any other party, to bet on a competition that you are involved with.
• Never give or receive any gift, payment or other benefit that might reasonably be expected to influence either your, or the recipient’s, judgment or otherwise bring the Mountaineering Scotland or ClimbScotland into disrepute.
• Never share sensitive information you have access to that is not available to the public.
• Always inform a Mountaineering Scotland or ClimbScotland representative if you are approached or hear anything suspicious about fixing any part of a competition.

In addition to the Mountaineering Scotland’s General Code of Conduct, these additional standards of conduct are expected to be met by all spectators attending any of our events.

• Set a good example, applaud good performance and efforts as well as success.
• Respect and publicly accept officials’ judgements.
• Never belittle a participant, judge or official for making mistakes or poor performance.
• Follow the photography guidance at the event/activity.